Which place is cheaper, Longsheng 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vang Vieng or Longsheng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Longsheng? 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 Longsheng?
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.
Longsheng
A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
-
Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesLongsheng Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Longsheng $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Longsheng is $105. 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 Longsheng in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Longsheng $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Longsheng $42
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Longsheng
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Longsheng? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Longsheng $42
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 Vang Vieng or Longsheng?
Prices for flights to both Longsheng 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
-
Food Meals for one dayVang Vieng $11Longsheng $61
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Longsheng $8.51
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 dayVang Vieng $1.11Longsheng $8.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Longsheng, we can see that Longsheng 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 Longsheng would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Longsheng 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 Longsheng Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Vang Vieng or Longsheng?
Longsheng has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vang Vieng experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Longsheng in the Summer?
Both Longsheng 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.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Longsheng. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Longsheng. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Longsheng 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Longsheng in the Autumn?
Both Longsheng 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.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Longsheng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Longsheng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Longsheng. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Longsheng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Longsheng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Longsheng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Longsheng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Longsheng averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Longsheng. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Longsheng 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Longsheng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Longsheng. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Longsheng. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in April than Longsheng. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Longsheng 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Longsheng and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Longsheng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.