A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vientiane vs. Hiroshima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vientiane or Hiroshima?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Hiroshima, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Vientiane or Hiroshima?

Vientiane

You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.

While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Vientiane Prices
    Laos Prices
    Hiroshima Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $24
    Hiroshima $126

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Vientiane and Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Hiroshima $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Hiroshima? 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 Vientiane


Hotels in Hiroshima


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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Hiroshima $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima and Vientiane 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
    Vientiane $12
    Hiroshima $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class Garden House: $335

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

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

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Hiroshima $5.58

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:

  • Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
  • 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
  • 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
  • From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
  • From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
  • From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
  • Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

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

  • LAGOON Nightclub Admission Ticket(For Foreign): $6.76
  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.76
  • Hiroshima Kagura Performance Entry Ticket: $12
  • HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Admission Ticket: $16
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Peace Memorial Park Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • Hiroshima Experience: History, Culture & Nature Tour: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour with Expert Guide: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A Guided Tour: $24
  • Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Tour: $24
  • Hiroshima Path to Peace Group Walking Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Hiroshima $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima than you might in Vientiane.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Hiroshima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Hiroshima, 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 Vientiane or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Hiroshima. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Hiroshima in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Hiroshima. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Hiroshima. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima and Vientiane during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hiroshima can be very cold during winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Hiroshima. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Hiroshima in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Hiroshima in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Vientiane

Vientiane Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)