Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan?
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.
Dewa Sanzan
Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Dewa Sanzan $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $65. 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 Dewa Sanzan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Dewa Sanzan $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Dewa Sanzan $56
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Dewa Sanzan
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Dewa Sanzan $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan?
Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan 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 $6.31Dewa Sanzan $24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Dewa Sanzan $9.23
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan
For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $228
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Dewa Sanzan $7.27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan?
Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?
Both Dewa Sanzan and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.
Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?
Both Dewa Sanzan and Vang Vieng during the spring 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 April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Dewa Sanzan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 151 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 231 mm (9.1 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.