Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Luang Prabang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Luang Prabang?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 dayDubai $248Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Luang Prabang $5.72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Luang Prabang $2.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
- From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
- Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
- Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
- Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
- Helicopter City Tour Dubai With Private Transfers: $296
- Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
- Museum of the Future with Private Transfer: $288
- Dune Buggy Dubai with 2 way Private Transfers from Dubai: $285
- Abu Dhabi City Tour with Yas Island 2 Park Access with Transfers: $285
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:
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Luang Prabang $5.47
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.54
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Dubai Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $15
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- Cruising With Dinner And Live Shows At Dubai Creek: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
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
- 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
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Luang Prabang $2.72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- 30-Minutes Jet Ski Burj Al Arab Tour of Dubai: $125
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
- Abu Dhabi City Tour in 4x4 Private Vehicle, Dubai Pickup Option: $299
- Admission ticket for IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai: $95
- Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
- Burj Khalifa At the Top & Sky Views Ticket: $167
- Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
- Burj Khalifa Tour - Top Sky Ticket 124, 125 & 148 Floor Level Access : $165
- Dibba Full Day Cruise Trip: $191
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Entrance Ticket: $48
- Dubai City Sightseeing Tour In A Private Vehicle ( Full-day ) : $289
- Dubai City Tour + Burj Khalifa + Dubai Frame + Desert Safari (one day tour): $271
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
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Elephant keeper experience option waterfall day tour: $115
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Full Day Kuang Si Warerfalls & Rice Farming Experience in Living Land: $95
- Full Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $164
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85
- Full-Day Private Guided Pak Ou Caves & Ethnic Village Tour: $159
- Full-Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang with Vintage Jeep: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Luang Prabang $1.82
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Luang Prabang, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Luang Prabang?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai 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. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Dubai is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Luang Prabang. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Dubai
| Dubai | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°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.