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

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios?

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

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

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.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios Prices
    Jamaica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    Ocho Rios $85

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $85. 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 Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios? 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 Ocho Rios


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 Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.07
    Ocho Rios $7.32
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:

  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Luxury Transfer to Sandals Dunn’s River from MBJ Airport: $300
  • Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Ocho Rios Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN): $240
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels: $200
  • Luxury Ocho Rios Transfer: $180
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $176
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
  • Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios : $170
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $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:

  • 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 Ocho Rios

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

  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    Ocho Rios $15

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.27
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $17

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.

  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue Hole Tour From Ocho Rios: $60
  • Blue Hole Waterfalls + Bamboo River Rafting Tour from Ocho Rios: $109
  • Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $165
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Tubing Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Dunn's River and Blue hole tour from Ocho Rios : $110
  • Private Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $60
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $75
  • 1 Hour Private Rafting Experience in Jamaica: $65
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV Guided Tour To Blue Hole & Spanish Bridge In Ocho Rios: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    Ocho Rios $7.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios

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

  • Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $113


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


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios?

Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Ocho Rios, 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 Ocho Rios?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios 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. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

Both Ocho Rios 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Ocho Rios 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 October than Ocho Rios. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Ocho Rios. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Ocho Rios. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)