Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park, 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 Khao Sok National Park?
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.
Khao Sok National Park
In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.
Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.
You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.
To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Khao Sok National Park $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $88. 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 Khao Sok National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Khao Sok National Park $22
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Khao Sok National Park $44
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Khao Sok National Park
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Khao Sok National Park $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park 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 dayLuang Prabang $5.47Khao Sok National Park $26
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:
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Khao Sok National Park $28
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Khao Sok National Park $5.65
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park?
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 Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Luang Prabang during the summer 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 Khao Sok National Park year-round.
Khao Sok National Park 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 July than Khao Sok National Park. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Khao Sok National Park 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Khao Sok National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Khao Sok National Park. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Khao Sok National Park. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Khao Sok National Park 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Khao Sok National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.