Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads?
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.
Noosa Heads
A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesNoosa Heads Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Noosa Heads $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $135. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Noosa Heads $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Noosa Heads
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Noosa Heads $17
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 Noosa Heads
Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $262
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $238
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $91
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $91
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast & Noosa : $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Noosa Heads?
Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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 $11Noosa Heads $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Noosa Heads $40
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 Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Surf Lesson$43
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Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$85
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Sunset Cruise (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.
- AAA NOOSA Whale watching experience in Noosa Whalesongsnoosa: $64
- Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise River: $22
- 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
- AAA Noosa National Park tour and Dolphin Safari Whalesongsnoosa: $60
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
- Booloumba Falls & Booloumba Creek Adventure, Conondale Nat. Park: $235
- Buderim Forest Flight Owl Encounter and Tour: $77
- Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $108
- Eumundi Markets and Noosa Everglades Tour with Eco Safari: $214
- Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $111
- Fliteboard eFoil Group Experience in Noosa: $151
- From Noosa: Stand Up Paddle Wildlife & Beach 4X4 Adventure: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Noosa Heads $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads
Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine: $15
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Noosa Heads?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?
Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?
Both Noosa Heads 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. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Noosa Headsin January. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Noosa Heads. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?
Both Noosa Heads 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in April.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Noosa Heads in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 7°C (44°F)in July.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Noosa Headsin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Noosa Heads in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Noosa Heads. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin October. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Noosa Heads | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 117 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.