Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Tartu?
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 Tartu 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 Tartu 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: Tartu or Luang Prabang?
Tartu
Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Tartu Prices
Estonia PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTartu €132Luang Prabang €15
The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €132, 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 Tartu and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTartu €47Luang Prabang €4.71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTartu €94Luang Prabang €9.42
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tartu €27Luang Prabang €1.74
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€1.94
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 Tartu or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Tartu 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 dayTartu €65Luang Prabang €7.79
Typical Food Prices in Tartu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:
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Danishes€0.76
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Lunch for Two€4.93
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Ice Cream€1.27
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Cookies€0.51
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Coffee & Cake€3.47
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:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tartu €16Luang Prabang €2.24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu
For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Art Museum ticket€0.95
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Movie Ticket€3.47
Tours and Activities in Tartu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.
- Around Viljandi bike tour: $29
- Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $257
- Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751
- Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
- Private Horse-Drawn Sleigh Adventures: $212
- TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141
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 and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $70
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- 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
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTartu €16Luang Prabang €1.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Luang Prabang, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tartu or Luang Prabang?
Tartu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu or Luang Prabang?
Tartu 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 Tartu or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Tartu is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTartu 17°C (62°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tartu or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTartu 6°C (43°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tartu or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Luang Prabang. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Tartu usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTartu -7°C (19°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Tartu or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Luang Prabang. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTartu 5°C (41°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Tartu
| Tartu | Luang Prabang | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -7°C (19°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -6°C (20°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (29°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (53°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (25°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.