Which city is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luang Prabang vs. Kuala Lumpur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?
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.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Kuala Lumpur $51
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $51. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.78Kuala Lumpur $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $12Kuala Lumpur $62
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur? 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 Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.13Kuala Lumpur $5.36
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$2.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- private transfer luang prabang to vang vieng: $150
- Shared transfer from Luang Prabang to Phonesavanh, Xieng Khouang: $29
- Shared Transfer from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: $21
- Shared Departure Transfer from Hotel to Luang Prabang Airport: $6.67
- Private transfer to Tad Sae Waterfalls: $20
- Private Transfer: Luang Prabang Hotels to Vang Vieng Hotels: $307
- Private Car Transfer Between Luang Prabang & Vang Vieng: $215
- Morning alms giving ceremory, market and transfer to Kuangsi falls: $45
- Luang Prabang/Nong Khiaw: Private Transfer Service: $120
- Luang Prabang and Vientiane City Private Air conditional transfer: $153
- Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng on Private Air Conditional Transfer: $80
- Luang Prabang Private airport transfer: $28
Typical Local Transportation prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.53
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.75
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Short Taxi Ride$3.53
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Taxi From Airport$21
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Bus from Airport$1.89
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hired And Drive - Transfer: $730
- KLIA Group Perway Private Transfer with VIP Meet and Greet: $375
- Private Land Transfer from KL Hotels and KLIA to Taman Negara: $361
- Private Transfer to Singapore with sightseeing in Putra Mosque and Malacca: $353
- Land Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Redang Island (Merang Jetty): $348
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Car]: $335
- Kuala Lumpur To Singapore Transfer: $309
- Kuala Lumpur City Hotel to Penang Island (One Way Private Transfer): $290
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Car]: $289
- KUL Hotel to Singapore(One Way Transfer): $270
- Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $259
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur 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 $5.49Kuala Lumpur $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:
- Cooking Class: $35
- Authentic Lao Cooking Experience in Luang Prabang: $38
- Luang Prang Cooking Class: $40
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $40
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $42
- Mekong River Dinner Cruise: $43
- Skip the Line: Traditional Lao Night - Dinner, Music & Dance Show Ticket: $45
- Half Day bamboo weaving & Cooking classes with the visit to morning market: $49
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $51
- Lao Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $57
- Traditional Market Tour and Private Laotian Cooking Class with a Local: $57
- Luang Prabang Bamboo Weaving and Cooking Class: $65
Typical Food prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$9.43
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.39
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Amazing Local Food Tour in Kuala Lumpur: $29
- Discover the Best Local Food Tour by Night in Kuala Lumpur: $39
- Malaysian Ramadhan Buffet Dinner Cultural Show - nearby KLCC: $40
- Small group epic food tour! Immerse yourself in the local culture too!: $44
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $45
- Market Visit & Garden-to-Table Cooking Class: $47
- Yummy Yummy Street Food Tour - Kuala Lumpur By Night (Guided With Transport): $53
- Old Markets & Beyond: Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $55
- Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $59
- Chef-Designed Small-Group Food Tour: $60
- Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Kuala Lumpur Private Street Food Tour: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.74Kuala Lumpur $12
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: $127
- 1 day Mountain biking and kayaking adventure: $101
- 1 day Mountain biking to Kuang Si Waterfall with Mekong river cruise: $117
- 2 Days Cruise From Luang Prabang To Huayxai: $192
- 3-Day Laos Classic Tour: $601
- 3days tour around Luang Prabang: $490
- 4-Day Discover Luang Prabang City Tour: $563
- A Venerable Cruise to the Pak Ou Caves: $105
- Afternoon Luang Prabang Sightseeing And Local Food By Vintage Tuk Tuk: $77
- Beautiful 5 Day Sightseeing tour to Laos: $500
- Best of Luang Prabang City Day Tour - Secrets of LPQ World Heritage: $82
- Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
Typical Entertainment prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$11
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.18
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Port Weld"+ Orang Utan Island + Eagle Feeding + Charcoal Factory (Private Tour): $234
- "Waterfall In The Rainforest" Templer Park, Batu Caves & Natural Hotspring Tour: $46
- (Base On Per Vehicle Price) KL Private City Tour: $123
- 11 Hours Nostalgic Urban Car Tour to Sekinchan from Kuala Lumpur: $195
- 11 Hours Nostalgic Urban Van Tour to Sekinchan from Kuala Lumpur: $56
- 11 Top Attractions: Guided Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $45
- 11 Top Attractions: Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $21
- 12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Full Day & Night Van Tour: $65
- 12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Ultimate Full Day & Night Car Tour: $193
- 13 Attractions Half-Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour - SIC: $10
- 13 Attractions Half-day Kuala Lumpur City Tour - Sic: $10
- 13 Attractions: Kuala Lumpur Half-Day City Tour: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.83Kuala Lumpur $5.59
Typical Alcohol prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kuala Lumpur than you might in Luang Prabang.
When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur?
Both destinations experience a tropical climate with warm 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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur 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 more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The temperature in Luang Prabang is usually 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur stays around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Kuala Lumpur. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October are around 26°C (79°F), and Kuala Lumpur is about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Kuala Lumpur stays around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang during the spring are popular places to visit. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The temperature in Luang Prabang is usually 28°C (82°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur stays around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
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