Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesGeneva Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Geneva $281
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $281. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.50Geneva $164
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Geneva $328
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.03Geneva $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$2.27
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Private transfer from Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier (Minibus): $1,454
- Lucerne to Private Full-Day Tour or Transfer: $1,073
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Interlaken.: $873
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Zermatt.: $873
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier.: $756
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Tignes: $608
- Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Neuchatel: $559
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Montreux.: $454
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport(GVA) to Val Thorens: $448
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Chamonix.: $419
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Lausanne.: $314
- Private Arrival Transfer: from Geneva Airport to Evian-les-Bains, France: $296
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 $9.10Geneva $103
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
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $219
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $221
- Food tour with EAT and CHILL TOUR Geneva & Lausanne: $246
- Geneva Food tour : Cheeses, wine, chocolate & fun: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.62Geneva $34
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $28
- Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $198
- (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $195
- Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $62
- Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $473
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $25
- Award-Winning Geneva Chocolate &Old Town Tour with Boat Ride (3h): $125
- Award-Winning Geneva Chocolate and Old Town Tour with Boat: $125
- Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $140
- Best of Geneva City Tour with optional boat cruise: $57
- Best of Geneva City Tour: International Area and Old Town: $72
- Chamonix Day Trip and Geneva City Tour: $193
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc & E-bike Tour: $254
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.75Geneva $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $259
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $537
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Geneva?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
Geneva 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 Geneva in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Geneva. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Geneva. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Geneva in the Autumn?
Both Geneva and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Geneva. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Geneva in the Winter?
Both Geneva and Luang Prabang during the winter 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, the winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Geneva can be very cold. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Geneva. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Geneva in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Geneva. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Geneva. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.