Which place is cheaper, Alesund 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 Alesund?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Alesund, 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 Alesund?
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.
Alesund
Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.
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 Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesAlesund Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Alesund $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $140. 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 Alesund in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.38Alesund $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Alesund $122
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Alesund
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Alesund? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.98Alesund $29
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:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $224
- Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $212
- Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $160
- Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $52
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Alesund?
Prices for flights to both Alesund 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 $8.89Alesund $60
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.Luang Prabang $2.56Alesund $19
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 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
- Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
Tours and Activities in Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- Ålesund - Geiranger - Ålesund Sightseeing Roundtrip: $216
- Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $117
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $48
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $155
- Alesund Shore Excursion The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $140
- Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $74
- Trollstigen, Troll Wall & Romsdal Alps Day Tour: $178
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $172
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Bus and Boat from Ålesund: $172
- Alnes Lighthouse, Sunnmøre Museum, Aksla and City Sightseeing: $138
- E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $156
- Experience Molde with Coach Travel: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.71Alesund $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Alesund, we can see that Alesund 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 Alesund 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Alesund?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Alesund, 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 Alesund?
Alesund 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 Alesund in the Summer?
Both Alesund and Luang Prabang during the summer 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, most visitors come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Alesund. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Alesund 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Alesund in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Alesund. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Alesund. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Alesund 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Alesund in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Alesund. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.
It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite rainy in Alesund. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Alesund 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Alesund in the Spring?
Both Alesund and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Alesund. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Alesund 5°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Alesund and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Alesund | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 167 mm (6.6 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.