Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Matsue?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Matsue, 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Matsue $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Matsue $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Matsue? 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 Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Matsue $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $6.32Matsue $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Matsue $8.81
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
- An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Matsue $6.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Matsue?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Matsue this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Matsue during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Matsue. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Matsue in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Matsue. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Matsue. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Matsue in the Winter?
Both Matsue 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, most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Matsue can be very cold during winter. Vientiane is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Matsue. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Matsue in the Spring?
Both Matsue 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 spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.