Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Luang Prabang?
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 Luang Prabang or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Gold Coast, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesGold Coast Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Gold Coast $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $119. 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 Luang Prabang and Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Gold Coast? 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Gold Coast $23
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $140
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $139
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $139
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $133
- From Gold Coast : Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $132
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Business Car: $113
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
- Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
- Mt Tamborine Shuttle Service - Gold Coast Return Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25Gold Coast $47
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Brisbane/Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope: $79
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
- Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $310
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Gold Coast $19
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
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 1 Hour Amore Tour: $235
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $201
- 2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $44
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $58
- 2-Day Dreamworld and SkyPoint Admission Ticket: $87
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $268
- 30 Minutes Virtual Reality Gaming Experience in Southport: $40
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $39
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $220
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
- Book Private Tour for Banff-Yoho-Kootenay & Jasper Parks: $682
- Brisbane: Springbrook 7 Waterfalls and Natural Bridge Tour: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Gold Coast $5.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
- Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
- Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
- Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
- Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
- Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
- Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $167
- Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
- Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $959
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Gold Coast, 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 Luang Prabang or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast 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 Luang Prabang or Gold Coast in the Summer?
Both Gold Coast and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast and Luang Prabang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Gold Coast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Gold Coast. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gold Coastin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.