A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Vang Vieng for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nha Trang or Vang Vieng?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Nha Trang and Vang Vieng. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Nha Trang or Vang Vieng?

Nha Trang

For the relaxation of a small beach town, plus the energy of a young city, consider Nha Trang, Vietnam. As the most famous seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang is certainly livelier than many other beach resort towns. Visiting this part of Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. These people know the meaning of nightlife - and make the night last as long as they can.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Nha Trang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nha Trang Prices
    Vietnam Prices
    Vang Vieng Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nha Trang $48
    Vang Vieng $19

The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $48, 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 Nha Trang and Vang Vieng in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nha Trang $13
    Vang Vieng $4.25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nha Trang $26
    Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Nha Trang and Vang Vieng

Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang 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.

Hotels in Nha Trang


Hotels in Vang Vieng


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: Nha Trang Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nha Trang $13
    Vang Vieng $3.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $0.11
  • Taxi From Airport
    $14

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 Nha Trang or Vang Vieng?

Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Nha Trang 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nha Trang $25
    Vang Vieng $11
Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nha Trang $9.03
    Vang Vieng $4.76
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)
    $1.21
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.65
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $17
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.38
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $3.79
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $9.48

Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.

  • 1 Day Guided Tour in Cave from Vang Vieng: $175
  • Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
  • Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
  • Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour in Vang Vieng: $180
  • Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
  • One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
  • Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
  • Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
  • Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
  • Vang Vieng Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
  • Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
  • Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nha Trang $18
    Vang Vieng $1.11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Vang Vieng, we can see that Nha Trang is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nha Trang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Vang Vieng?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang or Vang Vieng?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Vang Vieng in the Summer?

Both Vang Vieng and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Nha Trang is January to August. The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December. In July, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Nha Trang is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nha Trang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nha Trang 28°C (82°F) 
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Nha Trang or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?

Both Vang Vieng and Nha Trang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nha Trang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.

September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nha Trang. Nha Trang usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Nha Trang is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F) 
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nha Trang or Vang Vieng in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. In January, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nha Trang 24°C (75°F) 
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Nha Trang or Vang Vieng in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Vang Vieng. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Nha Trang is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nha Trang in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F) 
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Nha Trang

Nha Trang Vang Vieng
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)


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