Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Nanjing $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $96. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Nanjing $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Nanjing? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Nanjing $38
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:
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
- Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $163
- Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $120
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $114
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
- Nanjing to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $90
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
- Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing Lukou Airport: $88
- Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing : $88
- Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
- Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $5.47Nanjing $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 Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Nanjing $9.27
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- All-inclusive Customized Nanjing Layover Tour: $201
- Beijing Great Wall Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train with Private Car Service: $282
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $164
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Zhenjiang Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $197
- Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $165
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Nanjing $9.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Nanjing. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Nanjing. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Luang Prabang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Nanjing. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nanjing. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.