Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Kanazawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa?
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.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Kanazawa $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $103. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Kanazawa $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Kanazawa $9.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa
Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
- Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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 $6.31Kanazawa $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Kanazawa $9.74
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 Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78
- 1 Day Tour from Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen: $223
- 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $165
- 4 Hour Unique Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Sakura Private Experience: $218
- Afternoon Round Trip Tour from Kanazawa: $87
- E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of KANAZAWA Main & KENROKUEN: $82
- E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main and Ninja Temple: $78
- Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $148
- Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
- Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $102
- Kanazawa ⇒ Takayama (one way) Including Shirakawago (Private Tour): $266
- Kanazawa Custom Full Day Tour: $207
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Kanazawa $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Kanazawa?
Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?
Both Kanazawa 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, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
Both Kanazawa 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.
Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kanazawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. Vang Vieng is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kanazawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Kanazawa. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°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 Kanazawa. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Kanazawa. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.