Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kobe? 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Kobe $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Kobe 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Kobe $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Kobe? 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 Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Kobe $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
- Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $6.31Kobe $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Kobe $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 Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $168
- 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $134
- 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $167
- A Tour to Learn all about the international port city, Kobe!: $153
- Cruise Stop-Over: Explore The City From Kobe Port: $238
- Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
- Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $149
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
- Himeji and Private Guided 1 Day Tour: $228
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
- KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $282
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Kobe $8.56
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
- Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Kobe?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?
Both Kobe 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, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Kobe during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Kobe. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe 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, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.
Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Kobe. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kobe in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Kobe. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Kobe. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°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 Kobe. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Kobe. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.