Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Vientiane?
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 Vientiane or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesKobe Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Kobe $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Kobe $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Kobe? 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Kobe $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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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 Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
- Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
- Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
- Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
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Food Meals for one dayVientiane $12Kobe $54
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 Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Kobe $24
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 Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
- Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
- Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
- Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- Kobe City Highlights Guided Tour - Shrine, Port, Tower: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Kobe $8.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Kobe?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Kobe. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe 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, most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Vientiane is much warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Kobe. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kobe in the Winter?
Both Kobe 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Kobe. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.