Which place is cheaper, Newcastle 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 Newcastle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle?
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.
Newcastle
Newcastle is 150 kilometers north of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the second largest city in the state, and serves as a central point to explore the area's beaches, wineries, and beautiful natural landscape. North of the city is Stockton beach, which has many miles of isolated, beautiful beaches, stretching all the way up to Nelson Bay. The wineries are inland to the west and have some of Australia's finest wine which you can taste. If you want to see rainforests, you can head northwest to Barrington Tops National Park, which has great rainforests and freshwater streams. You may even get to see a platypus. The city also has the country's oldest sea port. In the past the city's economy was centered around the steel industry, but today the University of Newcastle is one of the area's most important employers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.
-
Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesNewcastle Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Newcastle $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $117. 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 Newcastle in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Newcastle $45
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Newcastle $90
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Newcastle
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Newcastle $8.41
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:
- Newcastle Airport to Newcastle - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $82
- Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $80
- Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Newcastle?
Prices for flights to both Newcastle 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 $11Newcastle $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Newcastle.
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $69
- Earp Distilling Co: Date Night with Blending Class & Dinner: $73
- Cooking Classes at the Yellow Door Kitchen: $96
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Newcastle $15
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
Tours and Activities in Newcastle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:
- 3- Hour Wine and Harvest the Hunter Horse Tour in Pokolbin: $93
- Shared Newcastle Harbor Cruise: $43
- 3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock: $270
- Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $40
- Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Fromage and Fortified Wine Experience: $53
- Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience: $150
- Christmas Lunch Cruise on Newcastle Harbour: $57
- Coastal 2.5-hour Adventure Boat Tour from Newcastle: $83
- From Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Group Tour: $165
- From Sydney: Tandem Skydive Experience over Newcastle Beach: $264
- From Sydney: Tandem Skydive Experience over Newcastle Beach: $266
- Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle: $83
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Newcastle $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:
- Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley: $6.66
- Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting : $10
- Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $11
- Newcastle Bar Crawl Experience: $15
- Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $23
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
- Wonnarua Sparkling Wine Tasting: $30
- Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Premium Wine Tasting: $30
- Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $33
- Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $35
- Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $35
- Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vang Vieng is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, 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 Newcastle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle 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 Newcastle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Newcastle?
Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?
Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?
Both Newcastle and Vang Vieng during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.
In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.
Newcastle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Newcastlein January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Newcastle 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Newcastle in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Newcastlein April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Newcastle 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Newcastle in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Newcastle. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Newcastle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Newcastlein July. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Newcastlein July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Newcastle 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Newcastle in the Spring?
Both Newcastle and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Newcastle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastle during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Newcastlein October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Newcastle 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Newcastle and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Newcastle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 82 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.