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

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Havana?

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

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

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $17
    Havana $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.38
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Havana? 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 Havana


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $1.98
    Havana $19
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:

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $8.89
    Havana $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:

  • Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
  • The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.56
    Havana $11

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
  • Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
  • Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.71
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Havana, 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 Havana?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Havana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Havana. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Havana. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana 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. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Havana. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Havana. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Havana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Havana. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


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