Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Hoi An?
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 Hoi An or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hoi An and Luang Prabang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Hoi An or Luang Prabang?
Hoi An
Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Hoi An Prices
Vietnam PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHoi An $51Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Hoi An is $51, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $18. 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 Hoi An and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHoi An $20Luang Prabang $5.53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHoi An $40Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Hoi An and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Hoi An 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: Hoi An Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hoi An $18Luang Prabang $2.04
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
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Taxi From Danang to Hoi An$8.36
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Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.09
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$2.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $70
- 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 Hoi An or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Hoi An 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 dayHoi An $16Luang Prabang $9.14
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)$14
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.80
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.60
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
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hoi An $12Luang Prabang $2.63
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Golf (for Two)$141
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Short Boat Ride$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Chan May Port: Private My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountains Tour: $160
- Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
- Cruiseship Trip to GOLDEN BRIDGE & MY SON SANCTUARY from CHAN MAY orTIEN SA Port: $225
- Cruiseship Trip to My Son Sanctuary & GOLDEN BRIDGE from TIEN SA orCHAN MAY Port: $200
- Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
- Hue : Shuttle bus from Hue to Hoi An and sightseeing: $16
- Hue-Da Nang-Hoi An Bus Tour with English Guide & Sightseeing: $22
- Hue: Half-Day Tour with Optional Dragon Boat Perfume River: $28
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $180
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Kayaking Adventure and Whiskey Village Tour: $248
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang City Day Tour - Secrets of LPQ World Heritage: $82
- 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
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHoi An $8.62Luang Prabang $1.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Luang Prabang, we can see that Hoi An 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 Hoi An would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hoi An 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 Hoi An Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An 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 Hoi An 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 Hoi An or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Hoi An is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHoi An 29°C (85°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Luang Prabang. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHoi An 25°C (78°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An 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 Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHoi An 22°C (71°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Hoi An during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An 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. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hoi An is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHoi An 26°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Hoi An
| Hoi An | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 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.