Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Luang Prabang?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, and The Best Adventure Tours to Laos.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Luang Prabang $5.72
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Luang Prabang $2.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Luang Prabang $5.47
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
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Luang Prabang $2.72
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Elephant keeper experience option waterfall day tour: $115
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Full Day Kuang Si Warerfalls & Rice Farming Experience in Living Land: $95
- Full Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $164
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85
- Full-Day Private Guided Pak Ou Caves & Ethnic Village Tour: $159
- Full-Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang with Vintage Jeep: $170
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Luang Prabang $1.82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Luang Prabang, we can see that Islamabad 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 Islamabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamabad 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 Islamabad Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Luang Prabang?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Luang Prabang?
Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of rain as Luang Prabang. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Luang Prabang. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°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.