Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Koh Tao?
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 Tao, 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 Tao?
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 Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Koh Tao $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $37. 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 Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Koh Tao $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Koh Tao $28
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Koh Tao? 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 Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Koh Tao $8.67
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$2.36
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 Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.18
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$18
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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 $5.47Koh Tao $9.21
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 Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$5.46
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Breakfast$4.09
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.27
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$13
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Pancake$1.91
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American Breakfast (for Two)$7.64
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$7.36
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Koh Tao $26
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 Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$6.82
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Snorkel Rental$2.73
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$2.73
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $24
- Advanced Adventurer - 2 days ( Advanced Open Water): $277
- Basic Diver ( One Day Experience): $124
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $22
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $23
- Koh Tao Cliff Jumping Snorkeling Experience: $135
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $28
- Koh Tao Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour (Private) : $175
- Koh Tao Viewpoint and Snorkeling Tour: $55
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $33
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Koh Tao $7.14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$1.77
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Bottle of Wine$10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Koh Tao, we can see that Koh Tao 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 Tao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tao 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 Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Koh Tao?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Koh Tao, 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 Tao?
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 Tao in the Summer?
Both Koh Tao 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 Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
Both Koh Tao 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 Tao year-round.
October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao. Koh Tao 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 Tao. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Tao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Koh Tao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Koh Tao. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.