Which place is cheaper, Nanchang or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or Nanchang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?
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.
Nanchang
Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Nanchang $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Nanchang is $58. 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 Nanchang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Nanchang $20
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Nanchang $40
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Nanchang
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Nanchang? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Nanchang $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Nanchang?
Prices for flights to both Nanchang 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 dayLuang Prabang $5.47Nanchang $32
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Nanchang $4.56
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Nanchang $6.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Nanchang, we can see that Nanchang 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 Nanchang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanchang 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 Nanchang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Nanchang?
Nanchang has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?
Nanchang 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 Nanchang in the Summer?
Both Nanchang 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.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Nanchang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanchang averages at about 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanchang. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Nanchang. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nanchang 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nanchang in the Autumn?
Both Nanchang 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.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Nanchang. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Nanchang fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Nanchang. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Nanchang 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nanchang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Nanchang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nanchang in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Nanchang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Nanchang. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Nanchang 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nanchang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Nanchang. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nanchang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanchang averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanchang. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Nanchang. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nanchang 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Nanchang and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Nanchang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.