Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Vang Vieng?
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 Vang Vieng or Koh Tao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Tao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Vang Vieng or Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Koh Tao $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $50. 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 Vang Vieng and Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Koh Tao $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Koh Tao? 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: Vang Vieng Hotel Prices and Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Koh Tao $9.98
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.97
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao and Vang Vieng 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 dayVang Vieng $11Koh Tao $18
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.28
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Breakfast$4.71
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.77
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
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Pancake$2.20
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American Breakfast (for Two)$8.79
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao : $51
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao : $55
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $208
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Koh Tao $30
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.85
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Snorkel Rental$3.14
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.14
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $27
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $24
- Basic Diver ( One Day Experience): $124
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $54
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $24
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $27
- Koh Tao Island Puzzle and Treasure Hunt Adventure: $75
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $29
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat : $27
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $32
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $27
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Koh Tao $8.22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$2.04
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Bottle of Wine$12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Koh Tao, we can see that Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tao 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 Vang Vieng Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Koh Tao?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Koh Tao, 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 Vang Vieng or Koh Tao?
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 Vang Vieng or Koh Tao in the Summer?
Both Koh Tao and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
Both Koh Tao and Vang Vieng during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao. Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Tao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Tao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Koh Tao. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.