Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi, 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Koh Phi Phi $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Koh Phi Phi $6.89
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
-
Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $5.47Koh Phi Phi $11
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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.64
-
Sit Down Lunch$9.27
-
Casual Lunch$5.73
-
Coconut Donut$0.27
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
-
Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Koh Phi Phi $45
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $160
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $97
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $69
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$14
-
Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Koh Phi Phi?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi 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 October than Koh Phi Phi. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Luang Prabang is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Koh Phi Phi. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.