Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Hue?
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 Hue 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 Hue 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: Hue or Luang Prabang?
Hue
Hue is a major city in central Vietnam and was historically the imperial capital. The city was the base for the imperial Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War the city faced many challenges. It was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During this time about 3,000 people were slaughtered for their political views, education level, or religious affiliation.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Hue Prices
Vietnam PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHue $56Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $56, 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 Hue and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHue $22Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHue $44Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Hue and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Hue 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: Hue Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hue $12Luang Prabang $2.07
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:
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Cyclo$0.45
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Short Taxi Ride$0.83
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Taxi Ride to Tombs$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:
- Full-Day Hue Tour by Military Jeep Including One-Way Transfer to Hoi An: $190
- Golden Bridge Trip with Guide, Lunch &transfer from Chan May Port: $159
- Private Transfer From Hue To Phong Nha: $135
- Hue to Hoi An Jeep Tour Private Transfer via Hai Van Pass 1 Way: $125
- Private transfer from Hue to Hoi An with fabulous stops: $125
- Hoi An: Hue Transfer stop An Bang Ghost town, Hai Van Pass: $122
- Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $114
- Private Transfer from Hue Phu Bai Airport (HUI) to Chan May Port: $101
- Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $100
- Private car transfer from Hue to Da nang or Hoi An via Hai van Pass: $98
- Hue to Hoi An Private Transfer: Sightseeing with English Driver: $96
- Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94
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:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Hue 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 dayHue $25Luang Prabang $9.25
Typical Food Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:
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River Night Market Dinner (for Two)$7.58
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Two Sugarcane Drinks$0.76
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Quick Lunch (for Two)$2.08
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$4.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.
- Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
- Walking Street Food tour in Hue: $26
- Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $27
- Eat Like a Local with a Local Hue Food Tour : $30
- Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
- HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $31
- Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $33
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.Hue $11Luang Prabang $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:
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Boat Ride$7.39
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$1.06
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Imperial Citadel Entrance$3.03
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Massage at Institute for the Blind$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hue
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:
- Bach Ma National Park Adventure Trekking Day Trip from Hue: $56
- Hoi An Guided Bus Tour via 4 Stops from Hue with entry ticket : $18
- 12 Hours Experience Different Hue: $179
- 13 Days Private Tour Highlights of Cambodia & Vietnam: $4,980
- 2 Day Nature Tour in Tam Giang Lagoon & Bach Ma National Park: $245
- 2025 Journey to Paradise Cave — An Adventure's Paradise : $57
- 3,5-Hours Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Guide with Local Gifts: $28
- 3-Hour Hue Royal Palace Small Group Guided Walking Tour: $23
- 6 Hours All Inclusive Hue Green Biking Private Tour: $98
- All Inclusive Deluxe Hue City Group Tour - Max 12 pax: $63
- Bach Ma National Park Day Trek Private Tour from Hue: $95
- Bach Ma National Park Tour From Hue City : $39
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 dayHue $5.49Luang Prabang $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:
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Beer$0.95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Luang Prabang, we can see that Hue 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 Hue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hue 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 Hue Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hue or Luang Prabang?
Hue has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Hue 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 Hue 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 Hue or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hue as well as Luang Prabang. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. September to December in Hue is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Hue usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Hue is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hue in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHue 29°C (85°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hue or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue 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 Hue is September to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Hue. In October, Hue usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 25°C (78°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHue 25°C (78°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hue or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Hue during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
March to August is the dry season in Hue. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hue is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHue 22°C (71°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Hue or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hue usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Hue is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hue in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHue 26°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Hue
| Hue | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 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.