Is Vang Vieng expensive to visit?
Vang Vieng is a small yet inviting destination that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Vang Vieng to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $8 (₭162,251) per day, mid-range travelers spend $19 (₭404,138) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $46 (₭984,354) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Vang Vieng.
Within Asia, Vang Vieng is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Vang Vieng.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Vang Vieng Expensive?
Vang Vieng, Laos
How much money do I need for a trip to Vang Vieng?
The average Vang Vieng trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Vang Vieng travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Vang Vieng cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Vang Vieng on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $8 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Vang Vieng offers plenty of hostels, including Vang Vieng Rock Backpackers Rooftop Hostel, Vang Vieng Chill House, and Vang Vieng Freedom View Hostel. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Tourists visiting Vang Vieng generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $19 per person, per day.
In Vang Vieng, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Vieng Tara Villa is a fantastic option for families, and Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Vang Vieng here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $46. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a premium budget.
Accommodation Budget in Vang Vieng
The range of hotel prices in Vang Vieng can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $32, but during peak season the average price can reach $60. From $14 for budget hotels to $118 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Vang Vieng for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $8.51 (₭184,074). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $4.26 (₭92,037) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Vang Vieng include:
- Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng starting at $52
- Vieng Tara Villa starting at $60
- Inthira Vangvieng starting at $90
- The Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort starting at $55
- Champalao The Villa starting at $30
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Vang Vieng
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $3.12 (₭67,420) per person, per day, on local transportation in Vang Vieng. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Vang Vieng is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$3.12
₭67,420
The nearest international airport is Wattay Airport, located about 66 miles (106.3 km) from Vang Vieng. It is just 3km outside of the city center of the capital, Vientiane, and is served by AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, China Eastern Airlines, Jin Air, Korean Air, Lao Skyway, Lao Airlines, Sky Wings Asia Airlines, T'way Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines.
By bus, the ride is about 6-8 hrs from Luang Prabang and 3-4 hrs from Vientiane.
Taxis directly from the Vientiane airport to Vang Vieng cost about $90. Rental cars are also available from AVIS at many locations in Vientiane.
Once inside Vang Vieng, nearly everything is reachable by foot or on bicycle.
How much does it cost to go to Vang Vieng? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Vang Vieng will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Vang Vieng
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Vang Vieng can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Vang Vieng is $11 (₭231,621) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$11
₭231,621
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Vang Vieng is around $11 (₭231621) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $25. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Vang Vieng are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $2 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $8
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Though Vang Vieng has its own unique dining hub, there are a few dishes typical to Laos that are worth mention. The staple food of the Lao is steamed sticky rice, which is usually eaten by hand. Some of the main ingredients include galangal, lemongrass, and padaek (fermented fish sauce). Another famous dish of the region is larb (sometimes laap), a spicy mixture of marinated meat or fish that is sometimes raw with a combination of herbs, greens, and spices. While the cuisine of Laos does have regional variations, rice and noodles, vegetables, herbs, spices, pastes, sauces, meats, and fruits all remain common ingredients.
In Vang Vieng, the main street is the place for bars, internet cafes, and restaurants. Jungle Bar serves good food like fruit shakes, pizza, and Pad Thai, Kangaroo Sunset Bar is a mix of Western and Lao with the famous Beerlao Burger, and the Bamboo Tree Bar & Restaurant offers a large and varied menu plus free Wi-Fi. Other good stops include Organic Farm Cafe, Peeping Som's Bar and Restaurant, Pan's Place Guesthouse, and The Meeting Place.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Vang Vieng
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Vang Vieng typically cost an average of $4.78 (₭103,281) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$4.78
₭103,281
As far as sights go, the Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular. Located about 7 km west of town, you will find a shimmering spring-fed lagoon located below "The Golden Cave." The lagoon is crowded on most days with visitors swimming and jumping from the rope swing into the waters where a few hundred carp make their home. Just above, you can climb a makeshift bamboo ladder into the cave where you can see the Sleeping Golden Buddha and glimmering stalactites. If you plan on exploring deep into the cave, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp.
The backdrop of limestone mountains and cliffs overlooking the river make caves and rock dwellings some of the most interesting sights in the Vang Vieng area. Padeng cave and Ring cave can be found by following signs over a footbridge across the river and halfway up the mountain, while Xang Cave is located on the south end of the main road and is well lit with stairs good for a self-guided tour. Nang Oua Kham Cave is located on the way to Blue Lagoon, though it is much more secluded giving visitors a greater sense of adventure. Be aware that many of the caves do have an entrance fee.
There are endless opportunities for mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, and the area of Vang Vieng and its proximity to the Nam Song River is very popular for tubing. There is an office on the main street of Vang Vieng that now monopolizes all tube rentals. They will rent you the tube and organize transportation up the river a few miles. Along the journey, visitors might experience a few thrilling rapids, take in the magnificent mountain scenery, and maybe even catch sight of some local wildlife.
While in Vang Vieng you might also want to experience a Lao-style steam sauna, small but infused with the smell of lemon grass herbs, play amongst the high swings and slide over the river, see the countryside from a hot air balloon, or go ziplining at Tham Nam Cave.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Vang Vieng. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour for $65 details
- Vang Vieng Tour A Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline for $150 details
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour for $80 details
Vang Vieng, Laos
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.