Which place is cheaper, Coimbra 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 Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
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.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesCoimbra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Coimbra $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is $162. 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 Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Coimbra $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Coimbra $102
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Coimbra $13
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: $61
- 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 Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
- Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra 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 $9.25Coimbra $97
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Coimbra $21
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 Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $218
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $155
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $89
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $89
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $155
- Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $89
- Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $143
- Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra: $101
- Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
- Coimbra City Tour : $24
- Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
- Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Coimbra $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Coimbra, we can see that Coimbra 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 Coimbra is in Europe, 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 Coimbra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Coimbra?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
Coimbra 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 Coimbra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Coimbra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Coimbra. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Coimbra. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Coimbra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Coimbra. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Coimbra in the Winter?
Both Coimbra 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.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Coimbra averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra 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.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Coimbra. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°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.