Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
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.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
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 Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesKoh Pha Ngan Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Koh Pha Ngan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $58. 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 Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.38Koh Pha Ngan $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Koh Pha Ngan $50
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.98Koh Pha Ngan $14
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.95
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Ferry Ride$15
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Gas for Scooter$3.28
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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 $8.89Koh Pha Ngan $19
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:
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates 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
- Luang Prabang Cooking, Pottery & Candle Experience: $57
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.19
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.19
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Ice Cream$0.60
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Juice$1.79
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3 Spring Rolls$0.89
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2 Pancakes$1.79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.56Koh Pha Ngan $18
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $27
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.71Koh Pha Ngan $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.76
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Koh Pha Ngan?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Luang Prabang during the winter 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 Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.