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

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

Where Should I go: Bali or Luang Prabang?

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Bali?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $85, 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 Bali and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $40
    Luang Prabang $5.60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $80
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Bali and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Bali 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 Bali


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: Bali Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bali $8.68
    Luang Prabang $2.07
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

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


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $115
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $72
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $69
  • All Inclusive Batur Sunrise Treking Guide Ticket And Transfer : $60
  • LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
  • Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Bali to/from Gili Air: Fast Boat with Optional Bali Transfer: $48
  • Fast Boat Transfers between Bali and Lombok: $48
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Bali Nusa Dua Combo Parasailing And Snorkeling Include Transfer: $35
  • Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.31

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: $20
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580

Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Bali 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
    Bali $34
    Luang Prabang $9.25
Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.19
  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $26
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.75
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

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

  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
  • South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
  • Bali Street Food Tour: $65
  • Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
  • Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer: $89

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
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
  • Mekong River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $10
    Luang Prabang $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $52
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $27

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $55
  • Legendary Scenic Spots Of Nusa Penida Private Guided Day Tour: $37
  • Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
  • Ubud Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $45
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
  • Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
  • Amazing Private Tour: Lempuyang temple, Tirta gangga, Tukad cepung waterfall: $60
  • Bali ATV Adventure: $61
  • Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure and Snorkeling Tour: $99
  • Bali Benoa Shore Excursion for Cruise's Passenger - All Inclusive: $49
  • Bali Instagram Tour : The Most Popular Spots In Bali: $62

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

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

  • Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
  • Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
  • Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
  • Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
  • Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
  • Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
  • UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
  • Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
  • From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $3.07
    Luang Prabang $1.78


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Luang Prabang, we can see that Bali 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bali or Luang Prabang?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali 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 Bali or Luang Prabang in the Summer?

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

Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Bali or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

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

The rainy season in Bali is October to March. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Bali is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Bali or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

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

October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Bali usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Bali is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bali 26°C (79°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bali or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

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

April to September in Bali is the dry season. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Bali

Bali Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)