Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Da Nang?
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 Da Nang or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Da Nang 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: Da Nang or Luang Prabang?
Da Nang
Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.
With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.
Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.
Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.
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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Da Nang Prices
Vietnam PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDa Nang $56Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $56, 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 Da Nang and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDa Nang $18Luang Prabang $5.38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDa Nang $36Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Da Nang 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: Da Nang Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Da Nang $11Luang Prabang $1.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
- Private Transfer from Da Nang (DAD) Airport to Phong Nha: $223
- Da Nang to Phong Nha by Car–Private Transfer with English Driver: $205
- Golden Bridge Trip with Guide, Lunch &Transfer From Tien Sa Port: $165
- Private Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge with Lunch and Transfer: $155
- Ba Na Hills Full Day with Transfer, Buffet Lunch, Guide: $130
- Private Transfer Service Between Da Nang and Hue: $129
- Da Nang Airport To Hue Private Transfer: $126
- Private Transfer from Da Nang (DAD) Airport to Quang Ngai: $122
- One Way Transfer Tours, to or from Da Nang or Hoi An and Hue via costal roads: $115
- Private Roundtrip Transfer to GOLDEN BRIDGE BA NA HILLS & MARBLE MOUNTAIN: $115
- Private Car Transfer to Visit Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills & My Son Holyland: $113
- Private Transfer Hue to Danang Hoi An or return via Hai Van Pass: $105
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$2.22
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
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Da Nang 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 dayDa Nang $27Luang Prabang $8.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
- Authentic Street Food Tour in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang: $1.89
- Da Nang Street Food Tour with Karaoke, Bar, Acoustic Optional: $5.00
- Da Nang Vietnamese Cooking Class Tour In Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle: $5.00
- Da Nang Private Street Food Tour with Students Flexible Itinerary: $5.00
- Coffee Making and Cooking Class: $17
- Tasty Dinner Han River Dragon Cruise by Yatch & Tradictional Show: $17
- Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $22
- Vietnamese Banh Xeo Cooking Class w.t Traditional Recipes-Private: $30
- Home Cooking Class: Market, Garden and cooking 4 dishes: $30
- Da Nang Street Food Tour On Scooter - up to 12 Tastings: $31
- Da Nang Private Tour Poseidon Dinner Cruise and Hotel Transfer: $33
- 6 Hours Cooking Activity Pick up Da Nang: $33
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:
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- 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
- Prabang Plates 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 Essentials Food Tour: $54
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Da Nang $13Luang Prabang $2.56
Tours and Activities in Da Nang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
- 2 Day Da Nang Eco Tour Son Tra and Countryside Trek: $299
- 2 Day Da Nang Tour Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge and Hoi An: $299
- 2 day tours of Da Nang city and Hoi An city: $210
- 2D1N ~ Da Nang City Tour + Hoi An Accient Town + Hue City Tour: $178
- 5 Days Danang Tour with Golden Bridge, Hue, Hoian and VinWonder: $190
- 5 days Center Vietnam Package Tour with Danang Hue and Hoian: $167
- 5-Day Central Vietnam Tour: Explore Hoi An, Hue & Da Nang city: $285
- 5D4N Cultural Tour of Central Vietnam Hoi An Hue and Da Nang City: $285
- 6-hour Discovering Da Nang Adventure: $105
- A Private Tour of Da Nang's Best Explore the Highlights with Jeep: $197
- Ancient Hoi An Town -Walking Tour -Lantern Boat Ride-Night Market: $79
- BA NA HILL - GOLDEN BRIDGE- SUNWORLD - FRENCH VILLAGE - PHOTO OPPORTUNITY Tour: $129
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
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- 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
- Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDa Nang $9.00Luang Prabang $1.71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Luang Prabang, we can see that Da Nang 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 Da Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Da Nang 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 Da Nang Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Luang Prabang?
Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang 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 Da Nang 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 Da Nang or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Luang Prabang. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDa Nang 29°C (85°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang 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 Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Da Nang is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDa Nang 25°C (78°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Da Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDa Nang 22°C (71°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDa Nang 26°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Da Nang
| Da Nang | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 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.