Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vientiane or Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Nikko $46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Nikko -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
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: $29
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 dayVientiane $6.32Nikko $31
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Nikko $21
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
- 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
- Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Nikko?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Nikko. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Nikko. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko 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 Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Nikko. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko 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, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nikko can be very cold during winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Nikko. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Nikko. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.