Which place is cheaper, Shanghai 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 Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
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.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
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 from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Shanghai $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $132. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Shanghai $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Shanghai? 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 $2.07Shanghai $3.93
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:
- 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: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.64
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Two Subway Tickets$0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Shanghai to Xi’an Bullet Train Ticket with Local Hotel Private Transfers : $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
- Chartered Transfer Vehicle in Shanghai: $200
- Shanghai to Xi'an Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $177
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Self-Guide Tour Private Round Transfer: $171
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $150
- Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
- Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
- Shanghai Airport to Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $9.25Shanghai $38
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
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.40
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.29
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Cantelope$1.68
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Dumplings and Soup$2.10
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Duck Dinner$4.21
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Pastries$2.94
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Barbeque Dinner$8.97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.58
- MingleX Dinner with Shanghai locals: $19
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Public Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai : $50
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Shanghai Cooking Dumpling and Taste Local Food w/Vegan Option: $87
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Shanghai $8.55
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
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Half-Day Private Tour of Shanghai Bund with River Cruise or Tower View: $124
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
- Shanghai Park Martial Arts Experience: Tai Chi or Wing Chun: $60
- Shanghai Yu Garden and Bund Private Walking Tour: $25
- Shanghai private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town and tallest tower: $230
- Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $216
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
- shanghai water town tour zhujiajiao: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai City Private Tour + Zhujiajiao Water Town: $230
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Shanghai $7.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
Shanghai 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 more rain in July than Shanghai. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Shanghai. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shanghai. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 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.