Which place is cheaper, Penang 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Penang, 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Penang $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Penang is $148. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.40Penang $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Penang $114
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Penang? 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 Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.99Penang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.22
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $68
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $8.40
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.47
-
Island Ferry$0.59
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.66
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.34
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $275
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $174
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $140
- Penang City Hotes to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $80
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 dayLuang Prabang $8.92Penang $66
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
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Essentials Food Tour: $54
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.96
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$84
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$71
-
Lassy Juice$1.71
-
Dinner for 2$3.67
-
Street Stall Food$0.69
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.65
-
Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $54
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
- Penang Forest Island Catamaran Cruise with Dinner and Activities: $80
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.57Penang $57
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Butterfly Gardens$7.59
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.34
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.49
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.45
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hour of Penang Street Food Walkabout Tour The Heritage Site: $59
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $70
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $174
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $99
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bujang Valley Sharing Tour Old Civilization in South East Asia: $79
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $57
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $161
- Culture History and Local Life Penang Half Day Experience: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.72Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.96
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Penang. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Penang. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Penang. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang 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 less rain than Penang. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.