Which place is cheaper, Mashiko 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 Mashiko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?
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.
Mashiko
Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.
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 Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesMashiko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Mashiko $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $83. 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 Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Mashiko $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Mashiko? 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 $2.07Mashiko $12
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko 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 $9.25Mashiko $41
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.Luang Prabang $2.66Mashiko $9.17
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Mashiko $5.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko 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 Mashiko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mashiko 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 Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Mashiko?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?
Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?
Both Mashiko 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 hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Mashiko in the Autumn?
Both Mashiko 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, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Mashiko 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 October than Mashiko. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Mashiko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Mashiko can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Mashiko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Mashiko. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the small town charm during these months.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.