Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Luang Prabang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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: Hanoi or Luang Prabang?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $50Luang Prabang $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $50, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $15. 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 Hanoi and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $26Luang Prabang $6.08
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $52Luang Prabang $12
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $7.11Luang Prabang $2.24
Typical Local Transportation prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.24
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.30
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.41
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Short Taxi Ride$1.40
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- 3 Days 2 Nights Mai Chau Pu Luong Ethnic Trail E-Bike Tour Private Transfer: $499
- Overnight Cozy Private Suite with Round trip transfer from Hanoi: $464
- Halong Bay: 3-Day 2-Night 4-Star Cruise with Transfer: $450
- Hanoi to Sapa: Luxury Car Transfer: $438
- Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by Seaplane with scenic tour: $401
- 2 Days 1 Night Mai Chau Pu Luong Ethnic Trail E-Bike Tour Private Transfer : $399
- Peony Cruise 5* Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights with 2 ways transfer: $389
- Luxury Private Halong Day Tour with 2 Way Expressway Transfer: $376
- Alisa Premier Cruise Transfer Service & Kayaking Activities: $375
- Private Transfer between Ha Noi & Sapa: $375
- Sapa terrace trek train transfer 2 days 1 night: $364
- Halong Bay Cruise Luxury 5 Star 2Day/1Night Included Pick up & Transfers: $360
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$2.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private airport transfer: $28
- Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng on Private Air Conditional Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $58
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $14Luang Prabang $5.81
Typical Food prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.53
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Bowl of Pho$0.82
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Group for Hanoi Old Quarter/French Quarter/ City and Street Food Tours: $5.00
- (Private) Hanoi Old Quarter Local Street Food Tour : $5.00
- Private Hanoi walking food tour with cyclo: $5.00
- HalfDay Private Hanoi City Food Tour by Motorbike with Food lover: $5.00
- (Private) Special vegan/vegetarian Hanoi food tour : $5.00
- Private Hanoi Street Food Tour with Professional /Local Expert: $5.00
- Private Hanoi Street Food Tour by Motobike: $5.00
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- Half-day Hanoi Street Food Tours (Private&Cutural): $5.00
- Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
- Private Hanoi Old Quater Walking/Food Tour+Cyclo/Puppet show HF: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Tasting Food Tour Like A Local (Vegan/Vegetarian/Cyclo): $5.00
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:
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $42
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $42
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $42
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $43
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $45
- Cooking Class: $45
- Half Day bamboo weaving & Cooking classes with the visit to morning market: $48
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $48
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $51
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.78Luang Prabang $2.89
Typical Entertainment prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.65
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.65
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National History Museum$1.65
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.88
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 2 Days 1 Night Tour in Sapa with Trekking: $65
- 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
- 5-Day Guided Ha Giang Adventure From Hanoi by Cabin Bus: $355
- All-Inclusive 2D/1N 5star Cruises: Meals-Kayak-Cave-Accommodation : $175
- All-in-One Hanoi Walking Tour with Small Group: $19
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- Full Day Countryside Bicycle Tours To Co Loa Villages : $89
- Full Day Tour To Trang An Complex & Bai Dinh Temple: $97
- Full Day Tour in Halong Bay for Indian Guests with Indian Lunch: $83
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
- Group Jeep Tour Discover Hanoi : $58
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Luang Prabang to Vientiane and Vang Vieng Express Train E-ticket: $30
- Kuang Si Waterfall Tour: $30
- Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience : $31
- Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $34
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage City Tour: $37
- Morning Almsgiving and Market Tour in Luang Prabang: $38
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Foodie Walking Tour & Monk Blessing: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm Experience & Kuang Si Waterfall Half Day Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.94Luang Prabang $1.93
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Pub Crawl Party & Hanoi's nightlife: $60
- Hanoi Bar Crawl with Local Expert 4 Hour : $70
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Luang Prabang, we can see that Hanoi 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 Hanoi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hanoi than you might in Luang Prabang.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Luang Prabang?
Hanoi is bigger, and its population is about 30.2 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the population of Hanoi vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi 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. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Hanoi is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Luang Prabang. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Luang Prabang. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Hanoi is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi 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. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Hanoi is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
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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.
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