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

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Nagasaki?

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

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki?

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.

Nagasaki

Set in a natural harbor on the northwest coast of Japan, Nagasaki is a Japanese city synonymous with a key moment during WWII after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in 1945. While the event is memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, the city in no way is defined by the event. Today it exists as a culturally and religiously diverse port town with a certain charm amongst the terraces of surrounding hills.

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


Which place is cheaper, Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vang Vieng $19
    Nagasaki $114

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Nagasaki is $114. 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 Nagasaki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.25
    Nagasaki $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.50
    Nagasaki $98
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Nagasaki

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki


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 Nagasaki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.11
    Nagasaki $19

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 Nagasaki

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

  • Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $196
  • Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Nagasaki?

Prices for flights to both Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki

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

  • Cooking with a Local Okaasan at Kominka in Ojika Island Nagasaki: $41
  • Sunset Beach Dinner: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.76
    Nagasaki $23

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
  • 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 Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
  • Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
  • Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
  • Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65

Tours and Activities in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Customizable Full-Day Private Tours in Nagasaki with private car: $300
  • Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Experience farming (rice cultivation) in terraced rice paddies: $38
  • Finding Local Cats and Hidden Alleys of Nagasaki Walking Tour: $62
  • Full day Private Tour for Shore Excursion in Nagasaki: $206
  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $13
  • Mochitsuki Rice Cake Making Experience in Ojika Island: $78
  • Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $256
  • Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
  • Nagasaki GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $12
  • Nagasaki Gyoza&Soy Sauce Ramen Culinary Experience: $83
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $117

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.11
    Nagasaki $11


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


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Nagasaki?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

Vang Vieng is cooler than Nagasaki in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Nagasaki. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Nagasaki. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nagasaki in the Spring?

Both Nagasaki and Vang Vieng during the spring 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, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city during these months.

Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Nagasaki in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nagasaki. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Nagasaki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)


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