Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru 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.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Johor Bahru?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Johor Bahru, 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 Johor Bahru?
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.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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 Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Johor Bahru $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $66. 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 Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.40Johor Bahru $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Johor Bahru $82
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Johor Bahru? 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 and Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.99Johor Bahru $13
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$2.22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $8.40
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $68
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- Private Transfer from Legoland (Malaysia) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): $291
- Johor Bharu to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $275
- °Sit Back & Relax - JB to Malacca MPV Transfer: $241
- Private Transfer from Johor Bahru city to Malacca Cruise Port: $240
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Transfer [Car]: $214
- LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $188
- Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Hotels (Door to Door) Private Transfer: $180
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Penang Island Transfer [Van]: $157
- Johor Hotels to Malacca Hotels (Door to Door) Transfer: $141
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Besut Transfer [Van]: $136
- Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL): $136
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru 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 $8.92Johor Bahru $16
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
- 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
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $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 Johor Bahru
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johor Bahru.
- Singapore: Christmas Dinner Cruise with 7 Course XMAS Menu: $289
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.57Johor Bahru $8.04
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–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Kuang Si Waterfall Luang Prabang Tour by Minivan: $31
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Adventure Cove Waterpark Admission Ticket: $39
- Adventure Cove Waterpark Sentosa Island Singapore AdmissionTicket: $30
- Adventure Cove Waterpark Tickets: $49
- Adventure Waterpark Ticket Desaru Coast: $19
- DaVinci & The Wheel of Time - Cinematic Walkthrough VR Experience: $19
- Dino Rescue Squad - Cinematic Walkthrough VR Experience: $19
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.53
- Johor Bahru : Seadoo JetSki 30mins Self Ride Tour (Double): $86
- Johor Bahru : Seadoo JetSki 30mins Self Ride Tour(Single): $62
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Johor Day Tour - Lasertag, Eco Farm, Go Kart [Car]: $276
- Johor Day Tour - Ostrich Farm, Beach, Waterfall, Fireflies [Car]: $279
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.72Johor Bahru $5.25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Johor Bahru, we can see that Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Johor Bahru?
Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Johor Bahru, 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.
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.