Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Tanah Rata $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Tanah Rata $33
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: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $9.25Tanah Rata $87
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
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Tanah Rata $39
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Tanah Rata $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Tanah Rata. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Tanah Rata. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata 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. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.