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

Should you visit Vientiane or Mashiko?

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

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

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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko 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 Mashiko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mashiko 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 Mashiko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Mashiko?

Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Mashiko. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In the summer, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko 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 travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Vientiane is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vientiane or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko 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. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mashiko can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the small town charm during these months.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Vientiane