Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $14Zhengzhou $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Zhengzhou $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou? 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 $2.11Zhengzhou $63
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$2.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $5.47Zhengzhou $28
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:
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Zhengzhou $8.18
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Zhengzhou $6.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Zhengzhou. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Zhengzhou. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zhengzhou. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.