Which place is cheaper, Cebu 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 Cebu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Cebu, 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 Cebu?
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.
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesCebu Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Cebu $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $80. 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 Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Cebu? 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 Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Cebu $26
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:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $196
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu 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 $9.25Cebu $36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Cebu $17
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 Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $61
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $53
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Cebu $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Cebu, we can see that Cebu 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 Cebu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cebu 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 Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Cebu?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Cebu, 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 Cebu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cebu in the Summer?
Both Cebu 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
Cebu 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 Cebu. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cebu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cebu 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 less rain than Cebu. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cebu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Cebu. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally cooler than Cebu. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cebu in the Spring?
Both Cebu 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Cebu. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.