Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
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.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Yangshuo $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Yangshuo $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Yangshuo? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Yangshuo $43
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 $9.25Yangshuo $33
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Yangshuo $24
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 Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
- 1-Day Guilin City Tour and Ends of Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo: $218
- 1-Day Private Yangshuo Bicycle Tour along Ten-Mile Gallery: $119
- 1-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing/Chengdu/Shanghai: $497
- All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
- Day Tour in Yangshuo and Li River: $155
- Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama: $293
- Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
- From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions: $1,299
- From Guilin: Yangshuo Rock-climbing & River-tracing Tour: $282
- From Xingping River-tracing Half Day Private Tour: $102
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Yangshuo $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Yangshuo, we can see that Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo 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.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Yangshuo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
Both Yangshuo 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 October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Yangshuo. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Yangshuo in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Yangshuo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Yangshuo. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Yangshuo. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.