Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Luang Prabang?
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 Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez?
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.
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesAcapulco de Juarez Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Acapulco de Juarez $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Acapulco de Juarez is $100. 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 Luang Prabang and Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.38Acapulco de Juarez $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Acapulco de Juarez $78
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Acapulco de Juarez
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez? 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.99Acapulco de Juarez $16
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $90
- Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
- Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer: $45
- Acapulco Airport (ACA) Private Transfer to Acapulco City: $43
- Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $25
- Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
- Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
- Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
- Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez?
Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $8.90Acapulco de Juarez $49
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $82
- DeLuxe Cliff Divers Dinner + Sunset & City Tour: $86
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $96
- Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
- Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $149
- Acapulco Flavors Masterclass MarketTour Cooking &Premium Tastings: $149
- Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $161
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $216
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.56Acapulco de Juarez $18
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
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- 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
- Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience: $67
- 4Hr City Tour for Cruisers or Hotels Mural, Chapel & High Divers: $60
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $66
- 4Hrs Small Group City Tour & High Divers Cruise Terminal Pickup: $64
- 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $61
- 6 Hour Fun-Filled Tour Perfect for Cruise Travelers & Hotel Stays: $81
- 6Hr All Highlights Divers Turtles Release Cruise or Hotels Pickup: $79
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $79
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $76
- Acapulco City Tour: $78
- Acapulco City Tour: $70
- Acapulco City Tour: $77
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.71Acapulco de Juarez $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia and Acapulco de Juarez is in North America, 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Acapulco de Juarez, 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 Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez?
Acapulco de Juarez 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 Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Acapulco de Juarez. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?
Both Acapulco de Juarez and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the shopping scene.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?
Both Acapulco de Juarez and Luang Prabang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in January than Acapulco de Juarez. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Acapulco de Juarez. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Acapulco de Juarez | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 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.