Which place is cheaper, Nagasaki or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Nagasaki $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Nagasaki $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Nagasaki $94
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 $2.11Nagasaki $18
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
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki
Also for Nagasaki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fukuoka Airport (FUK):Private Transfer to/from Nagasaki City: $474
- Nagasaki Airport to/from Sasebo City Private Transfer: $221
- Nagasaki Airport to/from Nagasaki City Private Transfer: $205
- Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $192
- Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
- Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
- Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
- Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
- Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $151
- Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $151
- Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143
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 $5.47Nagasaki $28
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Beach Dinner: $50
- Nagasaki Night Out Food Tour: $158
- Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Nagasaki $23
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 Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Experience Hasami Ware with professionals ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $119
- 4 Hour Private Cherry Blossom "Sakura" Experience in Nagasaki: $218
- Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $12
- Hasami Ware 2-Day Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $179
- Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $94
- Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
- Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $238
- Nagasaki Custom Full Day Tour: $194
- Nagasaki Custom Half Day Tour: $123
- Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $80
- Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
- Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Nagasaki $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.