Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Luang Prabang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $96Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, 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 Izmir and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $47Luang Prabang $5.60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $94Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $23Luang Prabang $2.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Transfer from Izmir to Didim: $287
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
- Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $251
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $209
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
- Izmir Airport to Cesme/Alacati, Kusadasi, and Foca Transfers: $144
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Kusadasi International Golf Hotels: $143
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Cesme Hotels: $131
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Selcuk: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
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 Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Izmir 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
-
Food Meals for one dayIzmir $33Luang Prabang $9.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $16Luang Prabang $2.66
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $171
- 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Izmir Walking Tour: $185
- Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
- Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $161
- Day Tour to Pamukkale from-to Izmir: $240
- Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir with Lunch: $131
- Ephesus Excursion For Cruisers: $586
- Ephesus Full Day Tour From Izmir: $149
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.94Luang Prabang $1.78
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Luang Prabang, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Luang Prabang?
Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Izmir in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Luang Prabang. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Izmir is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Luang Prabang. The winter months attract visitors to Izmir because of the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
In January, Izmir is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Izmir is much colder than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Izmir
| Izmir | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (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.