Which place is cheaper, Nara or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vang Vieng or Nara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nara? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Vang Vieng or Nara?
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
-
Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesNara Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Nara $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 Vang Vieng and Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Nara $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Nara $108
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Nara? 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: Vang Vieng Hotel Prices and Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Nara $6.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared transfer from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang city: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara and Vang Vieng 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 dayVang Vieng $11Nara $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
- Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
- Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $200
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Nara $8.09
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
- Vangrong Full Day Tour: $45
- Vang Vieng Shared Tour with Kayaking in Nam Song River: $48
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- 2-day Kansai world ExTour I tour around Osaka,Kyoto,Nara,andUji: $221
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
- First Time Nara Tour UNESCO Sites with Lunch and Deer Feed: $83
- Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $152
- Japan's Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour from Nara: $166
- Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour: $221
- Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $74
- Nara - Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour: $104
- Nara - Heart of Nature Cross Bike Tour: $290
- Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $76
- Nara - Private Family Bike Tour: $207
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Nara $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Nara, we can see that Nara is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara than you might in Vang Vieng.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vang Vieng Expensive? and Is Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Nara?
Nara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Nara, 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 Vang Vieng or Nara?
Nara has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vang Vieng experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nara in the Summer?
Both Nara and Vang Vieng during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Nara. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Nara. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Nara. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Nara. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nara in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Nara. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nara can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Nara. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Nara. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Nara. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.