Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Dar es Salaam?
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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam and Luang Prabang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Luang Prabang?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
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 Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, 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 Dar es Salaam and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Luang Prabang $2.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
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 Dar es Salaam or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Dar es Salaam 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 dayDar es Salaam $33Luang Prabang $9.25
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.Dar es Salaam -Luang Prabang $2.66
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
- Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
- Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
- Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
- Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
- Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
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 dayDar es Salaam $7.97Luang Prabang $1.78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Luang Prabang, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Luang Prabang?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam 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 July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Dar es Salaam is cooler than Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Dar es Salaam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam 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. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Luang Prabang. Dar es Salaam 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. Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Luang Prabang. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.