Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Sendai $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Sendai 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Sendai $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Sendai? 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 Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Sendai $18
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 Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
- Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $9.25Sendai $58
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Sendai $19
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
- Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
- Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Sendai?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Sendai 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 more rain than Sendai. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Sendai. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai 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, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Sendai. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai 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, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.