Travel Budget for Luang Prabang Visit Luang Prabang on a Budget or Travel in Style

Luang Prabang, Khoueng Louangphrabang, Laos
Asia / Laos /
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Luang Prabang is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Luang Prabang?

You should plan to spend around $18 (₭384,834) per day on your vacation in Luang Prabang. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $9.28 (₭200,616) on meals
  • $2.07 (₭44,796) on local transportation
  • $11 (₭242,740) on hotels

A one week trip to Luang Prabang for two people costs, on average, $249 (₭5,387,676). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $18
    ₭384,834
  • One Week Per person
    $125
    ₭2,693,838
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $249
    ₭5,387,676
  • One Month Per person
    $534
    ₭11,545,020
  • One Week For a couple
    $249
    ₭5,387,676
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $499
    ₭10,775,352
  • One Month For a couple
    $1,068
    ₭23,090,040
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Luang Prabang cost?

A one week trip to Luang Prabang usually costs around $125 (₭2,693,838) for one person and $249 (₭5,387,676) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Luang Prabang on average costs around $249 (₭5,387,676) for one person and $499 (₭10,775,352) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Luang Prabang will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Luang Prabang on average costs around $534 (₭11,545,020) for one person and $1,068 (₭23,090,040) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Luang Prabang expensive to visit?

Luang Prabang is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

While Luang Prabang can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $7 (₭153,570) per day, mid-range travelers spend $18 (₭384,834) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $44 (₭950,887) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Luang Prabang.

Within Asia, Luang Prabang is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Luang Prabang.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Luang Prabang Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Luang Prabang?

The average Luang Prabang trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Luang Prabang travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Luang Prabang cost?

Luang Prabang on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$2
(₭47,687) 		$6
(₭121,370) 		$14
(₭310,764)
Local Transportation1 $1
(₭18,410) 		$2
(₭44,796) 		$5
(₭102,909)
Food2 $4
(₭82,648) 		$9
(₭200,616) 		$21
(₭457,946)
Entertainment1 $1
(₭18,568) 		$3
(₭57,768) 		$10
(₭208,093)
Alcohol2 $0-1
(₭7,635-22,904) 		$1-3
(₭19,294-57,883) 		$2-7
(₭48,616-145,848)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Luang Prabang is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $7 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Luang Prabang, such as Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel, Mad Monkey Luang Prabang, and Downtown Hostel. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Luang Prabang. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $18 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Luang Prabang. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel is a good kid-friendly option, and The Apsara Rive Droite is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Luang Prabang here.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $44. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Traditional Market Tour and Private Laotian Cooking Class with a Local - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $43, but during peak season, they can average $80. Prices range from $19 to $250, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Luang Prabang for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $11 (₭242,740). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $5.62 (₭121,370) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $5.62
    ₭121,370
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $11
    ₭242,740

Hotels in Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Luang Prabang

The average hotel room price in Luang Prabang based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $43 in the low season and $80 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Luang Prabang include:

  • The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel starting at $63
  • The Apsara Rive Droite starting at $125
  • Le Sen Boutique Hotel starting at $70
  • Luangprabang View Hotel starting at $51
  • Sanakeo Boutique starting at $119
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Luang Prabang

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Luang Prabang

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $2.07 (₭44,796) per person, per day, on local transportation in Luang Prabang. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Luang Prabang is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $2.07
    ₭44,796

Your safest bet on getting around Luang Prabang is to have it set up through your hotel. Recently, there have been multiple documented scams of tourists. Some vendors have reportedly been renting scooters to tourists and then "stealing" them when they're in the city. A word of warning: never leave your passport with a vendor as a deposit. In fact, when traveling abroad, never give your passport to anyone outside your travel party.

The roads are crowded and a little rugged, but not impossible to walk or bike through. The influx of tourists have made the sidewalks a tad crowded, but again, not tough to navigate.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers for $9 details
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat for $58 details
  • Chiang Rai:3D2N Transfer to Luang Prabang by Slow Boat for $106 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Luang Prabang
How much does it cost to go to Luang Prabang? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Luang Prabang
The price of renting a car in Luang Prabang will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Luang Prabang?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in Luang Prabang, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    ₭50,000


Food Budget in Luang Prabang

Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Luang Prabang can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Luang Prabang is $9.28 (₭200,616) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $9.28
    ₭200,616

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Luang Prabang is around $9 (₭200616) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $21. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Luang Prabang are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $1 to $3
  • Lunch: $1 to $4
  • Dinner: $3 to $6
  • Coffee: $1
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $1

Many of the dishes in Luang Prabang are very reminiscent of their former French control. You can easily find French baguettes and pastries all over the city.

If that's not your style however, Sisavangvong Road covers every type of food for every type of price. Stroll along this section of town to find just the dish you're looking for.

Traditional dishes to cross off your bucket list include the Lao version of fried spring roll, local watercress, dried seaweed with sesame seeds dipped in chili sauce, buffalo steaks and sausage or Luang Prabang Khao Soi – spicy clear mince and noodle soup.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

If you want to experience the culture in Luang Prabang, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in for $47 details
  • Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang for $52 details
  • Tribal Cooking Class in Luang Prabang Forest and visit for $75 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Luang Prabang

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Luang Prabang typically cost an average of $2.67 (₭57,768) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $2.67
    ₭57,768

A simple stroll down the street could be all you need to see the many sights offered in Luang Prabang. With temples and shops lining everywhere you look just meandering the streets is sure to have you reaching for your camera.

The most famous monastery in the city is Wat Xieng Thong. It's definitely worth the trip for a chance to witness awe-inspiring Buddhist traditions and a taste of classic Laos design.

But if you only have the time for one temple in Luang Prabang, you have to make it the What Chomsi. Sitting atop Mount Phousi - a 100m tall hill above the city - the view is indescribable. Head up the 300 (yes, 300) stairs for a sunset one night and watch the city light up below.

If you're dying to dive into local culture head first, you'll want to proceed to the Haw Kham. This former royal palace turned national museum offers everything you need to know about the local culture, history and traditions. Be sure to check for drama or dance performances in the adjacent theater.

For a healthy dose of Mother Nature, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls. While you're taking in the sights of the majestic waterfalls, have a stroll around the Kuang Si Butterfly Park. This area has always attracted swarms of butterflies. So walk through, be still and maybe a lovely little butterfly will land on your shoulder.



Why just watch all the fun when you get right in on the action? Many hotels offer services that allow tourists to get involved with local artisans and take part in activities like silk weaving, wood carving, paper stenciling, playing traditional musical instruments, cooking classes or you can eve make your own knife and crossbow.

These calming activities are not always enough for some adventurous spirits. If you just can't resist the chance to explore hidden treasures, check out the Pak Ou caves.

If you're the "go big, or go home" type, you might enjoy a day washing, riding and learning to train an elephant at The Elephant Village.

If biking, hiking or kayaking are more your thing, there are plenty of vendors to accommodate in Luang Prabang. Green Discovery Loas and Action Max Laos can set you up with the perfect ride and start you off on your next adventure.

You can also teach English in Luang Prabang at the Big Brother Little Mouse school. More information about that can be found here.

A nice way to explore destinations in Luang Prabang is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Experience Aroma Candle Making in a Pottery & Tea Ceremony for $29 details
  • Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing for $40 details
  • Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River for $35 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Luang Prabang

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $1.79 (₭38,588) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Luang Prabang per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $1.79
    ₭38,588
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.



Travel cost data last updated: Feb 28, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Luang Prabang

  • During peak season in , expect higher prices and larger crowds. To save money and enjoy fewer crowds, plan your visit for the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • By opting for a more leisurely travel pace, you can save money while enjoying the area's beauty. If you try to squeeze too many activities into your schedule, expenses can climb quickly. On the other hand, slowing down often allows for a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Luang Prabang has limited options for public transportation. You might want to have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour or private driver. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • Luang Prabang isn't a hotspot for hostels, so if you're planning on staying in a budget dorm, you may want to readjust your travel plans. A cheap hotel or an apartment rental could be a more suitable option.
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Even though Luang Prabang is a small city it has a huge personality - be prepared to be swept up by its charm and shocked by its cleanliness. Nestled at the intersection of two rivers and just beneath a sparkling temple on a hill, it's easy to see how this vibrant city became an UNESCO World Heritage city.



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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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