Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro, 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 Bocas del Toro?
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.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
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 from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro? 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 Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Bocas del Toro $10
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$2.31
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
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro 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 $9.25Bocas del Toro $47
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
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro is in Central 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Bocas del Toro, 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 Bocas del Toro?
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 Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Luang Prabang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro 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 less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Luang Prabang is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Bocas del Toro. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.