Which place is cheaper, Kamakura 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 Kamakura?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kamakura? 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 Kamakura?
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.
Kamakura
An old city center of medieval Japan, Kamakura sits today on the seaside just south of Tokyo. Due to its early beginnings, the city is dotted with Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. It has become a prominent resort town drawing visitors with its many historic landmarks as well as nearby beaches.
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.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesKamakura Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Kamakura $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $123. 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 Kamakura in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Kamakura $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Kamakura
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Kamakura? 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 Kamakura Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Kamakura $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
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Kamakura?
Prices for flights to both Kamakura 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 $11Kamakura $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kamakura
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kamakura.
- Sushi Roll Bento Cooking Class: $59
- Community Dinner with Locals: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Kamakura $5.79
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 Kamakura
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:
- A Meditative Calligraphy Experience: $74
- Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura: $37
- Calligraphy Experience in Kamakura: $88
- From Daibutsu Hiking Trail Tour with Local Guide: $149
- Kamakura (Ofuna) : Ramen Crawl Tour with a Local Guide: $51
- Kamakura 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience: $159
- Kamakura Half Day Tour with a Local Expert Guide: $91
- Kamakura Historical Walking Tour with the Great Buddha: $107
- Kamakura Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $135
- Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Anime Train & Fuji view: $128
- Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase: $202
- Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka shrine: $196
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Kamakura $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura 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 Kamakura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamakura 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 Kamakura Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Kamakura?
Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?
Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?
Both Kamakura 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. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.
Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Kamakura. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Kamakura 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kamakura in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kamakura 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kamakura in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Kamakura. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°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 Kamakura. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Kamakura. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Kamakura 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kamakura in the Spring?
Both Kamakura 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. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kamakura 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kamakura and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Kamakura | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.