Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Vang Vieng can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Vang Vieng?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Vang Vieng is $19. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zanzibar and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Vang Vieng? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Vang Vieng $3.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
- The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $99
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $99
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $99
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Matemwe: $89
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Jambiani: $89
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kendwa: $89
- Private Transfer from Kiwengwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
- Private Transfer from Michamvi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared transfer from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang city: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Zanzibar change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayZanzibar $30Vang Vieng $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Vang Vieng $4.76
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dolphin tour,See food lunch ,Aquarium ,Nunqwi beach,Sunset cruse: $145
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Mnemba Island, Nungwi Village & Sea Turtle Experience: $160
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
- Stone Town Historical tour: $26
- Stone town historical walking tour with Mohamed: $30
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $25
- 3h-Zanzibar Archipelago Shared ATV Experience: $79
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
- Vangrong Full Day Tour: $45
- Vang Vieng Shared Tour with Kayaking in Nam Song River: $48
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Vang Vieng $1.11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Vang Vieng, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa and Vang Vieng is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar than you might in Vang Vieng.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Vang Vieng?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Vang Vieng, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar or Vang Vieng?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Vang Vieng. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vang Vieng. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Vang Vieng. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Vang Vieng. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
In January, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.