Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
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.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesKanazawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Kanazawa $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Kanazawa $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Kanazawa $9.66
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$2.31
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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 $9.25Kanazawa $58
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 Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
- traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
- Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
- Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Kanazawa $10
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 Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
- 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
- Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
- Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
- Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
- Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
- Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
- Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
- Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
- From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
- From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
- From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Kanazawa $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:
- Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Kanazawa?
Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?
Both Kanazawa 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, the summer months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the family-friendly experiences.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
Both Kanazawa 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Kanazawa 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 less rain in October than Kanazawa. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kanazawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kanazawa. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kanazawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Kanazawa. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.