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

Should you visit Vientiane or Dewa Sanzan?

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

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

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.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan 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
    Dewa Sanzan Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $24
    Dewa Sanzan $86

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $86. 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 Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Dewa Sanzan $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Dewa Sanzan $58
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan


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 Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Dewa Sanzan $23
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:

  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan 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
    Dewa Sanzan $43

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Dewa Sanzan $9.56

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
  • 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
  • 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
  • From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
  • From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
  • From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
  • Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mount Haguro E-Bike Sightseeing Tour in Yamagata, Japan: $202
  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $249

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Dewa Sanzan $7.53


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



When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Vientiane during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking.

In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Vientiane

Vientiane Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)


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