Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Bangkok?
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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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: Bangkok or Luang Prabang?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $105Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $105, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $18. 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 Bangkok and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $50Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $100Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.57Luang Prabang $2.07
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.51
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Skytrain Ticket$5.02
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$1.00
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Ferry Ride$0.82
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Taxi From Airport$7.85
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Short Taxi Ride$2.83
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Boat Taxi$1.57
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Trains to airport$5.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $237
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Aranyaprathet: $219
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Rayong: $204
- Ayutthaya Tour with Premium Transfer & MICHELIN Lunch: $195
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Pranburi: $191
- Bangkok Airport DMK to Kanchanaburi Round Trip Private Transfer: $191
- Private Transfer Bangkok to Koh Chang Pier: $186
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Kanchanaburi: $179
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Chanthaburi: $179
- Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Nakhon Ratchasima: $167
- Luxury VIP Transfer: Bangkok ↔ Pattaya in Majesty Platinum+ Van: $156
- Join Cycling in Bangkok (5 hrs) by Private Transfer: $155
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$2.31
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 Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $36Luang Prabang $9.25
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.28
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.41
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.94
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.28
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Pad Thai$2.20
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Airport Lunch for 2$17
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Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner : $22
- Viva Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $24
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $27
- Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $28
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $28
- Royal Princess Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise from Bangkok: $31
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $31
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $31
- Luxury Riverside Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River Bangkok: $33
- Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River: $33
- White Lotus Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok: $35
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $35
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 Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Luang Prabang $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$5.02
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.57
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.28
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Club Cover Charge$12
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$75
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Fish Pedicure$4.71
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.14
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Siriraj Museum (2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Day in Ayutthaya: Private 5 UNESCO Temples Tour From Bangkok: $123
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok Hindu Landmark Tour with Grand Palace, Temples & Lunch: $166
- Damnoen Floating Market & Optional Erawan Water Waterfall Tour: $105
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $159
- Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $57
- Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour explore The Grand Palace: $144
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $130
- 12-Hour Private Tour: Top Pattaya Attractions & Beach : $139
- 2 Days Pattaya Sunset Boat Party Tour: $142
- 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $30
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.65Luang Prabang $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Luang Prabang, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Luang Prabang?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok 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 OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Luang Prabang. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.