Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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 Okinawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
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.
Okinawa
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesOkinawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Okinawa $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Okinawa $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Okinawa
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Okinawa? 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 $2.07Okinawa $9.66
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:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
- Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
- Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Okinawa?
Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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 $9.25Okinawa $41
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.
- Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Okinawa $14
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
Tours and Activities in Okinawa
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:
- 1Day BusTour Yanbaru National Park & Cape Hedo,Kouri Island: $91
- 200m Parasailing Experience in Okinawa depart from Ginowan Marina: $75
- 2Hour Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City:(NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $69
- 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55
- Afternoon Adventure: Okinawa Local Cycling with Spectacular Views: $103
- American Village &Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Tour from Naha Chatan: $95
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
- E-Bike Nature Tour in Shuri: $103
- E-Bike Tour with Sushi Making Experience: $171
- Half Day Naha City Historical Bike Tour: $155
- Karate History Tour in Okinawa: $112
- Kerama Islands Okinawa Scuba Diving Adventure: $226
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Okinawa $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa 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 Okinawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Okinawa?
Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?
Both Okinawa and Luang Prabang during the summer 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 Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Okinawa 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 more rain in July than Okinawa. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Okinawa 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Okinawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Okinawa 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Okinawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Okinawa. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Okinawa 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Okinawa in the Spring?
Both Okinawa and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Okinawa 22°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Okinawa and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Okinawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 116 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.