Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Kyoto $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $109. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.53Kyoto $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Kyoto $122
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.04Kyoto $7.26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.28
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 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers - FREE PICK UP and DROP OFF HOTEL: $9.60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Private Transfer: Tempozan Port ↔ Kyoto: $295
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport: $256
- City-to-City Transfer, from Central Kyoto to Each City in Kansai: $254
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $247
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka City Hotels: $242
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $224
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $224
- Osaka Private Transfer to or from Kyoto: $207
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $166
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $154
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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 $9.14Kyoto $40
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
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Japanese Sweets (Nerikiri) Cooking Class & Matcha tea: $24
- Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour Hidden Tastings and Local Insights: $26
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings with Local Guide: $51
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class: Okonomiyaki & Japanese Cuisines: $51
- Japanese Cooking Class: $59
- Arashiyama Vegan Ramen & Gyoza : Real Home Cooking (Max 4): $64
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $69
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $69
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $70
- Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $71
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.63Kyoto $13
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
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $7.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
- 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: $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
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (4hours)Zero Emission Car Private Kyoto Tour with Japanese Guide: $282
- 1 Day Kansai Tour from Osaka: $63
- 1 Day Kyoto Customized Private Tour: $279
- 1 Day Matcha Farm Tour with Lunch and Bicycle Rental in Kyoto: $282
- 1 Hour Ninja Show Experience with Samurai Performance in Kyoto: $77
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $119
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $42
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
- 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour: $186
- 160 Years Authentic Seated Archery Experience in Kyoto: $119
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack: $32
- 2 Hour Private Tour of Arashiyama Highlights: $119
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.76Kyoto $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Izakaya & Pub Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $32
- Fushimi Sake Discovery Tour Tasting and Brewery Visit: $76
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes tasting): $80
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $82
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $96
- Kyoto Hidden Bar Crawl Pontocho and Gion: $105
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $109
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $154
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Kyoto. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kyoto. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto 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. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto 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. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.