Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang?
Ayutthaya
Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.
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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, and The Best Adventure Tours to Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $62Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $14. 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 Ayutthaya and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $21Luang Prabang $5.72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $42Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $27Luang Prabang $2.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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River Ferry Crossing$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
- Transfer from Bangkok: $97
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$2.36
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Ayutthaya 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 dayAyutthaya $20Luang Prabang $5.47
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$3.82
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Ice Cream$0.82
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Breakfast for 2$3.82
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Breakfast for 2$9.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.
- Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19
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
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $27Luang Prabang $2.72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$5.46
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Wat Entrance$1.36
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
- AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
- Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
- Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
- Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
- Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
- Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
- From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
- The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $18Luang Prabang $1.82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Luang Prabang, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang?
Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Luang Prabang. Ayutthaya 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. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Ayutthaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Luang Prabang. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 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.