Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?
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.
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Byron Bay $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $139. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Byron Bay $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Byron Bay $32
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$2.36
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 $5.47Byron Bay $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:
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Byron Bay $35
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$123
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Surf Lesson$42
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- 3-Hour Small-Group Byron Bay Tour: $66
- Beyond Byron Hinterland Tour: $132
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $46
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $45
- Brunswick River: Byron Sunset Eco Rainforest River Cruise: $62
- Byron Bay Half-Day Tour: $65
- Byron Bay Hinterland Tour Including Rainforest Walk to Minyon Falls: $112
- Byron Bay Hinterland: National Park and Waterfalls Tour: $110
- Byron Bay Lighthouse and Hinterland Tour: $66
- Byron Bay and Beyond Tour Including Cape Bryon Lighthouse Crystal Castle and Bangalow: $125
- Brunswick Heads Sunset Rainforest Eco-Cruise: $63
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $97
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $99
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $127
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay is in Pacific, 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Byron Bay?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?
Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?
Both Byron Bay 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. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
Byron Bay 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 Byron Bayin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Byron Bay 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 around the same amount of rain as Byron Bayin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Byron Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Byron Bay. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in July.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Byron Bayin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Byron Bay in the Spring?
Both Byron Bay 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, the spring months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 19°C (67°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.