Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Suzhou $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Suzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Suzhou $58
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:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $9.25Suzhou $57
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 Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Suzhou $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Luang Prabang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Suzhou 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 July than Suzhou. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Suzhou. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Suzhou can be very cold during winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Suzhou. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Suzhou. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.