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

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Hiroshima?

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

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

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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima 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
    Hiroshima Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    Hiroshima $126

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    Hiroshima $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima


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 Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.07
    Hiroshima $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.31

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
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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 $9.25
    Hiroshima $52

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
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Laos: Prabang Plates 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

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

  • Hiroshima Night Walk & Traditional Okonomiyaki Dinner Tour: $52
  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    Hiroshima $5.58

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.

  • Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
  • Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
  • 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
  • Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
  • Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
  • Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
  • Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
  • Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
  • Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
  • Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
  • From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
  • From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • 1 Day Tour Onomichi Temples Exploration and Saijo Sake Tasting: $175
  • 1-Day Miyajima Sightseeing Tour: $186
  • 1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights: $161
  • 2 Hour Private Morning Tour Highlights in Peace Memorial Park: $103
  • 2-Hour Private Hiroshima Morning Tour: $103
  • 3 Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box: $264
  • 30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima: $119
  • 4 Hour Private Hiroshima City Walking Tour: $95
  • 7 hours Private Customizable Walking Tour in Hiroshima: $300
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Amazing Private City Tour with a Local Guide: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    Hiroshima $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


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


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences.

Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hiroshima. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima and Luang Prabang during the autumn 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, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Hiroshima. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hiroshima can be very cold during winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Hiroshima in the Spring?

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

Luang Prabang is much warmer than Hiroshima in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Hiroshima. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)