A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luang Prabang vs. Khao Yai National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Khao Yai 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 Yai 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 Yai 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 Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai National Park or Luang Prabang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $62. 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 Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.72
    Khao Yai National Park $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Khao Yai National Park $72
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Khao Yai 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.

Hotels in Luang Prabang


Hotels in Khao Yai National Park


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 $2.11
    Khao Yai National Park $14
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:

  • Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Khao Yai National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai 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 day
    Luang Prabang $5.47
    Khao Yai National Park $17

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 $2.72
    Khao Yai National Park $8.77

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. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
  • Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
  • Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
  • Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
  • Elephant keeper experience option waterfall day tour: $115
  • From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Full Day Kuang Si Warerfalls & Rice Farming Experience in Living Land: $95
  • Full Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $164
  • Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
  • Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85
  • Full-Day Private Guided Pak Ou Caves & Ethnic Village Tour: $159
  • Full-Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang with Vintage Jeep: $170

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.82
    Khao Yai National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang or Khao Yai National Park?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Khao Yai National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Khao Yai National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Park. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Khao Yai National Park. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Yai National Park throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in October than Khao Yai National Park. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Luang Prabang is generally cooler than Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Luang Prabang during the spring 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 Yai National Park year-round.

Khao Yai 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 April than Khao Yai National Park. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


Related Articles for Luang Prabang
Related Articles for Khao Yai National Park