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

Should you visit Cairo 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 Cairo 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: Cairo or Luang Prabang?

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

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 Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Cairo?

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

  • Cairo Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cairo $32
    Luang Prabang $17

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $32, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $17. 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 Cairo and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $11
    Luang Prabang $5.50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $22
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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 Cairo


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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.62
    Luang Prabang $2.03
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • From Guided 4 Day Cairo & Red Sea Tour with Transfer: $1,440
  • Private Day Trip to Luxor with Transfers and Flights: $791
  • Cairo To Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $511
  • From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $489
  • 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
  • 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
  • Private Pickup Transfers From Cairo To Luxor By Bus: $295
  • Private One-Way Transfer to/from Sharm El-Sheikh: $292
  • Private One-Way Transfer to/from Hurghada: $292
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh: $290
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
  • 2 Days and 2 Evenings Private Tour in Cairo include airport transfer and M&A: $280

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.27

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
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Cairo 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
    Cairo $17
    Luang Prabang $9.10
Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

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

  • Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $4.00
  • Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride: $7.00
  • Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $7.00
  • Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
  • Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $8.00
  • night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
  • Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
  • 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
  • 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
  • Giza pyramids, Sphinx, ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise&shopping: $9.00
  • Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $9.00

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
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $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
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Meals 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
  • Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.65
    Luang Prabang $2.62
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $0.80
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.16

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ( Stopover Tour Of Cairo ) Private All Inc.Pyramids,Camel Ride,Museum& Lunch: $180
  • (Egypt jewel) Day Tour To Giza Pyramids, Museum, Mosque &Felucca: $55
  • 01 Day Tour to Pyramids , Museum and Khan Elkhalili: $217
  • 1 Day Private Tour from Hurghada to Cairo: $217
  • 1 Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $30
  • 1 Day tour to Giza pyramids Memphis city Dahshur and Saqqara pyramids: $15
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour Around Giza Pyramids: $30
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour around Giza Pyramids: $38
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour adventure in the Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1-Day Tour to the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo: $34

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

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

  • Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
  • Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
  • Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
  • Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
  • Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
  • Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
  • Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
  • Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
  • Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.41
    Luang Prabang $1.75

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Luang Prabang, we can see that Cairo is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairo 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 Cairo Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Luang Prabang?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo 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 Cairo or Luang Prabang in the Summer?

Both Luang Prabang and Cairo during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo 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. Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Cairo is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

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

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Cairo is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

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

Cairo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Luang Prabang. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Cairo is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Cairo is cooler than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Cairo

Cairo Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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