Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Pattaya?
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 Pattaya or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Luang Prabang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or Luang Prabang?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Pattaya Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $93Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $18. 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 Pattaya and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $27Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $54Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $13Luang Prabang $2.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Paramotor Experience in Pattaya Include Pickup Transfer: $212
- Full-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $205
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $204
- Private Transfer from Pattaya to Ayutthaya: $191
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok hotels: $155
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok City : $141
- Half-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $139
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $124
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $111
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $104
- Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Theme Park Pattaya with Transfer: $95
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$2.31
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
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $43Luang Prabang $9.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $44
- Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $53
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $53
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $59
- All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76
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
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $24Luang Prabang $2.66
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Andamanda Waterpark Phuket Ticketed Fun: $52
- Private Wachira Benchathat Tour with Transportation: $285
- 1 Hour ATV Off Road Adventure In Pattaya: $71
- 6 Hour Private Selfie City Tour in the Landmark of Pattaya: $101
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $38
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya Admission Ticket: $50
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $48
- Art in Paradise in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $14
- Baliblue Sunset Yacht Cruise Party with Music, Dancer at Pattaya: $134
- Baliblue Sunset Yacht Party Cruise with Music and Dancer: $273
- Bangkok Temples Private Tour from Pattaya – Full Day: $155
- Bangkok Tour from Laem Chabang Port including Canal Cruise: $213
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- 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
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $9.42Luang Prabang $1.78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Luang Prabang, we can see that Pattaya 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Luang Prabang?
Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Pattaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Pattaya is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Pattaya is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Luang Prabang. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.