Which place is cheaper, Flores 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 Flores?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Flores, 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 Flores?
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.
Flores
The town of Flores is located in Peten, Guatemala. The main hub is located on an island on Lago Peten Itza, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the other side of the causeway are the towns of Santa Elena and San Benito, however, all three are often referred to as Flores. Most people visit the area for its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, though the town itself is also charming with colonial buildings and historic churches lining the cobbled streets.
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 Tours for Seniors to Guatemala, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Guatemala.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesFlores Prices
Guatemala Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Flores $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Flores is $43. 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 Flores in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.40Flores $8.77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Flores $18
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Flores
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Flores? 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 Flores Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.99Flores $8.00
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$2.22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $8.40
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $68
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Flores
Also for Flores, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Same day Round-Trip VIP Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores: $160
- Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores: $90
- One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
- Transfer from Flores to Semuc Champey, Lanquin, Tourists Only: $40
- Flores, Peten: One way shared transfer to Rio Dulce, Izabal: $39
- From Flores, Peten: One way shared transfer to Tikal: $39
- Tikal National Park Guided Tour with Transfers: $24
- Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City: $20
- Belize/Caye Caulke/San Pedro Van or Ferry Transfer: $20
- Transfer : Mayan World Airport to Flores Island Hotels: $10
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Flores?
Prices for flights to both Flores 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 $8.92Flores $23
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:
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Essentials Food Tour: $54
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.57Flores $20
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Kayaking Adventure and Whiskey Village Tour: $248
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- From Luang Namtha Hill Tribe Tour: $540
- Full Day Mekong River Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves Adventure: $196
Typical Entertainment Prices in Flores
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Flores's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Tikal Entrance (for 2)$39
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Map of Tikal$3.27
Tours and Activities in Flores
For Flores, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Day Tour to Tikal and Yaxhá from Flores Island: $220
- 4 Hours Private Tour to see the sunset at El Rey Canek Viewpoint: $100
- All Inclusive Tikal Tour from Flores and Airport: $105
- All Inclusive Tikal Tour from Flores or Mayan World Airport: $78
- Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service: $25
- Classic Private Tour of Tikal from Flores Guatemala: $180
- Classic Tour to Tikal from Flores Mayan Temples and Tropical Jungle: $110
- Exclusive VIP Tour to Tikal All-Inclusive from Flores: $240
- 1-Day Tikal Tour Private Service From your Hotel: $185
- Blue Crater, Imox Lagoon & Hidden Pools Tour: $75
- Tikal National Park Tour with Mayan Energy Reading: $222
- Yaxha Shared Sunset Tour with Transportation & Guide: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.72Flores $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Flores
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Flores are as follows:
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Two Margaritas$2.62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Flores, we can see that Flores 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 Flores is in Central America, 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 Flores would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Flores 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 Flores Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Flores?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Flores. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Flores, 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.
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.