Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 Brussels?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Brussels, 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 Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesBrussels Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Brussels $193
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $193. 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Brussels $86
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Brussels $172
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Brussels? 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 Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Brussels $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
-
Subway Pass$5.28
-
Atomium train ticket (2)$9.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport or city to Rotterdam By Business car: $296
- Private transfer from Brussels to Ostend, 2h Sightseeing Stop: $265
- Private Transfer from Brussels hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $246
- Private Transfer From Brussels To Circuit SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Belgium Luxury car : $239
- Direct private transfer from Brussels to Bruges, 2h Stop in Ghent: $216
- Transfer from Antwerp <-> Amsterdam Shuttle (1 to 8 Places): $192
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Bruges with Business car: $181
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Ghent by Luxury car: $179
- Private Transfer from Brussels to Tomorrowland Dreamville by luxury car: $167
- Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $142
- Brussels Airport (CRL) Private Transfer to Brussels City/Hotels: $139
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport To Brussels: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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 $9.25Brussels $77
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 Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
-
Ice Cream & Macaroons$5.40
-
Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.57
-
Cheese$6.57
-
Olives and Snacks$8.19
-
Waffle$3.52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $99
- Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $119
- Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $133
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $179
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Brussels $27
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in the templar village of Lissewege: $82
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Fall and Rise of Art Nouveau: $18
- 4 Hour Private Tour in Brussels : $271
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $12
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $12
- A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $9.99
- A day in the life of Brussels - Private tour with a local: $162
- Afternoon Tipsy Tour with Cocktails & Chocolates in Brussels: $46
- Architecture Tour of Brussels: $30
- Art Nouveau's Sublime Capital: An Audio Tour in Brussels: $12
- Artistic Bruges on a Private Tour with a local: $78
- Best Intro tour of Brussels with a Local: $167
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Brussels $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$12
-
Beer$7.04
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Discovery of the La Senne Brewery: $31
- Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Brewery-Distillery: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Brussels. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Brussels. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Brussels in the Autumn?
Both Brussels 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. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Brussels. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Brussels in the Winter?
Both Brussels 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Brussels in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Brussels. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (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.