Which place is cheaper, Kobe 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesKobe Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Kobe $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Kobe $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Kobe? 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 Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Kobe $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
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: $61
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $299
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Van: $178
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $178
- Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Kansai Airport: $176
- Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $176
- Departure Transfer: Kobe to Kobe Airport UKB by Business Car: $161
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Car: $161
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $155
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $9.25Kobe $54
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $224
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Kobe $24
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 Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Kobe to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival Day Tour : $264
- 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $178
- 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $143
- 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $177
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Cruise Shore Excursion: Kobe Sake Tasting with Local Guide: $108
- Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $159
- KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $103
- KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $108
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $88
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Kobe $8.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Kobe?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?
Both Kobe 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, many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Kobe. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe 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, most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Kobe 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 more rain in October than Kobe. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kobe in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Kobe. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Kobe. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.