Which place is cheaper, Nagasaki 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.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Nagasaki?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?
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.
Nagasaki
Set in a natural harbor on the northwest coast of Japan, Nagasaki is a Japanese city synonymous with a key moment during WWII after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in 1945. While the event is memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, the city in no way is defined by the event. Today it exists as a culturally and religiously diverse port town with a certain charm amongst the terraces of surrounding hills.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesNagasaki Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Nagasaki $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Nagasaki is $114. 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 Nagasaki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Nagasaki $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Nagasaki $98
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Nagasaki
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Nagasaki $19
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$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki
Also for Nagasaki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $196
- Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $196
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Nagasaki?
Prices for flights to both Nagasaki 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 $9.25Nagasaki $50
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
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking with a Local Okaasan at Kominka in Ojika Island Nagasaki: $41
- Sunset Beach Dinner: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Nagasaki $23
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Tours and Activities in Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Customizable Full-Day Private Tours in Nagasaki with private car: $300
- Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Experience farming (rice cultivation) in terraced rice paddies: $38
- Finding Local Cats and Hidden Alleys of Nagasaki Walking Tour: $62
- Full day Private Tour for Shore Excursion in Nagasaki: $206
- Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $13
- Mochitsuki Rice Cake Making Experience in Ojika Island: $78
- Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $256
- Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
- Nagasaki GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $12
- Nagasaki Gyoza&Soy Sauce Ramen Culinary Experience: $83
- Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $117
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Nagasaki $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Nagasaki, we can see that Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Nagasaki?
Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?
Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Nagasaki 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 less rain than Nagasaki. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nagasaki 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagasaki in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Nagasaki. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Nagasaki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Nagasaki. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Nagasaki 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagasaki in the Winter?
Both Nagasaki and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Nagasaki 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagasaki in the Spring?
Both Nagasaki and Luang Prabang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nagasaki 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Nagasaki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 334 mm (13.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.