Which place is cheaper, Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Fortaleza, 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 Fortaleza?
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.
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Adventure Tours to Brazil, and The Best Eco Tours in Brazil.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesFortaleza Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Fortaleza $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Fortaleza is $83. 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 Fortaleza in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Fortaleza $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Fortaleza $58
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Fortaleza
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Fortaleza? 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 Fortaleza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Fortaleza $20
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 Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $268
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $128
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras: $120
- Jericoacoara - Fortaleza x Jericoacoara transfer: $105
- Transfer 4x4 Regular Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $90
- Private Transfer from Praia das Fontes to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport : $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Praia das Fontes: $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Beberibe: $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza Hotels to Fortaleza Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza Cruise Port to Fortaleza hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Carmel Charme Resort to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Fortaleza?
Prices for flights to both Fortaleza 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 $9.25Fortaleza $39
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Fortaleza $15
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 Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $14
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
- Fortaleza Historical & Cultural Discovery Private Tour: $178
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
- Fortaleza Private Walking Tour with a Local: $31
- Full Day Beach Tour In Cumbuco: $37
- Full Day Premium Tour in Jericoacoara: $61
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco from Fortaleza: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Fortaleza $9.58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Fortaleza, we can see that Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza is in South 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 Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Fortaleza?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Fortaleza, 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 Fortaleza?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza in the Summer?
Both Fortaleza 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, many travelers come to Fortaleza for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Fortaleza. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Fortalezain January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Fortaleza is July to January. The rainy season in Fortaleza is January to July.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Fortaleza in the Autumn?
Both Fortaleza 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. Also, many visitors come to Fortaleza in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Fortalezain April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Fortaleza 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 October than Fortalezain April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 356 mm (14 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Fortaleza 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Fortaleza in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Fortaleza. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Fortaleza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Luang Prabang is cooler than Fortaleza in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Fortaleza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Fortalezain July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. Also, January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Fortaleza 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Fortaleza in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Fortaleza. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Fortaleza. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Fortalezain October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Fortaleza and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Fortaleza | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.