Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Jakarta?
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 Jakarta 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 Jakarta 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: Jakarta or Luang Prabang?
Jakarta
As Indonesia's capital and largest city, Jakarta rests on the northwest coast of the island of Java. It is the country's economic, cultural, and political center with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Jakarta Prices
Indonesia PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJakarta $69Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $69, 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 Jakarta and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJakarta $30Luang Prabang $5.38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJakarta $60Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Jakarta 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: Jakarta Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jakarta $19Luang Prabang $1.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:
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Taxi to Station$0.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta
Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $242
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $228
- Asha Island Day Trip from Jakarta Beach Canoeing and Transfer: $204
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $194
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc: $194
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $194
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $183
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Garut Regency: $183
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $182
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Bandung: $174
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Bandung: $127
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukatani Purwakarta Regency: $126
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$2.22
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
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Jakarta 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 dayJakarta $26Luang Prabang $8.90
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:
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Dinner$2.49
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Dinner$0.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta
For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
- Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
- Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
- Halfday Batavia by Night with dinner at Cafe Batavia & souvenir: $120
- Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120
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:
- 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
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $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
- Luang Prabang Essentials Food Tour: $54
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jakarta $12Luang Prabang $2.56
Tours and Activities in Jakarta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.
- 1 Day Jakarta Historical Tour: $75
- 1 Day Motorcycle Adventure Tour West Java: $208
- 1 Day Motorcycle Tour To Citorek Banten West Of Java: $217
- 3 Hours Jakarta City Tour (Jakarta's Iconic Places): $45
- 5 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Highlights): $65
- 7 Hours Indonesia Cultural & Heritage Park Tour: $110
- 8 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (All Tourist Attractions): $109
- Afternoon city tour Jakarta: $82
- Authentic Full Day Colonial Jakarta Heritage Trail Tour: $75
- Baduy Tribal Tracker and Village in Private Tour Full Day & Lunch: $130
- Batik Course & City Tour Jakarta: $60
- Bogor City Full-Day Private Tour from Jakarta with Pick Up: $160
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
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- From Luang Namtha Hill Tribe Tour: $540
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJakarta $3.85Luang Prabang $1.71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Luang Prabang, we can see that Jakarta 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 Jakarta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jakarta 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 Jakarta Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Luang Prabang?
Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta 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.
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.