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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSetubal Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Setubal $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Setubal is $167. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.42Setubal $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Setubal $132
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.00Setubal $61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.23
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
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- 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
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $8.40
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $272
- Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $183
- Comporta Melides Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $152
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $97
- Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $54
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $23
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
-
Food Meals for one dayLuang Prabang $8.95Setubal $67
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
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Essentials Food Tour: $54
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal
For Setubal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
- Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrábida Wine & Food Tour: $229
- Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.58Setubal $14
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- From Luang Namtha Hill Tribe Tour: $540
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora : History, Heritage & Alentejo Wine — Private Tour: $148
- Évora : Love at First Sight – Private Walking Tour with a Local: $79
- Évora : Small-Group Cultural Walking Tour & Chapel of Bones: $79
- Évora Private Food and Wine Walking Tour in the UNESCO Old Town: $183
- Évora Private Walking Tour with Cathedral & Chapel of Bones: $113
- Évora Roman Legacy: Ancient City & Archaeology — Private Tour: $125
- Évora Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.72
- Évora Walking Tour: $54
- Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
- Évora to Monsaraz Private Tour: Village & Local Pottery: $239
- Arrábida Family and Group Kayak Adventure: $125
- Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $74
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.72Setubal $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $74
- Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $140
- Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $149
- Private Arrábida Wine Tour from Lisbon with Tastings: $165
- Private Arrábida Nature Walk & Premium Wine Tour from Setúbal: $183
- Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $229
- Évora Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $229
- Portuguese Wine Tasting in Lisbon with an Award-Winning Sommelier: $299
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.