Which place is cheaper, Wollongong 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 Wollongong?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?
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.
Wollongong
Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.
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 Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesWollongong Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Wollongong $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $144. 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 Wollongong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Wollongong $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Wollongong
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Wollongong $39
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
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Wollongong?
Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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 $9.25Wollongong $53
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 Wollongong
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:
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Lunch$7.85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Wollongong $22
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 Wollongong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wollongong.
- From Sydney: Jervis Bay Tour with Beach, Koalas & Kangaroos: $145
- Sydney: Kiama Costal Private Day Tour with Local Experiences: $562
- Sydney: Private South Coast, Highlands and Kiama Tour: $906
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Wollongong $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Wollongong?
Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?
Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?
Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Wollongong 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Wollongong in the Autumn?
Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Wollongong 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Wollongong in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Wollongong. 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 Wollongong this time of year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Wollongongin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Wollongong 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Wollongong in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Wollongong. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Wollongongin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Wollongong 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Wollongong and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Wollongong | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.