Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Tokyo $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $176. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.53Tokyo $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Tokyo $148
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.04Tokyo $17
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$2.28
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: $70
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $805
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Hakone: $426
- Shuttle Van Tour Tokyo for 4 Hours or 6 Hours+Transfer Time: $368
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
- Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $292
- Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo by Sedan Car: $286
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $286
- Private Airport Transfer: Hotel in Tokyo → Narita Airport (NRT): $284
- Tokyo 5-Hour Private Charter with NRT/HND Airport Transfer: $273
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $269
- Airport Transfer: Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $269
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $9.14Tokyo $62
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
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.02
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.02
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Meal at Airport$6.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $19
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $22
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- Shinjuku 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- Asakusa: Senso-ji Sightseeing & Street Food Tour with Photos: $29
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $45
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
- Matcha Making Tokyo Number One Cooking Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.63Tokyo $66
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Kayaking Adventure and Whiskey Village Tour: $248
- 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 City Day Tour - Secrets of LPQ World Heritage: $82
- 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
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- “Daikoku Car Meet Night Tour | JDM Experience in Tokyo”: $255
- "Enjoy Tokyo Tour" Harajuku Meiji-jingu & Delicious Sake Tasting: $64
- (Private tour)ShinjukuUnfiltered Secret bar restaurant Tour: $255
- 1 Day Tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone from Tokyo: $189
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $146
- 1-Day Mt Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing trip from Tokyo: $338
- 1-Day Mt.Fuji Hiking Tour(Subashiri 5th to 7th) from Tokyo: $101
- 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour: $124
- 1-Hour Tokyo Tour in Lamborghini Huracan: $281
- 1-Hour Tokyo Tour in Tokyo Drift Mazda RX7: $281
- 100% PRIVATE Anime, Manga, Game & Pop Culture Tour in Akihabara: $99
- 10:30 local gathering and rafting tour half day (3 hours): $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.76Tokyo $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Nightlife Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $89
- Tokyo Shinjuku Gay Bar Crawl with Drinks: $90
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $102
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $109
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo: $121
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $131
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $147
- Private Tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and Riverside Walk: $239
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?
Both Tokyo 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. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Tokyo 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 less rain in October than Tokyo. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tokyo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Tokyo. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.