Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Matsue?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Matsue, 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Matsue $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Matsue $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Matsue? 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 Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Matsue $20
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:
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $5.47Matsue $27
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Matsue $8.81
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Matsue $6.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Matsue?
Matsue has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Matsue. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Matsue in the Autumn?
Both Matsue 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 Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Matsue. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Matsue in the Winter?
Both Matsue 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 Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Matsue can be very cold during winter. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Matsue in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Matsue 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 Matsue. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.