A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luang Prabang vs. London for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luang Prabang or London?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or London, 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London 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.

  • Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
    London Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    London $295

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in London is $295. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    London $171
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    London $342
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and London

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or London? 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.

Hotels in Luang Prabang


Hotels in London


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 and London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.07
    London $35
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
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    $20
  • Heathrow Express
    $25
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.76
  • Oyster Card
    $49
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $815
  • Southampton: LHR to Southampton Executive SUV Transfer: $701
  • Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $620
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $606
  • Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $606
  • Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
  • Cambridge: LHR to Cambridge Executive SUV Transfer: $525
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $507
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $489
  • London Hotels and Airports: Private Transfer to Southampton: $472
  • Heathrow to Southampton Private Cruise Transfer Luxury MPV: $472
  • Southampton To London Heathrow Airport Transfers: $472

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Luang Prabang $9.25
    London $81

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

Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $18
  • Tea
    $8.18
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $53
  • Morning Tea
    $8.66
  • Pastry
    $6.82
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $7.00
  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $41
  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $41
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
  • Pizza and Beer Bus Experience: $67
  • Pizza Express Dinner and Comedy Show Experience in Covent Garden: $75
  • International Stand Up Show & Monmouth K. Dinner in Covent Garden: $89
  • International Stand Up Show & Flesh & Buns Dinner, Covent Garden: $89
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home : $94
  • Borough Market Christmas Food Tour with Tea and Doughnuts: $96
  • Tea and Doughnuts: Small-Group Borough Market Walking Food Tour : $96
  • Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    London $44

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $113
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $47
  • London Pass
    $64
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London: $22
  • Courtauld Gallery London Private Guided Tour 2 Hour: $267
  • Greenwich, Real-world Adventure Game: $21
  • London King's Cross Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited: $30
  • London Natural Marvels Museum Expedition Tour: $209
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $40
  • Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour: $29
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $40
  • The Kinks Private Walking Tour of North Finchley: $260
  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
  • 1 Hour Guided AI Walking Tour from Big Ben London in Any Language: $31
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    London $21

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $34
  • London Calling Pub Crawl Shots Pints Pubs & Good Times: $34
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $34
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $35
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $44
  • Beer Babe Bar Crawl in London: $52
  • Historic London Pub Tour: $55
  • London Soho Rock and Roll Pub Tour with Guide: $65
  • East End Craft Brewery Tour: $67


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and London, we can see that London 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 London is in Europe, 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and London, 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 London?

London 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 London in the Summer?

Both London 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, the summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than London. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or London in the Autumn?

Both London 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year.

Luang Prabang is much warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than London. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    London 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and London. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in London. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than London. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as London. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than London. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    London 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for London and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)