Which place is cheaper, Bruges 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 Bruges?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Bruges, 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 Bruges?
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.
Bruges
Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesBruges Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Bruges $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Bruges is $189. 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 Bruges in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Bruges $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Bruges $138
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Bruges
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Bruges? 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 Bruges Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Bruges $19
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: $61
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:
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Five Day Bus Pass$18
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Bike Rental for Day$9.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges
Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to The Hague: $293
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to Amsterdam: $262
- PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $240
- Private Transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport OST to Zeebrugge Port: $240
- Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $238
- Private transfer from Bruges to Brussels, 2h Stop in Ghent: $216
- Private direct transfer from Cruise Port Zeebrugge to Brussels: $192
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $154
- Private transfer from Bruges to Lille, English-speaking driver: $150
- Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotel - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $75
- Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Bruges?
Prices for flights to both Bruges 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 $9.25Bruges $105
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:
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Cup of Tea$2.35
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Sandwich for Lunch$3.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $161
- Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $165
- Bruges Food Tour: 8 Tastings of Local Delicacies: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Bruges $18
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 Bruges
For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Groeninge Museum Entrance$9.39
Tours and Activities in Bruges
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.
- "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $83
- "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $298
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included: $3.59
- 6 Hour Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $81
- Authentic Medieval Bruges Private Tour with Local Guide: $96
- BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $54
- Best Bruges Cruise-Friendly Tour including Canal Boat Ride: $65
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion from Your Ship with Canal Cruise : $75
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion including Deluxe Canal Cruise: $79
- Best of History, Chocolate & Beer Tour: $66
- BikeTour Bruges & Damme in Spanish and English: $143
- Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $228
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Bruges $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Bruges, we can see that Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bruges 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 Bruges Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Bruges?
Bruges has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Bruges, 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 Bruges?
Bruges 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 Bruges in the Summer?
Both Bruges 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. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Bruges. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Bruges 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bruges in the Autumn?
Both Bruges 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Bruges 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 October than Bruges. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Bruges 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bruges in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Bruges. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bruges can be very cold. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Bruges. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Bruges 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Bruges in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Bruges. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Bruges 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Bruges and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Bruges | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.