Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Tromso, 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 Tromso?
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.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesTromso Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Tromso $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $89. 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 Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.53Tromso $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Tromso $70
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Tromso? 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 Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.04Tromso $12
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 Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport TOS to Tromso City: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso 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 $9.14Tromso $46
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $226
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.63Tromso $7.08
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 Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $96
- 5 Fjords Tour by Minivan in 4 Hours: $205
- A Tromsø Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- An All-Inclusive Tour - Aurora & Arctic Experience: $259
- Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran: $157
- Arctic Stand Up Paddleboarding Adventure near Tromsø: $193
- Aurora tour with free portrait and bonfire: $157
- Discover Tromsø: A Self-Guided Tour: $3.53
- Evening Fishing Cruise: $172
- Evening tour: Sledding, mini skiing, lasso and reindeer hides: $76
- Express Fjord Road trip with Cruise Ship Pick up and Drop off: $124
- Fjord & History Cruise: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.76Tromso $5.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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 Tromso is in Europe, 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 Tromso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tromso 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 Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Tromso?
Tromso has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Tromso, 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 Tromso?
Tromso 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 Tromso in the Summer?
Both Tromso 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, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Tromso. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tromso in the Autumn?
Both Tromso 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. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Tromso in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Tromso 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Tromso. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tromso in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Tromso. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Tromso can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Tromso averages at about -4°C (25°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Tromso. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Tromso in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Tromso. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Tromso. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.