Which place is cheaper, Picton or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Picton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Picton, 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 Picton?
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.
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Picton $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. 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 Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Picton? 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 Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Picton -
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:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton 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 $5.47Picton $20
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Picton $109
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $118
- 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
- 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $67
- Bays and Bush Scenic Tour: $97
- Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
- CRUISE SHIP DAY Hop on Hop off Yealands & Marlborough tour: $121
- Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $90
- Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour: $103
- Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
- Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge: $82
- Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort: $81
- Early Bird Eco Cruise: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Picton $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
- Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
- Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
- Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Picton, we can see that Picton 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 Picton 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Picton?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Picton, 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 Picton?
Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?
Both Picton 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 Picton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Picton in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Picton in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Picton. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Picton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Picton. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Picton in the Spring?
Both Picton 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 small town charm are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.