Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Kyoto $7.82
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 Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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 $11Kyoto $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Sushi Cooking Class (Making three types of sushi): $48
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $54
- 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
- Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
- Dinner with Maiko: $62
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $72
- Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
- 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
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Explore Nara in a Day Van Tour from Kyoto: $164
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $158
- Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $58
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $138
- Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
- 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $150
- 1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto: $211
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $126
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $44
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $70
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $162
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Kyoto. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Vang Vieng during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 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 (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.