Which place is cheaper, Akureyri 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 Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Akureyri, 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 Akureyri?
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.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Akureyri $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $185. 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 Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.50Akureyri $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Akureyri $200
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Akureyri? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.03Akureyri $23
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$2.27
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 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- 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
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $161
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $115
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $31
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $31
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri 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 $9.10Akureyri $69
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
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.62Akureyri $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
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $28
- 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
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
- Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $293
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
- Akureyri Port: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $154
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $328
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $182
- Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $246
- Akureyri Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $162
- Akureyri Private Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $253
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.75Akureyri $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri 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 Akureyri is in Europe, 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri 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 Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Akureyri?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Akureyri, 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 Akureyri?
Akureyri 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 Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Akureyri. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Akureyri in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri 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.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Akureyri averages at about 3°C (38°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri 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.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Akureyri in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.