Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
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 South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Busan (Pusan) $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.53Busan (Pusan) $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Busan (Pusan) $72
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Busan (Pusan)? 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 Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.04Busan (Pusan) $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$2.28
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 - FREE PICK UP and DROP OFF HOTEL: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $65
- Private Transfer – Anywhere in Busan, including Airport & Station: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) 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 $9.14Busan (Pusan) $41
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
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.10
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Carp Bread$0.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Traditional Market Food Tour: $48
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class: $100
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $106
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.63Busan (Pusan) $18
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–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- 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
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $55
- (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $67
- (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
- (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $87
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $31
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $17
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
- Busan Cruise Shore Excursion: City Highlights and Food Taste Tour: $73
- Busan Day Tour with Pickup at the KTX Station-Family Couple Alone: $76
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.76Busan (Pusan) $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl with Traditional Korean Pub Experience: $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) 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 July than Busan (Pusan). Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Busan (Pusan). Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.