A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vang Vieng vs. Hiroshima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Hiroshima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima?

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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima 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.

  • Vang Vieng Prices
    Laos Prices
    Hiroshima Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vang Vieng $19
    Hiroshima $126

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.25
    Hiroshima $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.50
    Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Hiroshima? 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.

Hotels in Vang Vieng


Hotels in Hiroshima


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 Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.11
    Hiroshima $10

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 Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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 day
    Vang Vieng $11
    Hiroshima $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima Night Walk & Traditional Okonomiyaki Dinner Tour: $52
  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.76
    Hiroshima $5.58

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 Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • 1 Day Tour Onomichi Temples Exploration and Saijo Sake Tasting: $175
  • 1-Day Miyajima Sightseeing Tour: $186
  • 1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights: $161
  • 2 Hour Private Morning Tour Highlights in Peace Memorial Park: $103
  • 2-Hour Private Hiroshima Morning Tour: $103
  • 3 Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box: $264
  • 30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima: $119
  • 4 Hour Private Hiroshima City Walking Tour: $95
  • 7 hours Private Customizable Walking Tour in Hiroshima: $300
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Amazing Private City Tour with a Local Guide: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.11
    Hiroshima $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Hiroshima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima because of the shopping scene.

In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Hiroshima. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. Vang Vieng is much warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hiroshima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Hiroshima. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Hiroshima. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)