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

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Rockhampton?

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

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

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.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a city in Queensland, Australia with a population of around 75,000. It dates back to 1855 and historically the economy was driven by gold, mining, and agriculture. Today it feels more bustling than you would expect in an "outback town." There's traffic, suburban sprawl, and continuing growth and development. The city sits on the Fitzroy River about 45 kilometers from the river's mouth.

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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Rockhampton 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
    Rockhampton Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    Rockhampton $208

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Rockhampton is $208. 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 Rockhampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    Rockhampton $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Rockhampton $204
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Rockhampton

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Rockhampton? 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 Rockhampton


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 Rockhampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.07
    Rockhampton $19
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:

  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Rockhampton?

Prices for flights to both Rockhampton 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
    Rockhampton $86

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    Rockhampton $40

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    Rockhampton $13


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


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Rockhampton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Rockhampton 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Rockhampton. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in April.

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rockhampton in the Winter?

Both Rockhampton and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In the winter, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Rockhamptonin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Rockhampton 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton and Luang Prabang during the spring 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 travelers come to Rockhampton for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Rockhamptonin October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Rockhampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 16°C (61°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 23°C (74°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)