Which place is cheaper, Canberra 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 Canberra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Canberra, 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 Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Canberra $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Canberra? 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 Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Canberra $24
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:
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 $9.25Canberra $60
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 Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Canberra $17
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
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Canberra Floriade Tour: $127
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
- Canberra One Day Tour: $244
- Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $151
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
- City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $125
- Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour: $89
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
- Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch: $397
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Canberra?
Canberra has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Canberra, 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 Canberra?
Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Canberra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Canberra. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Canberra. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Canberra in the Winter?
Both Canberra and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Canberra in the Spring?
Both Canberra and Luang Prabang during the spring 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 Canberra for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.