Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang, 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: Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang?
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, and The Best Adventure Tours to Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $40Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $14. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $19Luang Prabang $5.72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $38Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50Luang Prabang $2.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
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Tuk Tuk$1.36
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Bus to Vientiane$1.36
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:
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Nakhon Ratchasima 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $15Luang Prabang $5.47
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81Luang Prabang $2.72
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Elephant keeper experience option waterfall day tour: $115
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Full Day Kuang Si Warerfalls & Rice Farming Experience in Living Land: $95
- Full Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $164
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85
- Full-Day Private Guided Pak Ou Caves & Ethnic Village Tour: $159
- Full-Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang with Vintage Jeep: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $10Luang Prabang $1.82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Luang Prabang, we can see that Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 47380 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima 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. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 30°C (86°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Luang Prabang. Nakhon Ratchasima 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. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Nakhon Ratchasima during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima 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. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 31°C (89°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.