Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?
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.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
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 Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesZhangjiajie Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Zhangjiajie $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $79. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Zhangjiajie $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Zhangjiajie? 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 $2.07Zhangjiajie $15
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 Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 $9.25Zhangjiajie $36
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 Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Zhangjiajie $23
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 Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $215
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Zhangjiajie $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
Both Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
Both Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zhangjiajie in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Zhangjiajie. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Zhangjiajie. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Zhangjiajie | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.