Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Nagano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Nagano, 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 Nagano?
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.
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Nagano $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Nagano $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Nagano? 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 Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Nagano $9.79
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano
Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $5.47Nagano $22
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 $2.72Nagano $8.16
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
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
- Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
- Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
- Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334
- Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
- Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Nagano -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Nagano?
Nagano has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Nagano, 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 Nagano?
Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?
Both Nagano 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. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagano in the Autumn?
Both Nagano 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. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Nagano 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 Nagano. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagano in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nagano can be very cold during winter. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Nagano. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagano in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Nagano. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.