Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Khao Lak?
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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak or Luang Prabang?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
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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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, 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 Khao Lak and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Luang Prabang $2.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
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 Khao Lak or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $61Luang Prabang $9.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
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.Khao Lak $22Luang Prabang $2.66
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $127
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
- Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $118
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $138
- From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $118
- Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $83
- Full Day Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour: $93
- Full-Day Rescued Elephant Walk with Guide Tour in Khaolak: $156
- Full-Day Similan island Snorking Tour By Speed Boat from Khao Lak: $112
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 dayKhao Lak $15Luang Prabang $1.78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Luang Prabang, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Khao Lak during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Luang Prabang. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Luang Prabang. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 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 | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.