Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?
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.
Karlovy Vary
Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.
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 Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Karlovy Vary $113
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $113. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.38Karlovy Vary $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Karlovy Vary $88
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.98Karlovy Vary $29
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$2.21
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
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $165
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $138
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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 $8.89Karlovy Vary $51
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
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $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
- 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 Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.56Karlovy Vary $13
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $70
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 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 (Private): $243
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $241
- Best of Karlovy Vary Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $270
- Elegant Private Walking Tour With Local Guide: $305
- Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $46
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $269
- Home of Becherovka Visitor Center Guided Tour: $14
- Mineral Hot Springs Tasting and Walking Tour: $47
- Moser Glassworks Tour with Museum Entry: $17
- Private Walking Tour: $279
- Tourist Cinema Experience: $5.78
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $181
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.71Karlovy Vary $7.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary is in Europe, 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary 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.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary 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.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Karlovy Vary. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Karlovy Vary. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Karlovy Vary | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.