Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?
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.
Noosa Heads
A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Noosa Heads $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $110. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Noosa Heads $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Noosa Heads
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Noosa Heads $17
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads
Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Airport/ Cruise Terminal Transfers: $234
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $218
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $129
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $116
- Private Transfer from Noosa to Sunshine Coast Airport up to 3 pax: $102
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (4pax): $99
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $89
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters: $79
- Brisbane Airport Departure shuttle Transfer from Sunshine Coast Hotels/addresses: $55
- Sunshine Coast and Noosa Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: $32
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $32
- Sunshine Coast Airport Departure Transfer from Hotels: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads?
Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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 $5.47Noosa Heads $33
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 Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Noosa Heads $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Surf Lesson$42
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Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$84
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Sunset Cruise (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.
- 1 Hour Self Guided Water Bike Tour of the Noosa River: $33
- 2 Hours Sunset Experience on Noosa River: $21
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $33
- Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Tour Combo: $184
- Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 11 pax: $261
- Bushtucker Cruise: $50
- Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $106
- Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $98
- Fliteboard eFoil Experience for Two People in Noosaville: $297
- Glass House Mountains Tour with Lunch, Lookouts, and Nature Walks: $171
- Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $28
- Mooloolaba Whale Watching Cruise: $56
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Noosa Heads $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads
Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $92
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $162
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $165
- Sunshine Coast & Noosa Scenic Food & Wine Tour Inc. Lunch: $182
- Noosa Hinterland Tour with Gourmet Lunch, Wine Tasting & Everglades Lake: $191
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour- visit 2 distilleries, a winery and a brewery : $195
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings: $277
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia and Noosa Heads is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?
Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?
Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Noosa Heads. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?
Both Noosa Heads 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. Also, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Noosa Heads in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Noosa Heads. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Noosa Heads | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 117 mm (4.6 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.