Which place is cheaper, Zurich 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 Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Zurich, 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 Zurich?
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.
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Zurich $355
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $355. 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 Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.50Zurich $192
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Zurich $384
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Zurich? 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 Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.03Zurich $40
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:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Private Transfer between Zurich and Interlaken: $474
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $447
- Private transfer between Zurich Airport to/from Lucerne.: $336
- Premium Private Transfer Zurich to Luzern or (Vice Versa): $290
- Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Winterthur: $272
- Private transfer from Zurich to Basel, 2h Sightseeing stop: $267
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Neuhausen am Rheinfall: $265
- Private driver, door-to-door transfer from Zurich to Bern: $243
- Private Transfer Zurich city to Zurich Airport ZRH by Minibus: $238
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Minibus: $238
- Private direct transfer from Zurich to Vaduz: $233
- Private direct transfer from St. Gallen to Zurich: $221
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 $9.10Zurich $121
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
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $174
- Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.62Zurich $40
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 Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $107
- Afternoon Zurich Tour with Artisanal Chocolate and Rhine Falls: $138
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $101
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride: $82
- Chocolate Tour from Zürich Create Your Own Swiss Chocolate Bar: $211
- Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $107
- City e-bike tour: $49
- Day trip to Swiss Villages from Zurich - Small Group Tour by Car: $263
- Eiger and Jungfrau Glacier Panorama Tour from Zurich: $194
- Explore Swiss Villages: Interlaken-Grindelwald(Private Tour): $275
- From Basel: Zurich Tour with Chocolate tasting & Lake Cruise: $374
- From Zurich or Lucerne: 2-Day Jungfraujoch Tour: $674
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.75Zurich $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Zurich, 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 Zurich?
Zurich 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 Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Luang Prabang during the summer 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, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Zurich. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zurich in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Zurich. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zurich 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)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Zurich. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Zurich in the Spring?
Both Zurich and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Zurich. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.