Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Luang Prabang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Luang Prabang?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to 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 dayBangkok $76Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, 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 Bangkok and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $41Luang Prabang $5.72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $82Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $5.77Luang Prabang $2.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.18
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Skytrain Ticket$4.36
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.87
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Ferry Ride$0.71
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Taxi From Airport$6.82
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Short Taxi Ride$2.45
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Boat Taxi$1.36
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Trains to airport$4.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $299
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Transfer to Pattaya: $287
- Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Transfer to Pattaya hotels: $287
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $281
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $260
- Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $242
- From Damnoen and Maeklong Markets Private Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $215
- Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Koh Chang Hotel Transfer: $214
- Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $212
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Trat: $209
- From Pattaya Private Day Trip with Transfer: $200
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:
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $18Luang Prabang $5.47
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$25
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.46
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.23
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.82
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.46
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Pad Thai$1.91
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Airport Lunch for 2$15
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Lunch for 2$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $16
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
- Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
- Nopparat Thai Dinner with Classical Dance: $28
- Bangkok Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruised Tour On Chao Phraya: $28
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
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $16Luang Prabang $2.72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.36
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$9.55
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.36
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.46
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Club Cover Charge$10
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$65
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Fish Pedicure$4.09
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.73
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Siriraj Museum (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
- Bangkok Hindu Landmark City, Grand Palace & Temples Tours with Lunch: $286
- Bangkok Sea Life + Madame Tussauds Entrance Tickets : $46
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
- Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $60
- Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
- 'Sunset Cruise' Canal Boat Tour - Fully guided 3hrs: $75
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $114
- 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat : $59
- 2-Day River Kwai Experience from Bangkok: $226
- 2-Day River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tour from Bangkok: $201
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
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $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 dayBangkok $5.97Luang Prabang $1.82
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22
- 6-Hour Pub Crawl in Bangkok: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Luang Prabang, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Luang Prabang?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Luang Prabang. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok 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 Bangkok is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.