A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luang Prabang vs. Gothenburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Gothenburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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.

  • Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
    Gothenburg Prices
    Sweden Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $17
    Gothenburg $144

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $144. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.38
    Gothenburg $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Gothenburg $92
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Gothenburg? 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.

Hotels in Luang Prabang


Hotels in Gothenburg


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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $1.99
    Gothenburg $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • 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:

  • 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: $9.60
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $214
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $175
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $170
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $124
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Luang Prabang $8.90
    Gothenburg $76

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
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taysta's Food Tour i Göteborg: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.56
    Gothenburg $18

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
  • Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
  • Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
  • Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
  • Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
  • Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $37
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $54
  • Archipelago Tour with Guide in Gothenburg: $46
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $65
  • City Kayak Tour: $60
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $38
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $76
  • Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $581
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
  • Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.71
    Gothenburg $23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Gothenburg, we can see that Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Gothenburg?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg?

Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Gothenburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.

In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Gothenburg. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Luang Prabang is much warmer than Gothenburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Gothenburg. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Gothenburg in the Winter?

Both Gothenburg and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Gothenburg averages at about -2°C (29°F).

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Gothenburg in the Spring?

Both Gothenburg and Luang Prabang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Gothenburg. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)