Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lombok 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 Lombok 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: Lombok or Luang Prabang?
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
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 Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, and The Best Adventure Tours to Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $52Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $14. 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 Lombok and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $29Luang Prabang $5.72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $58Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Lombok 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: Lombok Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Luang Prabang $2.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
- Private Transfer from Dusun Setangi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $93
- Airport transfer from lombok airport to Senaru rinjiani area: $76
- Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
- Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
- Lombok Int Airport (LOP) to Lombok - Round Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $58
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Bolong: $50
- Private Transfer from Bangsal to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $50
- Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
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$2.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Lombok 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 dayLombok $12Luang Prabang $5.47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
- Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
- Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67
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:
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $10Luang Prabang $2.72
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
- 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
- 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
- Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
- Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
- Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
- Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
- Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
- Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
- Daily Tour: $70
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. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Elephant keeper experience option waterfall day tour: $115
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Full Day Kuang Si Warerfalls & Rice Farming Experience in Living Land: $95
- Full Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $164
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85
- Full-Day Private Guided Pak Ou Caves & Ethnic Village Tour: $159
- Full-Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang with Vintage Jeep: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $8.15Luang Prabang $1.82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Luang Prabang, we can see that Lombok 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 Lombok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lombok 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 Lombok Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok 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 Lombok or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok 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. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 26°C (79°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLombok 26°C (79°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Lombok is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Lombok is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lombok in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLombok 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Luang Prabang. Lombok 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. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Lombok
| Lombok | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.