Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Suzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Suzhou $58
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 Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $11Suzhou $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- 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
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng River Kayaking Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Suzhou $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou 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.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Suzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Suzhou. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Suzhou. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Suzhou. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. Vang Vieng is much warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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 Suzhou. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou 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.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.