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

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

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, Sapporo 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
    Sapporo Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vang Vieng $19
    Sapporo $132

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.25
    Sapporo $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.50
    Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo


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 Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.11
    Sapporo $16

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 Sapporo

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

  • New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
  • Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
  • Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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
    Sapporo $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

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

  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
  • Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
  • Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
  • Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.76
    Sapporo $17

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 Sapporo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.

  • Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
  • 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
  • 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
  • 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
  • 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
  • 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
  • Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
  • Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
  • Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
  • Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
  • Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.11
    Sapporo $8.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:

  • Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
  • 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178


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


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo 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, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Sapporo. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.

Vang Vieng is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°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 Sapporo. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)