Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Istanbul?
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 Istanbul or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Luang Prabang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Luang Prabang?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $159Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $159, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $17. 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 Istanbul and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $74Luang Prabang $5.50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $148Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $35Luang Prabang $2.03
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Private Cultural Tours, Hotel Transfers Including: $299
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $295
- Istanbul Old City Private Tour With Professional Guide & Transfer: $272
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $267
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $238
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $238
- Istanbul Roundtrip Airport Transfer and 1 Day Chauffeur Service: $203
- Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $185
- Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $182
- Istanbul Private Tour Designed for Layover Flight, Transfer incl.: $175
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Layover Flight. Transfer incl.: $175
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Cruise Layovers. Transfers incl.: $174
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$2.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $59Luang Prabang $9.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $20
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $22
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Shows and Drinks: $30
- Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show with Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $32
- Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home: $33
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
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $39Luang Prabang $2.62
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
- 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $278
- 1 Perfect Day in Istanbul Private Guided Tour of the City’s Icons: $250
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $72
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
- 2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip the Line Entry: $197
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
- 2 Hours Small Group Guided Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise: $32
- 2-Days Private Walking Tour in Istanbul: $300
- 3 Day Guided Private Tour in Istanbul: $200
- 3 Day Istanbul Historical and Cultural Tour - Old City and Cruise: $295
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $28
- Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $11Luang Prabang $1.75
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $30
- Pub Crawl Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Luang Prabang, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Luang Prabang?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Luang Prabang?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Luang Prabang. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Istanbul is cooler than Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Luang Prabang. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Istanbul is much colder than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.