Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Abu Dhabi?
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 Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Luang Prabang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $17. 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 Abu Dhabi and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Luang Prabang $5.50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang? 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Luang Prabang $2.03
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
-
Car Rental$31
-
Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $280
- Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $257
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $251
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Entry Tickets to Ferrari World Fast Track with Private Transfer: $235
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury SUV: $232
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $226
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Warner Bros World and Ferrari World Combo Ticket with transfer from Dubai: $204
- Miracle Garden And Global Village Dubai Tour With Transfers From Abu Dhabi: $200
- Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $70
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Abu Dhabi 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 dayAbu Dhabi $78Luang Prabang $9.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $43
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Camel Ride and Live Shows: $56
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Luang Prabang $2.62
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $149
- 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch: $103
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $34
- Abu Dhabi ,Private Layover Tour -6 hours: $299
- Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $47
- Abu Dhabi City Essentials Half day tour from Abu Dhabi: $44
- Abu Dhabi City Full Day Tour from Abu Dhabi: $157
- Abu Dhabi City Tour by Helicopter: $278
- Abu Dhabi City Tour from Abu Dhabi: $100
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Luang Prabang $1.75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Luang Prabang, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Luang Prabang is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Luang Prabang, 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 Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Luang Prabang. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Luang Prabang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.