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

Should you visit Vientiane or Koyasan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Koyasan, 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan

Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vientiane or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Koyasan. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine.

Vientiane is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vientiane or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Vientiane