Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Hangzhou? 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 $2.11Hangzhou $8.11
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$2.36
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $5.47Hangzhou $18
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
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Hangzhou $20
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 Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Hangzhou $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Hangzhou. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou 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 October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou 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.
The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.