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

Should you visit Amman or Luang Prabang?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Luang Prabang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or Luang Prabang?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

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


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Amman?

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

  • Amman Prices
    Jordan Prices
    Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Amman $135
    Luang Prabang $18

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $18. 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 Amman and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Luang Prabang $5.53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Amman and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Amman 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 Amman


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Luang Prabang $2.04
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

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

  • Private Transfer from Amman to Petra, Wadi Musa: $259
  • Private Transfer from Amman Queen Alia Airport to Hotel in Petra: $253
  • Petra or WadiRum transfer to/from Amman, Airport, Madaba, Deadsea: $240
  • Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
  • Private Transfer From Amman Airport To Petra: $190
  • Private Transfer From Amman Airport To Petra: $190
  • From Dead Sea and Petra Day Trip with Transfers: $187
  • Private Transfer from Allenby King Hussein Bridge to Aqaba Airport: $173
  • From Amman Transfer to Petra: $169
  • Private Amman Airport Transfer to Petra, Reliable Shuttle Service: $160
  • Amman Airport to Petra Shuttle, Comfortable & Affordable Transfer: $160
  • Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Aqaba Airport: $153

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang

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

  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • Luang Prabang Private Transfers - FREE PICK UP and DROP OFF HOTEL: $9.60
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Amman 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
    Amman $58
    Luang Prabang $9.14
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Amman by Night Tour with Local Dinner: $35
  • private cooking with local chef: $40
  • Private 2 Hour Cooking Class with the Locals in Amman: $50
  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Amman: $100
  • Private Half Day Jerash Visit & Optional Cooking Class from Amman: $107
  • Half Day Cooking Class Experience with Amman Panoramic Tour: $127

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.
    Amman $32
    Luang Prabang $2.63

Tours and Activities in Amman

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

  • 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle: $100
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Madaba Independent Tour from Amman: $170
  • 1Day Private spiritual Tour to Amman Madaba Baptism site Dead Sea: $100
  • 2 Day Group Tour from Amman to Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead Sea: $250
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Baptism and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Shobak Castle and Kerak Castle Private Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Amman City Tour Private Guided Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $185
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Kerak Castle Private Guided Tour: $195

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.

  • 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
  • 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
  • Best of Luang Prabang City Day Tour - Secrets of LPQ World Heritage: $82
  • Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
  • Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
  • Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
  • Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
  • Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
  • Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
  • From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
  • From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
  • From Luang Namtha Hill Tribe Tour: $540

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Luang Prabang $1.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting: $127


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


Which is Bigger, Amman or Luang Prabang?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Amman 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 Amman or Luang Prabang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Amman or Luang Prabang in the Summer?

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

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Amman is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 25°C (77°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Amman or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amman as well as Luang Prabang. Amman 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. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Amman is cooler than Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Amman or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

Both Luang Prabang and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Amman. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Amman is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amman in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Amman or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

Both Luang Prabang and Amman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman 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. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Amman is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 16°C (61°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Amman

Amman Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


Related Articles for Amman
Related Articles for Luang Prabang