Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Can Tho?
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 Can Tho or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Luang Prabang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Can Tho or Luang Prabang?
Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, and is best known for its canal network of floating markets, restaurants, bars, and hotels, Buddhist pagodas, and the beauty of the delta, which is illuminated in the evenings.
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 from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Can Tho Prices
Vietnam PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCan Tho $66Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Can Tho is $66, 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 Can Tho and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCan Tho $26Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCan Tho $52Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Can Tho 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: Can Tho Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Can Tho $12Luang Prabang $2.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho
Also for Can Tho, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $135
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $123
- Can Tho To Ho Chi Minh Private Car Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $51
- Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $35
- PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30
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
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Can Tho 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 dayCan Tho $28Luang Prabang $9.25
Typical Food Prices in Can Tho
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Can Tho:
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Restaurant Dinner (for Two)$4.93
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Coconut$0.27
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Mango$1.02
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Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)$6.60
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Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees$0.61
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Casual Lunch (for One)$2.65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Boat tour on Mekong river see the sunset, small canal, Vegan dinner, street food: $29
- Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural: $32
- Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
- Can Tho food tour voted by local - Vegan option is available: $38
- Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
- Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking: $60
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.Can Tho $16Luang Prabang $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sunset Boat Ride$1.90
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Half Day Floating Market Tour$7.96
Tours and Activities in Can Tho
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Can Tho.
- Private ecotour in floating market-nature reserved: $93
- Victoria Sunset Cruise on Hau River: $35
- 1 day-Tra Su cajuput forest tour pick up from Chau Doc or Can Tho: $155
- Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $37
- Boat tour visit 3 pagodas, Ancient house, see sunset on mekong river: $59
- CASA Authentic Bicycle Tour: $89
- CASA Authentic Mekong Motorbike Tour: $89
- Cai Rang Floating Market - My Tho & Ben Tre - VIP Private Tour: $125
- Cai Rang Floating Market Tour & Rural Cycling: $63
- Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $78
- Cai Rang Floating Market Tour with Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve: $92
- Can Tho Countryside Bike Tour with Fruit Garden Visit: $30
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 dayCan Tho $6.26Luang Prabang $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Can Tho
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Can Tho from other travelers:
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Beer$3.03
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Luang Prabang, we can see that Can Tho 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 Can Tho would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Can Tho 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 Can Tho Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Luang Prabang?
Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho 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 Can Tho or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Can Tho or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho 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 Can Tho. In July, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCan Tho 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Can Tho during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Can Tho is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCan Tho 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of rain as Luang Prabang. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Can Tho is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Can Tho in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCan Tho 26°C (78°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Luang Prabang. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the spring. Can Tho usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Luang Prabang. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCan Tho 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Can Tho
| Can Tho | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 332 mm (13.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 313 mm (12.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 365 mm (14.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.