Which place is cheaper, Darwin 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 Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Darwin, 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Darwin $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Darwin 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Darwin $12
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $9.25Darwin $65
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 Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Darwin $15
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 Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $151
- 1 Day Litchfield Waterfalls Tour: $107
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
- Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour from Darwin: $232
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $91
- Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $100
- Corroboree Billabong 2.5 hour Lunch Cruise: $77
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $111
- Darwin City Tour + Crocodile Cruise+Lunch Optional: $84
- Darwin Combo: The Bombing of Darwin Experience & Darwin Harbour Cruise: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Darwin?
Darwin has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin 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. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.
Darwin 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 less rain in July than Darwinin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Darwinin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Darwin. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Darwin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Luang Prabang is cooler than Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.
Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin 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, most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Darwinin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.