A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luang Prabang vs. Coffs Harbour for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

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.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is in New South Wales between Brisbane and Sydney. Historically, Coffs Harbour has been a popular vacation destination among families, particularly Australian families. Most visitors today are families that are carrying on a longstanding tradition and bringing their children to the holiday destination of their childhood. You'll also find backpackers who spend up to a week here, dividing the trip between Sydney and Brisbane. The area has a well established tourist infrastructure that is not as trendy as that in Byron Bay, but it remains a wonderful community to visit if you're not looking for the party atmosphere.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Coffs Harbour 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.

  • Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
    Coffs Harbour Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    Coffs Harbour $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Coffs Harbour is $174. 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 Coffs Harbour in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    Coffs Harbour $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Coffs Harbour $126
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Coffs Harbour

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour? 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.

Hotels in Luang Prabang


Hotels in Coffs Harbour


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 Coffs Harbour Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.07
    Coffs Harbour $22
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:

  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour?

Prices for flights to both Coffs Harbour 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 day
    Luang Prabang $9.25
    Coffs Harbour $89

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    Coffs Harbour $42

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Coffs Harbour

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Coffs Harbour's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surfing Museum (for 2)
    $7.20

Tours and Activities in Coffs Harbour

For Coffs Harbour, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Treetops Adventure Tree Ropes Course: $46
  • Daytime Kayak Eco Tour of New South Wales: $40
  • Sunset Kayak Eco Tour with Marine Scientist: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    Coffs Harbour $8.41


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Coffs Harbour. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in October than Coffs Harbourin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, the spring months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

Coffs Harbour 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Coffs Harbourin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Coffs Harbour
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)


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