Which place is cheaper, Sapporo 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 Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
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.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Sapporo $16
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:
- 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 Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $9.25Sapporo $54
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Sapporo $17
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
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
- 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
- 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
- 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
- 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
- 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
- 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
- Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
- Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
- Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
- Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Sapporo?
Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?
Both Sapporo 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 travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sapporo in the Autumn?
Both Sapporo 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. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Sapporo 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 October than Sapporo. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sapporo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sapporo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).
Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sapporo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Sapporo. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.