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

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.

Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Hanoi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, 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 Hanoi and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Luang Prabang $5.83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Luang 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.

Hotels in Hanoi


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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hanoi $7.00
    Luang Prabang $2.15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.22
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.24
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.41
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.38
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • Halong Bay: 3-Day 2-Night 4-Star Cruise with Transfer: $450
  • Private Transfer to/from Sapa: $352
  • Transfer to Sapa Private car: $300
  • Luxury Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days-1 Night with 5 Star included transfer & pick up: $290
  • 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
  • 3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise & Transfer: $280
  • Halong Bay Cruise 3D2N - Kayaking Explorer & Round-trip transfer from Hanoi: $280
  • Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Cao Bang: $267
  • Private Sapa tour 3 days transfer from Hanoi by limousine overnight 3 star hotel: $264
  • Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Vinh City: $262
  • Halong Bay 2 Days - 1 Night with 5 Star Cruise included transfer & pick up: $254
  • Overnight Halong Bay Cruise Including Transfer Service and Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Activities: $250

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.40

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
  • Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $82
  • 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hanoi $13
    Luang Prabang $5.57
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.46
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.81
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.

  • Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
  • Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
  • Street Food Tour with Free Private Tour Guide: $5.26
  • Hanoi Best Local Food Tour Visit Train Street Old Quarter: $19
  • Hanoi food tour - Local street food walking tour: $19
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
  • Hanoi local street food tour: $20
  • Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
  • Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $22
  • Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23

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: $29
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
  • Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $48
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
  • Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
  • Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $52
  • Cooking Class: $55
  • Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
  • Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hanoi $8.64
    Luang Prabang $2.77
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi

Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.62
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.62
  • National History Museum
    $1.62
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.84

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
  • 1 Day Trip in Wego Halong Cruise with Pick up: $55
  • 2 Day Oasis Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $228
  • 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
  • 2-day Gen Z Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $228
  • 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
  • 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
  • 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
  • All-Inclusive 2D/1N 5star Cruises: Meals-Kayak-Cave-Accommodation : $175
  • Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
  • Explore Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Ninh Binh in a Day Tour from Hanoi: $85
  • From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230

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
  • Kuangsi waterfall + Pakou cave Cruiser sunset view and options: $20
  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • Kuang Si Waterfall Tour: $30
  • Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience : $31
  • UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
  • Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
  • Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
  • Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
  • Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
  • Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
  • Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hanoi $7.82
    Luang Prabang $1.85

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
  • Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $107


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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Luang Prabang?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 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.

May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. 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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hanoi 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.

November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hanoi 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hanoi 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.

The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hanoi 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)