Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar or Luang Prabang?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Luang Prabang $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $17. 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 Zanzibar and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Luang Prabang $5.42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Luang Prabang $2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Mercedes-Benz: $300
- Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: $220
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Zanzibar Golf Adventure in Paradise with Hotel Transfer: $148
- Safari Blue Zanzibar - Seafood Lunch, Sandbank & Hotel Transfer: $145
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $121
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $95
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $95
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $95
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $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$2.23
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 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
- 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
- Shared departure transfer from Hotel to International airport: $6.67
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $28Luang Prabang $8.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Cooking Class Tour: $75
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $97
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- half day tours spice Farm with Cooking Class: $130
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
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $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
- 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.Zanzibar $13Luang Prabang $2.58
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $26
- 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
- A Full Day Safari Blue Tour And Blue Lagoon: $140
- A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
- A Half Day Private Stone Town Tour: $85
- A Half Day Private Tour To Jozani Forest: $87
- A Half Day Private Tour to Spice Farm: $80
- A Private Full Day Tour To Stone Town & Spice Farm: $90
- Authentic Stone Town Walking Tour With The Local Zanzibar Cuisine: $67
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
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $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
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Luang Prabang $1.72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Luang Prabang, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa 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 Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Luang Prabang?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Luang Prabang. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar 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. It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Luang Prabang | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.