Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Izmir?
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 Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $85Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $85, 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 Izmir and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $42Luang Prabang $5.50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $84Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $21Luang Prabang $2.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $278
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $244
- Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $244
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
- Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $237
- Transfer from Izmir to Marmaris: $232
- Transfer from Izmir to Selimiye: $232
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $226
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $209
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $203
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $170
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:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $29Luang Prabang $9.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $290
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.Izmir $14Luang Prabang $2.62
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
- Alacatı and Cesme Private Tour Coastal Villages and Aegean Views: $156
- BEST SELLER Small Group Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $115
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $70
- Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170
- Customized Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $139
- Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $157
- EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR From Izmir Port: $115
- Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
- Ephesus Ancient City Tour from Izmir Explore Historic Landmarks: $160
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 dayIzmir $6.18Luang Prabang $1.75
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $122
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $273
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Luang Prabang, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Izmir 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 Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Izmir in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Luang Prabang. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Izmir is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Luang Prabang. The winter months attract visitors to Izmir because of the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
In January, Izmir is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 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 JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Izmir is much colder than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 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 AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Izmir
| Izmir | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.