Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Guangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Guangzhou $14
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$2.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Private Guided Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise Tour With Hotel Transfer: $109
- Zhuhai City Private Arrival Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l Airport : $108
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Shenzhen City Area: $104
- Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $88
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $5.47Guangzhou $19
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:
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
- Private Tour of Foshan: The Ancestral Temple and Other Options from Guangzhou : $167
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 4 Hours Half Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private Tour: $180
- 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- AAAAA Top National Natural Preserve Dinghu Mountain Private Tour: $300
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
- Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
- Best of Guangzhou City Sightseeing: $110
- Big Buddha Mountain Martial Art Culture Countryside Private Tour: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Guangzhou. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Guangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou 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.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou 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.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Guangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.