Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane 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: Vientiane or Luang Prabang?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours in Laos, The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $14Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $14, 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 Vientiane and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $5.78Luang Prabang $5.50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.00Luang Prabang $2.03
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Private airport transfer from Hotels in Vientiane to Airport: $8.00
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
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$2.26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $6.07Luang Prabang $5.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Tour to Buddha Park include Evening Food Tour: $100
- Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $100
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
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $58
- Cooking Class: $58
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $59
- Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.40Luang Prabang $2.62
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $63
- Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $145
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $70
- Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
- Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145
- Private Vientiane Tour - Buddha Park included: $120
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $82
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
- Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $44
- Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45
- Foodie Walking Tour & Monk Blessing: $45
- Luang Prabang Street Food and Biking Tour: $47
- 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.26Luang Prabang $1.75
When comparing the travel costs between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, we can see that Vientiane is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Luang Prabang?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Luang Prabang. Vientiane 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. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Luang Prabang. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane 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 October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Vientiane during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Luang Prabang. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.