Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 Sydney?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Sydney, 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 Sydney?
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.
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSydney Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Sydney $207
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $207. 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 Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Sydney $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Sydney $206
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Sydney? 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 Sydney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Sydney $15
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$13
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Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- From Special Event, Festival or Conference Transfers: $659
- Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer: $362
- From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $355
- Airport Transfer from Sydney Airport to Hotels: $295
- Private City, Harbour, and Bondi Tour with Transfer: $274
- Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
- Private Transfer from Sydney City Hotels to Newcastle Cruise Port: $252
- Private Transfer - Sydney Airport (SYD) to Newcastle Cruise Port: $252
- Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $250
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney CBD/Downtown to Sydney Airport 1-11 people: $242
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $242
- Featherdale Wildlife Park with Exclusive Private Transfers: $234
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney 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 $9.25Sydney $77
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
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.62
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Lunch Special$9.81
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.81
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Meat Pies$3.27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $49
- Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $49
- Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $50
- Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
- Fish Market Food Tour: $63
- Taste of Sydney Fish Market Food Tour: $64
- Kids Cooking Classes: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Sydney $31
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
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$29
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$125
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Powerhouse Museum$9.85
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sunrise Serenity Kayak Tour of Sydney Harbour: $104
- #1 Blue Mountains Tour Scenic World Waterfalls Wildlife Park: $188
- 1 Day Thredbo Snow Adventure: $113
- 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour From Sydney: $117
- 1/2 day Sydney Sightseeing and Bondi Beach Tour: $45
- 14-Day Sydney to Cairns, Fraser, Whitsundays Comfort Tour: $5,597
- 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99
- 3 Hours Elvis Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $53
- 30 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Tour: $237
- 45-Minute Sydney Harbour Adventure Jet Boat Ride: $66
- 45-Minute Vivid Sydney Scenic Jet Boat Cruise Tour: $40
- Afternoon Discovery Cruise on Coral Trekker: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Sydney $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Wollongong Bar Crawl Go Out with a Gong: $15
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
- Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
- Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
- Marrickville Brewery Tour: $78
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $103
- From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $111
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
- Meet the Makers Sydney Native Food & Distillery Tour: $132
- From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $144
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $148
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney is in Pacific, 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Sydney, 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 Sydney?
Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Sydney. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Sydney. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Sydneyin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sydney in the Autumn?
Both Sydney and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sydneyin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sydney in the Winter?
Both Sydney and Luang Prabang during the winter 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, many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sydney in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Sydneyin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.