Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, 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 Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Luang Prabang $5.53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.08Luang Prabang $2.04
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.23
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Moped Rental$5.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $283
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $189
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $142
- 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang: $123
- Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao Cave and Hill Tribe Tour with Transfer: $100
- Chiang Mai Mae Kam Pong Wild Gibbon Jungle Trek with Transfer: $96
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $53
- Private Car Transfer – Chiang Mai Airport: $35
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$2.28
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
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $71
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $20Luang Prabang $9.14
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.99
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
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Casual Breakfast$1.23
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.14
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Mangoes$0.92
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Coffee$1.53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $13
- Evening Thai cooking class: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $30
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Tomyumthai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai: $30
- Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show at Chiang Mai Admission Ticket: $30
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $31
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
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Luang Prabang $2.63
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$40
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.84
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Kratong Lessons$3.07
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Pedicure$4.60
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.53
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $163
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province: $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $204
- 1 Day Trek and Bamboo Rafting Tour in Chiang Mai: $84
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $84
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $169
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $144
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $94
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking and 3HR Trekking Adventure: $110
- 2 DAYS MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE Chiang Mai Chiang Dao Route: $238
- 2 Days 1 Night Rem Village and Mountain Tour with Scooter: $260
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Kayaking Adventure and Whiskey Village Tour: $248
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang City Day Tour - Secrets of LPQ World Heritage: $82
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.60Luang Prabang $1.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang, we can see that Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Luang Prabang. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Luang Prabang. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.