Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Luang Prabang $14
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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Luang Prabang $5.50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Luang Prabang $11
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 $7.01Luang Prabang $2.03
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$1.22
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.25
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.41
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Short Taxi Ride$1.38
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Private Transfer to/from Sapa: $305
- Transfer to Sapa Private car: $300
- Halong Bay 2 Days-1 Night with 5 Star included transfer & pick up: $290
- Hue to Ha Noi Private Transfer - Hue Car Rental to Ha Noi: $288
- 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
- 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
- Halong Bay Cruise 3D2N - Kayaking Explorer & Round-trip transfer from Hanoi: $280
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Vinh City: $269
- 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
- Halong Bay Sightseeing With Seaplane Tour Transfer From Hanoi: $250
- Peony Cruise 5* Lan Hạ Bay 2 days 1 night with 2 ways transfer: $229
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$2.26
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
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $84
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 $13Luang Prabang $5.25
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)$4.47
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Bowl of Pho$0.81
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Hanoi Cuisine Food Tour with a Local Chef: $2.11
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $5.00
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.28
- Street Food Tour with Train Street and Old Quarter: $16
- Guided Street Food Tour with Train Street Experience: $18
- Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $18
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $20
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $20
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
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $59
- Morning food tour with local market option Kuangsi waterfall : $60
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.66Luang Prabang $2.62
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$1.63
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.63
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National History Museum$1.63
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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
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Oasis Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $228
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 2 Day Victory Cruise to Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $170
- 2-day Explore Halong Bay in Caravella Cruise: $268
- 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
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- All-Inclusive 2D/1N 5star Cruises: Meals-Kayak-Cave-Accommodation : $175
- Amazing Ha Giang Motorbike Tour 4Days 3Nights: $266
- Bai Dinh Pagoda Trang An and Eco Hang Mua Cave Heritage Tour: $53
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
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $42
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $44
- Foodie Walking Tour & Monk Blessing: $45
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
- Luang Prabang Street Food and Biking Tour: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.83Luang Prabang $1.75
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
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry: $63
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).
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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.
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).
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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.
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).
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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) |
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.