Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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, 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 dayBali $73Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $73, 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 Bali and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $42Luang Prabang $5.72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $84Luang 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $9.03Luang Prabang $2.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Paragliding In Bali With Private Hotel Transfer: $140
- Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
- BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Unforgettable Batur Volcano Hiking With Private Transfer: $85
- Batur Volcano Jeep Tour Include Private Transfer: $80
- Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $66
- BEST ATV RIDE with LUNCH and PRIVATE HOTEL TRANSFER. : $65
- Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $64
- Ubud: Sky Bike and Jungle Swing Experience with Transfer: $64
- Bali to/from Gili Gede: Fast Boat (Optional Bali Transfer): $60
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
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
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Food Meals for one dayBali $21Luang Prabang $5.47
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.24
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$27
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Lunch for Two$8.07
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Lunch for 2$8.93
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Dinner for 2$9.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $28
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
- From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
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: $29
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $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.Bali $11Luang Prabang $2.72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$54
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$28
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Lembongan Snorkeling and Island Tour: $80
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
- Private Tour Bali Bird Park And Ubud Tour: $110
- Private Tours Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud Palace & Market: $80
- Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
- Tanah Lot, Padang Beach, Uluwatu Sunset, & Kecak Dance Tour: $55
- (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
- 2 Day Tours Ubud Art Village, Dance And Other Tourist Attractions: $186
- 2 Days Private Tours : Watersport And Uluwatu Temple: $124
- 3 Days Full Day Tours Tanah Lot Temple The Gate Of Heaven Temple: $300
- 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
- 30 minutes tandem Paragliding tours in Bali with free photo/video: $185
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
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Foodie Walking Tour & Monk Blessing: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $3.20Luang Prabang $1.82
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 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) |
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.