Which place is cheaper, Bergen 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or Bergen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Bergen, 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 Bergen?
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.
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesBergen Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Bergen $155
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $155. 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 Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.53Bergen $80
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Bergen $160
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Bergen? 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 Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.04Bergen $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.28
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
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $70
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $269
- TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $221
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $211
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $207
- Bergen Airport Transfer: $206
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $205
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $164
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $163
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minivan: $149
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $144
- Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $127
- Private Transfer to/from Bergen Airport and City: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen 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
-
Food Meals for one dayLuang Prabang $9.14Bergen $63
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
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Prabang Plates 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Bergen Food Tour: $183
- A Taste of Bergen Food Tour with Floibanen Funicular: $226
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.63Bergen $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
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $7.00
- 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
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 1 hour Tour for Herdla Walking: $108
- 3 hours Bergen City Group Tour By Car: $81
- 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $162
- 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $165
- Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $119
- Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Live Guide: $91
- Bergen Private Walking Tour with a Local: $71
- Bergen Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Bergen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $45
- Bergen in Your Pocket: Landmarks and Lore Audio Tour: $7.99
- Bergen to Flam "The King of Fjords" One-Way or Round-Trip Cruise Ticket: $211
- Bergen's Twilight Magic: An Evening Adventure Walking tour: $167
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.76Bergen $8.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Bergen?
Bergen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Bergen, 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 Bergen?
Bergen 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 Bergen in the Summer?
Both Bergen 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Bergen. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bergen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Bergen 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 Bergen. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bergen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Bergen. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.
It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bergen in the Spring?
Both Bergen 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 Bergen for the small town charm.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bergen. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.