Which place is cheaper, Rotorua 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 Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
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.
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
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 New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Rotorua $4.99
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:
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 $9.25Rotorua $50
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 Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
- Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Rotorua $34
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 Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves: $179
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $202
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $206
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $223
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $226
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $162
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $579
- From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $177
- From WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half-Day Tour: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua 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 Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Rotorua. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua 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. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 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.