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

Should you visit Vientiane or Shiretoko National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Shiretoko National Park, 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 Shiretoko National Park?

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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.

While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

In July, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vientiane or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Vientiane is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vientiane or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Shiretoko National Park. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°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 Shiretoko National Park. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Vientiane