Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Turku?
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 Turku or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku 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: Turku or Luang Prabang?
Turku
Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.
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 Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Turku Prices
Finland PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTurku €159Luang Prabang €15
The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €159, 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 Turku and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTurku €76Luang Prabang €4.75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTurku €152Luang Prabang €9.50
Compare Hotels in Turku and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Turku 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: Turku Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Turku €44Luang Prabang €1.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku
Also for Turku, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $81
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $81
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€1.96
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: $61
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Turku 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 dayTurku €56Luang Prabang €7.85
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Turku €22Luang Prabang €2.26
Tours and Activities in Turku
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Turku.
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $109
- Experience Turku with a local guide: $289
- 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local: $164
- Floating Sauna Cruise: $1,477
- Full-Day Boat Tour to Nauvo Island: $80
- Full-Day Boat Tour to Seili Island: $112
- Gems of the Archipelago Sea 3-Day Kayaking Tour: $886
- Guided River Cruise with Scenic Views & History: $34
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 dayTurku €12Luang Prabang €1.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Turku and Luang Prabang, we can see that Turku is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Turku 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 Turku would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turku 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 Turku Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Turku or Luang Prabang?
Turku has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku or Luang Prabang?
Turku 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 Turku or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Turku is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 16°C (61°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In July, Turku usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 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 JulyTurku 16°C (61°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Turku or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Turku during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Turku is much colder than Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Turku usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 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 OctoberTurku 6°C (43°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Turku or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. In the winter, Turku is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Turku in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In January, Turku usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryTurku -6°C (20°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Turku or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Turku as well as Luang Prabang. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Turku can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Turku is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 3°C (37°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Turku usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 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 AprilTurku 3°C (37°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Turku
| Turku | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (20°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (58°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (51°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (25°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.