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

Should you visit Chumphon or Luang Prabang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Chumphon or Luang Prabang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Chumphon or Luang Prabang?

Chumphon

Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best G Adventures Tours to Laos, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Chumphon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chumphon is $41, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $13. 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 Chumphon and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chumphon $18
    Luang Prabang $5.50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chumphon $36
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Chumphon and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Chumphon 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 Chumphon


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: Chumphon Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chumphon $7.16
    Luang Prabang $2.03

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.26

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 Chumphon or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Chumphon 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
    Chumphon $15
    Luang Prabang $5.25
Typical Food Prices in Chumphon

For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.19
  • Fruit at the Market
    $0.62
  • Breakfast
    $1.24

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:

  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
  • Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
  • Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
  • Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $58
  • Cooking Class: $58
  • Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $59
  • Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
  • Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $68

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chumphon $12
    Luang Prabang $2.62

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

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

  • 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
  • 5D EXPLORE MEKONG RIVER CRUISE & WORLD HERITAGE CITY OF LAOS: $800
  • Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
  • Chiang Rai: Slow Boat to Luang Prabang 2-Day-1-Night Tour: $145
  • Day Trek to Kuangsi Waterfall and Bear Sanctuary - Luang Prabang full day tour: $88
  • Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
  • Elephant keeper experience with Kuangsi waterfall day tour: $118
  • From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Full Day Private Tour to Kuang Si Falls: $130
  • Full Day Tour To Pak Ou Caves, Traditional Village & Kuang Si Waterfall: $51
  • Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
  • Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chumphon $13
    Luang Prabang $1.75
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chumphon are as follows:


  • Beer (2)
    $4.32


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


Which is Bigger, Chumphon or Luang Prabang?

Chumphon has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Chumphon 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 Chumphon 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 Chumphon or Luang Prabang in the Summer?

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

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chumphon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chumphon usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Chumphon gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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


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

Should I visit Chumphon or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

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

It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Chumphon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chumphon usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Chumphon gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Chumphon is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chumphon in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).


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

Should I visit Chumphon or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

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

In January, Chumphon usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Chumphon gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Chumphon is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 25°C (77°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chumphon 25°C (77°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Chumphon or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

Both Luang Prabang and Chumphon during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chumphon 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. Chumphon usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Chumphon gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Chumphon is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chumphon 29°C (84°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Chumphon

Chumphon Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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