Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Helsinki?
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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Luang Prabang?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Helsinki Prices
Finland PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €164Luang Prabang €15
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, 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 Helsinki and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Luang Prabang €4.75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Luang Prabang €9.50
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Luang Prabang €1.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helsinki Private Departure Airport Transfer: $213
- Helsinki Private Arrival Airport Transfer: $213
- VIP Transfer Helsinki : $210
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $198
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $198
- Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $170
- VIP Airport Transfer by new cars in Helsinki: $159
- Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $150
- Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $114
- Arrival Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by MB Van: $109
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $109
- Airport Transfer Helsinki Center: $108
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€1.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €59Luang Prabang €7.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $119
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $275
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: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Luang Prabang €2.26
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $156
- Helsinki Premium Transportation Experience: $170
- Helsinki and Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide: $102
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $108
- 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $96
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
- Adventure Day: $48
- Baltic Bites Tour of Nature and Food on a Helsinki Summer Island: $119
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $191
- Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
- City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $42
- Day to Porvoo from Medieval Old Town Guided Tour: $95
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Luang Prabang €1.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Luang Prabang, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Luang Prabang?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Luang Prabang?
Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Helsinki or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Luang Prabang. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Helsinki is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Luang Prabang. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Helsinki is much colder than Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In January, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.