Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Mombasa?
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 Mombasa or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mombasa and Luang Prabang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Mombasa or Luang Prabang?
Mombasa
Mombasa is a beautiful, large city on the eastern coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and diverse marine life. Mombasa experiences a tropical climate year round, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 70° Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are April and May and the driest months are January and February. Temperatures tend to be more mild from May through October, usually in the 70's and 80's. Temperatures get much warmer from November through April, with daily averages reaching the high 90's.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $17. 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 Mombasa and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Luang Prabang $5.50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Luang Prabang? 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: Mombasa Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Luang Prabang $2.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Diani Mombasa Moi Int Airport Transfer: $160
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $112
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $93
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels: $79
- From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax): $75
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $57
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 Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $70
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Mombasa 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 dayMombasa $41Luang Prabang $9.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Special African Dinner: $46
- Sultan's Spoon Mombasa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Swahili Cooking Class Experience with a Local Chef: $65
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $135
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
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Luang Prabang $2.62
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Group tour to Tsavo East National Park with Buffet Lunch: $160
- City Tour with Ghalib: $75
- Day Tour Experience to Tsavo East National Park: $190
- Day Tour To Shimba Hill Reserve From Mombasa: $270
- Day Tour To Shimba Hills Park from Mombasa: $264
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani Beach: Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest Guided Tour: $75
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Elky Shimba Hills and Sheldrick Waterfall Day Tour: $180
- Full Day Group Joining Tour In Mombasa From Kilindin Harbour Port: $144
- Full Day Group Joining Tour in Mombasa from Kilindini Harbour: $139
- Full Day Group Joining Tour of Mombasa: $107
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Kayaking Adventure and Whiskey Village Tour: $248
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang City Day Tour - Secrets of LPQ World Heritage: $82
- 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
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Luang Prabang $1.75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Luang Prabang, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Luang Prabang is in Asia, 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa 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 Mombasa Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Luang Prabang?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Luang Prabang, 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 Mombasa or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Mombasa or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Mombasa is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Luang Prabang. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Mombasa is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Mombasa during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Luang Prabang. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.