Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Tanah Rata $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Tanah Rata $33
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 Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $11Tanah Rata $87
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Tanah Rata $39
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Tanah Rata $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Tanah Rata. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Tanah Rata. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Tanah Rata in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is cooler than Tanah Rata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Vang Vieng during the winter 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 Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Tanah Rata in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.