A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luang Prabang vs. Nagoya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Nagoya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!

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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagoya 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.

  • Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
    Nagoya Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    Nagoya $113

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Nagoya is $113. 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 Nagoya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    Nagoya $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Nagoya $96
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Nagoya

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Nagoya? 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.

Hotels in Luang Prabang


Hotels in Nagoya


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 Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.07
    Nagoya $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • 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: $60
  • 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 Nagoya

Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $296
  • Nagoya Private Transfer To or From Suzuka Service: $292
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $285
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Port: $285
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (NGO) to Toyama Port: $235
  • Private Departure Transfer Nagoya City to Chubu Centrair International Airport: $208
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Cruise Port: $201
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Airport (NGO): $201
  • Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) - Departure Private Transfer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $139
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $139
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya City Hotels: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Nagoya?

Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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 day
    Luang Prabang $9.25
    Nagoya $49

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 Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour with Locals 【Private Tour】: $59
  • Osu Kannon Temple & Street Food Tour in Nagoya's Osu District: $83
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $159
  • Traditional Ukai Watching Private Tour from Nagoya With Dinner: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    Nagoya $13

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 Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Buddhas at a Temple and Tea Ceremony Experience: $91
  • 2 Hour Private Scenic Mountain Castle Tour in Gifu: $76
  • A Fun Car Tour to Inuyama Castle and a Phallus: $160
  • A tour to enjoy Japanese official gambling (horse racing, bicycle racing, pachinko): $72
  • All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour in Nagoya: $185
  • Arimatsu townscape walk & aperture experience: Accompanying professional photographer: $138
  • Atsuta Shrine Visit and Sweets Making Experience in Nagoya: $276
  • Autumn Leaves Private Tour in Nagoya: $172
  • Bus Tour to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go with Hida Pork Lunch : $81
  • Experience Being a Shinto Priest or Shrine Maiden at NAGOYA: $45
  • Experience the Soul of the Sword-smith : Samurai Spirit in Seki: $242
  • From Nagoya Kyoto Day Tour with Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu Lunch: $93

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    Nagoya $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • The Nagoya Restaurant and Bar Crawl: $40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Nagoya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nagoya for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Nagoya 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 around the same amount of rain as Nagoya. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagoya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Nagoya. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Nagoya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Nagoya. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagoya in the Winter?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagoya in the winter. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Nagoya averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nagoya in the Spring?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya for the activities around the city.

In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Nagoya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 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) 152 mm (6 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)