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

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Pyeongchang?

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

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

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.

Pyeongchang

Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Pyeongchang 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
    Pyeongchang Prices
    South Korea Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $18
    Pyeongchang $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Pyeongchang is $133. 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 Pyeongchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.60
    Pyeongchang $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Pyeongchang $122
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Pyeongchang

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Pyeongchang? 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 Pyeongchang


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 Pyeongchang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.07
    Pyeongchang $24
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:

  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580

Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Pyeongchang?

Prices for flights to both Pyeongchang 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
    Pyeongchang $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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.66
    Pyeongchang $50

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 Pyeongchang

For Pyeongchang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Alpensia 2D1N Ski Lift Tour: $141
  • Balwangsan Cable Car & Samyang Ranch One Day Tour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.78
    Pyeongchang $8.69


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



When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang or Pyeongchang?

Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Pyeongchang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.

Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Pyeongchang in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Pyeongchang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pyeongchang. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Pyeongchang 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Pyeongchang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Pyeongchang. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Pyeongchang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Pyeongchang averages at about 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Pyeongchang. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Pyeongchang. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F) 
    Pyeongchang 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Pyeongchang in the Winter?

Both Pyeongchang and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

Pyeongchang can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F) 
    Pyeongchang 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Luang Prabang or Pyeongchang in the Spring?

Both Pyeongchang and Luang Prabang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Luang Prabang is much warmer than Pyeongchang in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Pyeongchang. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F) 
    Pyeongchang 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pyeongchang and Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Pyeongchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 0°C (33°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 24°C (76°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in) 15°C (60°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)