Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Luang Prabang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Luang Prabang?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, 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 Koh Samui and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Luang Prabang $5.38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Luang Prabang $1.98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.24
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Gas for Scooter$1.19
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Samui Guided Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour with Transfer: $196
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $163
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $122
- The Jungle Club or The Roof Samui Table Reservation with Transfer: $92
- Thrilling 2 Hour ATV Jungle with Hotel Transfer from Koh Samui: $86
- Koh Samui Beginner Friendly Jungle Treetop Zipline with Transfers: $79
- Koh Samui Zipline 11 Lines with Jungle Views and Transfers: $75
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $74
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $68
- Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $68
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $68
- Koh Samui Tree Bridge Zipline and Jungle Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $67
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$2.21
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
- 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 Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $37Luang Prabang $8.89
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $76
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $77
- Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Micro Organic Garden: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $77
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $87
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $107
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $110
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $110
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
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $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
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Luang Prabang $2.56
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure in Koh Samui Mountain Viewpoints: $86
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $97
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $57
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $106
- 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $107
- 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $138
- 4WD Jungle Safari Tour in Koh Samui with Lunch: $47
- 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $61
- ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $75
- ATV 2 hrs. Jungle Adventure on the Mountain Way in Koh Samui: $62
- ATV Jungle & Mountain Trails 30-Min Off-Road Adventure Koh Samui: $51
- Ang Thong Marine Park Adventure with Kayaking and Lunch: $63
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 and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $70
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- 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
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.06Luang Prabang $1.71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Luang Prabang, we can see that Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Luang Prabang. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.