Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Faro, 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 Faro?
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.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesFaro Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Faro $187
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Faro is $187. 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 Faro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Faro $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Faro $176
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Faro
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Faro? 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 Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Faro $11
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:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Porto City: $881
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilla: $329
- Private Transfer Faro Airport to/from Armação de Pêra VClass: $117
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Matalascanas: $117
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sagres: $113
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Huelva/Punta Umbria: $109
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Burgau/Salema: $101
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Islantilla: $100
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to El Rompido -Nuevo Portil: $100
- Private Transfer from, lagos to Faro Aeroport: $100
- Faro Airport to Portimão: Private Transfer for 1-3 …: $94
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer To/From Alvor.: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Faro?
Prices for flights to both Faro 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 $9.25Faro $73
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 Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Faro food tour (with drinks) & city highlights - 10 tastings: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Faro $11
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 Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $60
- Best of Faro - Guided Bike Tour (3h): $53
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $93
- CCVAlgarve Family Ticket | 2 adults + Children: $14
- Coast Tour in Southwest Europe: $162
- Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling: $78
- Coasteering adventure with snorkeling: kids version: $78
- Discover Algarve with Vamus 3-Day & 7-Day Tourist Passes: $41
- FOUR SENSES: The Immersive Experience in the Dark - Faro: $29
- Faro Private Walking Tour: $279
- Faro Story Spot - Multimedia Museum&Restaurant: Tour&Tasting: $23
- Faro, Ria Formosa: 2 hour Sunset Cruise: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Faro $3.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- City Segway Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $106
- WINE TASTING & TAPAS IN THE HEART OF FARO: $115
- Algarve Private Wine Tour with Private Transportation: $228
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Faro, we can see that Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Faro?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Faro, 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 Faro?
Faro 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 Faro in the Summer?
Both Faro and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Faro in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Faro. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Faro 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Faro in the Autumn?
Both Faro and Luang Prabang during the autumn 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, many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Faro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Faro averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Faro. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Faro 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Faro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Faro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Faro. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Faro. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Faro 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Faro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Faro. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Faro in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Faro. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Faro 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Faro and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Faro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.