Which place is cheaper, Manila 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Manila, 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 Manila?
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.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. 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 Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Manila $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Manila? 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 and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Manila $14
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:
- 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: $61
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $65
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25Manila $31
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $68
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Manila $19
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
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $265
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $82
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $365
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,305
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $73
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Manila $9.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Manila, 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 Manila?
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 Luang Prabang or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Luang Prabang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila 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 less rain in July than Manila. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Manila. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Manila. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Manila. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Manila. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.