A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luang Prabang vs. Tianjin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Tianjin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Tianjin, 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 Tianjin?

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.

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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 Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Tianjin 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.

  • Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
    Tianjin Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    Tianjin $92

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Tianjin is $92. 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 Tianjin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    Tianjin $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Tianjin $70
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Tianjin

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Tianjin? 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.

Hotels in Luang Prabang


Hotels in Tianjin


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 $2.07
    Tianjin $37
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:

  • 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: $60
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Tianjin Hotels to Mutianyu Great Wall: $212
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin International Airport to Beijing Downtown: $208
  • Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
  • Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
  • Private Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall from Tianjin City: $178
  • Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
  • Private PEK Airport Departure Transfer from Tianjin with Bullet Train Experience: $168
  • Private Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Great Wall of China with Beijing Drop-Off: $168
  • Private Tianjin Port Transfer: Between Beijing to Tianjin Port: $160
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private One Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port and Beijing: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Tianjin?

Prices for flights to both Tianjin 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 day
    Luang Prabang $9.25
    Tianjin $36

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    Tianjin $10

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 Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • Private Tour to Uncover Tianjin’s Must-Visit Bucket-List Spots : $248
  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
  • All-inclusive Tianjin Day Tour to Qing Emperor's Tomb & Huangyaguan Great Wall : $278
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
  • From Beijing: Tianjin Highlights Day Tour by High-Speed Rail: $289
  • Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
  • Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $248
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    Tianjin $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Tianjin, we can see that Tianjin 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 Tianjin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tianjin 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 Tianjin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Tianjin?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Tianjin, 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 Tianjin?

Tianjin 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 Tianjin in the Summer?

Both Tianjin 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 around the same temperature as Tianjin in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Tianjin fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Tianjin. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tianjin in the Autumn?

Both Tianjin 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 much warmer than Tianjin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Tianjin averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Tianjin. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tianjin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Tianjin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.

It's quite cold in Tianjin in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Tianjin. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Tianjin fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Tianjin. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tianjin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Tianjin. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Luang Prabang is much warmer than Tianjin in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Tianjin fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Tianjin. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tianjin and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Tianjin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)


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