Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Nikko -
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:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $9.25Nikko $55
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Nikko $22
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $406
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $395
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $269
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $269
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $207
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $266
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Nikko?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko 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. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Nikko. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Nikko 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Nikko. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nikko can be very cold during winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Nikko. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Nikko. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nikko. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.