Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Rotterdam $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $218. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.38Rotterdam $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Rotterdam $186
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.98Rotterdam $30
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$2.21
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 Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Brussels: $287
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $282
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Sightseeing Stop: $272
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $270
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $264
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $263
- Private transfer: Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in The Hague: $263
- Private Direct Transfer From Rotterdam to Vlissingen cruise port: $226
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Hoorn: $226
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $208
- Rotterdam to Amsterdam Airport(AMS) - Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $8.89Rotterdam $101
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
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $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
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza Cruise: $46
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
- Iconic Rotterdam Food Tour: 7 Local Dishes with a Guide: $100
- Food Tour by Bike: $104
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
- Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with Delicious Tastings: $104
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $129
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.56Rotterdam $36
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $70
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $30
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $195
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $223
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $70
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $163
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Best of small-group walking tour: $23
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $58
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.85
- Cruise Terminal Private Tour by Luxury Van: $346
- Cultural Walking Tour in Rotterdam: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.71Rotterdam $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is in Europe, 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam 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. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Rotterdam. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.