Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Osaka? 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Osaka $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX): Transfer to Osaka hotels: $339
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $275
- Osaka Kansai Airport to Arima-Onsen Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $266
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Kinosakicho Yushima - Arrival Transfer: $242
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $208
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $199
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $6.31Osaka $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Osaka $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $134
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $179
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $138
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,579
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $117
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,370
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $71
- 5 Hour Osaka Castle Tsutenkaku and Dotonbori Guided Tour: $71
- 90mins Samurai Pilgrimage Osaka Castle Tour: $214
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Osaka in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Osaka during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Osaka. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Osaka 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)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Osaka. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Osaka averages at about 19°C (66°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 Osaka. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka 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, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Osaka. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka 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. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Osaka in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.
Osaka 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 more rain in April than Osaka. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.