Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?
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.
Zagreb
Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.
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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesZagreb Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Zagreb $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $103. 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 Zagreb in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.50Zagreb $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Zagreb $112
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Zagreb
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.03Zagreb $11
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$2.27
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
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:
- From Private Transfer to Ljubljana and Lake Bled: $1,050
- Private Split to Zagreb transfer with Plitvice lakes & Wine: $1,004
- Zagreb to Rovinj: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes Visit: $823
- Private Transfer Tour from Zagreb - Split via Plitvice Lakes: $729
- Budapest: Private transfer to Zagreb or Zagreb to Budapest: $553
- Zagreb to Split: Personalized Transfer & Custom Day Trip!: $426
- Private Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park: $408
- From Sarajevo: 1-Way Transfer to Zagreb or opposite: $408
- Zagreb to Rovinj private transfer or vice versa: $290
- Private direct transfer from Zagreb to Rijeka with a local driver: $217
- Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to Moravske Toplice - Round-Trip Transfer: $202
- Transfer from Zagreb to Split with Entry Ticket to Plitvice Lakes: $196
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Zagreb?
Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $9.10Zagreb $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
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.
- Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $83
- Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $92
- Zagreb Food Tour: Bite into Traditional Dishes and Flavors: $140
- Zagreb Walking Food Tour - Sightseeing - Dolac Market Visit: $156
- PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
- Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.62Zagreb $14
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $28
- Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
Tours and Activities in Zagreb
Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (120min) Zagreb All Around Tour-all of the Lower town/Upper town: $89
- 2 hour Private Walking Tour of Zagreb: $64
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Zagreb: $70
- 4 Day Private Istria Tour from Explore & Enjoy: $1,657
- Amazinga Entertainment Entry Ticket 3h: $38
- Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour from Zagreb: $227
- Best Of Zagreb Walking Tour: $64
- Best of Zagreb Walking Tour: $105
- Best of Zagreb! Private Walking Tour; Meet the greats -Sit & Meet: $104
- Best of Zagreb! Self-guided Waking tour Sit&Meet Croatian greats!: $22
- Best of 4-Hour Cycling Tour: $93
- Big Zagreb Private Tour: $116
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.75Zagreb $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb
Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl, 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks, & Club Entry: $34
- Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $35
- Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $109
- WINE TASTING near Zagreb - drink and eat as much as you can!: $139
- Japetić Viewpoint Hike & Plešivica Wine Tasting: $151
- Hrastje Plešivičko Wine Tasting Day Trip: $175
- From Samobor Highlights & Wine Tasting in Plešivica: $193
- Plesivica Region Wine Tasting Half-day Tour: $259
- Castle & Wine Tasting - Private Day Trip from Zagreb: $267
- Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $290
- From Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $292
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Zagreb, we can see that Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zagreb 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 Zagreb Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Zagreb?
Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?
Zagreb 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 Zagreb in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Zagreb. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Zagreb. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zagreb 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zagreb in the Autumn?
Both Zagreb and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Zagreb 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zagreb in the Winter?
Both Zagreb and Luang Prabang during the winter 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, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Zagreb 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zagreb in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Zagreb. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zagreb 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Zagreb and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Zagreb | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.