A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Luang Prabang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Paphos or Luang Prabang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos 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: Paphos or Luang Prabang?

Paphos

Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Paphos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Paphos Prices
    Cyprus Prices
    Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Paphos 125
    Luang Prabang 15

The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is €15. 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 Paphos and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Luang Prabang 4.66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Luang Prabang 9.32
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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.

Hotels in Paphos


Hotels in Luang Prabang


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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Luang Prabang 1.72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • Private Paphos Airport Transfer via Vintage Mercedes: $177
  • CO2-Offset Transfer from Paphos Airport to Limassol City by Van: $133
  • CO2-Offset Private Car Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis: $98
  • Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $93
  • Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
  • Private Transfer from Paphos city hotels to Limassol Cruise Port: $58
  • Blue Lagoon trip with Transfer from Paphos including 1 hour swim: $45
  • Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
  • Famous Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise with transfer: $40
  • Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Water Slide & Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Blue Lagoon Boat Adventure with Bus Transfer from Paphos: $37
  • Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide & Paphos hotel transfers: $34

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    1.92

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
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
  • Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67

Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Paphos 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paphos 65
    Luang Prabang 7.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.

  • From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $67
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $78
  • Cyprus Food Tour: Old Town of Paphos, Cypriot Dishes and Drinks: $79

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:

  • The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Meals 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Luang Prabang 2.22

Tours and Activities in Paphos

Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos): $65
  • 2 Hours Private Wellness Experience: $135
  • Adonis waterfalls Buggy Adventure: $107
  • Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $78
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide From Paphos: $41
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour: $30
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise, Aphrodite's Grotto & Sea Caves from Paphos: $46
  • CYPRUS: Private Luxury Picnic Experience: $125
  • Cruise and 4X4 Safari Tour at Akamas Peninsula from Aphrodite Hills: $108
  • Cruise and 4X4 Safari Tour at Akamas Peninsula from Paphos: $109
  • Cruise from Paphos Harbour to Blue Lagoon: All Inclusive: $90
  • Cyprus Heritage Experience: $59

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
  • Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
  • Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
  • Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
  • Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
  • Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
  • Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $25
  • 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
  • Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Luang Prabang 1.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • From Troodos Mountains & Villages Free Wine Tasting: $62
  • Scenic Troodos Mountains Tour with Wine Tasting from Paphos: $65
  • Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $69
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $74
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $77
  • Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $89
  • Taste of Paphos Hills: Boutique Wine Tour & Scenic Escape: $117
  • Paphos Hills: Boutique Wine Tour & Scenic Escape - 4+ Guests: $132
  • Paphos Half Day-Free Wine Tasting- Max 7p Group -Full A/C: $572
  • Troodos Mountains -Free Wine Tasting- Max 7p Group -Full A/C: $572


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Luang Prabang, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paphos or Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Luang Prabang?

Paphos 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 Paphos or Luang Prabang in the Summer?

Both Luang Prabang and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paphos 27°C (80°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Luang Prabang. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Paphos is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paphos 21°C (70°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Luang Prabang. Many travelers come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

In January, Paphos is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paphos 12°C (53°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

Both Luang Prabang and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Paphos is much colder than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paphos 17°C (62°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Paphos

Paphos Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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