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

Should you visit Vientiane or Okinawa?

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

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

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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
    Okinawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $24
    Okinawa $125

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Okinawa $9.66
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 Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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
    Okinawa $41

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 Okinawa

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

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Okinawa $14

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
  • Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
  • Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
  • Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
  • Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
  • Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
  • Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
  • Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
  • Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
  • Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
  • Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

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

  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
  • Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
  • Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
  • Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
  • Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour|Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Okinawa $15


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Okinawa?

Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Vientiane during the autumn 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 Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Vientiane is a little warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Okinawa. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Vientiane

Vientiane Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)