Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Kanchanaburi?
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 Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi 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: Kanchanaburi or Luang Prabang?
Kanchanaburi
If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.
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 Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Kanchanaburi Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $58Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $58, 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 Kanchanaburi and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $22Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $44Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi 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: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $14Luang Prabang $2.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $187
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $119
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $99
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$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- 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 Kanchanaburi or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Kanchanaburi 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 dayKanchanaburi $24Luang Prabang $9.25
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch$4.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thai Cooking Class: $39
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
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $10Luang Prabang $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Entry Park TreeHouse$6.28
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Best Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi River: $27
- Discovery Bike Tour: $18
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $35
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Guided Walking Tour in History & Legends: $174
- Half Day Kanchanaburi Bike Tour with History and Local Life: $53
- Kanchanaburi Erawan Waterfall and Train Along Death Railway Tour: $178
- Kanchanaburi Tour Erawan Waterfall Temples and Giant Rain Tree: $112
- Kanchanaburi Tour Hellfire Pass History tour: $108
- Kanchanaburi Tour: Erawan Waterfall and Death Railway: $112
- Kanchanaburi Tree Top Adventure Park Tours: $45
- Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $191
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- 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
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $9.24Luang Prabang $1.78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Luang Prabang, we can see that Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Luang Prabang?
Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Luang Prabang. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Kanchanaburi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 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.