Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zhangjiajie? 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 Zhangjiajie?
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.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
-
Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesZhangjiajie Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Zhangjiajie $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $79. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Zhangjiajie $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Zhangjiajie? 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 $3.11Zhangjiajie $15
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 Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 $11Zhangjiajie $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Zhangjiajie $23
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
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $215
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Zhangjiajie $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
Both Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
Both Zhangjiajie 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 a little warmer than Zhangjiajie in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Zhangjiajie. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Zhangjiajie. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Zhangjiajie | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.