A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Luang Prabang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria 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 Alexandria and Luang Prabang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Luang Prabang?

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $25
    Luang Prabang $17

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $25, 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 Alexandria and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $9.16
    Luang Prabang $5.40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $18
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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.

Hotels in Alexandria


Hotels in Luang Prabang


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $3.39
    Luang Prabang $1.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.07

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $268
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria To Cairo Airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $219
  • Private Transfer from HBE APT to North Coast: $175
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo or vice versa: $160
  • Overday Cairo from Alexandria port Transfer: $160
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $134
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $80
  • Alexandria to Cairo : Private Transfer 24/7 Service: $75
  • Airport Transfer from Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh: $74
  • Alexandria to Giza & Cairo | Private Hotel or Airport Transfer: $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo or Giza Hotels: $68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang

Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $68
  • Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $8.40
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
  • Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria $13
    Luang Prabang $8.92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $20
  • Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
  • Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
  • Baladi Plates Alexandria Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Sofra Stories Alexandria Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Alexandria Food Tour Taste The Egyptian Traditional Food: $56
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

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:

  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
  • Luang Prabang Essentials Food Tour: $54
  • Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $4.73
    Luang Prabang $2.57

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $192
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
  • 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $86
  • 8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
  • Alamein and Alexandria Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
  • Alexandria By Night By Horse Carriage ride And Free Walking Tour: $68
  • Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $68
  • Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $85
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $110

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
  • Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
  • Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
  • Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
  • Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
  • Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
  • Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
  • Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
  • UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
  • Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.28
    Luang Prabang $1.72


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Luang Prabang, we can see that Alexandria is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa 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 Alexandria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alexandria 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 Alexandria Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Luang Prabang?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Luang Prabang in the Summer?

Both Luang Prabang and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.

Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Alexandria is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Alexandria is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Luang Prabang. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Alexandria is much colder than Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

Both Luang Prabang and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria 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 April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Alexandria is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Alexandria

Alexandria Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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