Which place is cheaper, Setubal 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 Setubal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Setubal, 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 Setubal?
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.
Setubal
Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.
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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSetubal Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Setubal $175
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Setubal is $175. 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 Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Setubal $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Setubal $138
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Setubal? 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 Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Setubal $64
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: $61
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
- Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
- Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal 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 $9.25Setubal $70
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal
For Setubal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lisbon Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner : $205
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Setubal $15
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 Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Horse Carriage Tour on the Mountain in Palmela: $183
- Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
- Évora Catholic History Tour: $101
- Évora Jewish History Tour: $101
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $56
- Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $60
- 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $108
- Arrábida - Sesimbra: Nature Jeep Tour: $65
- Arrábida Kayak Tour with Secret Beaches & Beach Picnic: $186
- Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $72
- Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Setubal $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $72
- Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $143
- Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $156
- Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrabida Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Setubal, we can see that Setubal 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 Setubal 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 Setubal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Setubal 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 Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Setubal?
Setubal has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Setubal, 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 Setubal?
Setubal 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 Setubal in the Summer?
Both Setubal 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.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Setubal in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Setubal. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Setubal in the Autumn?
Both Setubal 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.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Setubal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Setubal averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Setubal. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Setubal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Setubal. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Setubal. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Setubal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Setubal. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Setubal in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Setubal. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.