Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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: Athens or Luang Prabang?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Luang Prabang €15
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is €15. 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 Athens and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Luang Prabang €4.74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Luang Prabang €9.48
Compare Hotels in Athens and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Luang Prabang €1.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $575
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $290
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $290
- Combo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Airport Transfer: $290
- Athens Transfers: $290
- Athens city Tour (4hrs) combined with Marine of Alimos transfers: $278
- Private Transfer from Athens to Costa Navarino with 2h Stop: $275
- "Quick Athens Highlights Tour: Airport or Cruise ship Transfers": $268
- Private Transfer from Athens Airport To Costa Navarino Hotel: $267
- Athens Airport Transfer From/To Nafplio: $255
- Private Transfer between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port: $255
- ATHENS HOTEL transfer to/from Piraeus Cruise Port (up to 14 pax): $255
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride€1.95
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
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Athens 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
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €64Luang Prabang €7.84
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Athens Food Tour (5+ Stops) - Full Meal Included by Do Eat Better: $64
- Ancient Roman and Greek Dinner With Ancient Wine Styles: $65
- Athens Food Tour and Local Tastings: $73
- Athens's original vegan food tour: $75
- Athens Traditional Food Tour: $79
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $79
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $80
- Cooking Class & Dinner at a Roof Garden in Athens: $80
- Athens at Night Enchanting Walking Tour and Dinner Delights: $81
- Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 20+ Tastings: $81
- Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $81
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
- 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
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Luang Prabang €2.26
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- ''Full-Day Tour of Delphi-Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Loukas'': $299
- "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $209
- "All Day Tour Athens & Corinth:Highlights & Path of Apostle Paul": $299
- "All day tour of Athens-8h:Exploring its most popular landmarks": $252
- "Athens Highlights Tour : Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and more.": $173
- "Athens Night Experience - 4Hours": $165
- "Athens in a Day: A Full-Day Tour of the City’s Top Highlights": $252
- "Athens in a Glimpse with Cruise Port Pickup & Drop-Off": $173
- "Delphi Full-Day Tour: Ancient Oracle and the Heart of the Earth": $299
- "Full-Day Tour of Delphi and Picturesque Livadia": $299
- "Olive Oil Tasting Experience & Tour in Corinth": $197
- "Tour of Ancient Corinth:Follow in the footsteps of Apostle Paul": $197
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Kayaking Adventure and Whiskey Village Tour: $248
- 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
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Luang Prabang €1.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $16
- Athens Party Pub Crawl w/ 1-hour Open Bar & VIP Nightclub Access: $17
- Athens Rooftop Pub Crawl Acropolis Views and Nightclub Fun: $17
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $22
- Athens Olive Oil and Herbs Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $23
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $28
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $37
- Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $46
- Athens Small Group Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $57
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store: $65
- Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Luang Prabang, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Luang Prabang?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Luang Prabang?
Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Athens or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Athens or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In October, Athens is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Athens or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Luang Prabang. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Athens is much colder than Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Athens or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Luang Prabang. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
In the spring, Athens is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Athens usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Athens
| Athens | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.