Which place is cheaper, Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
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.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Xiamen $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Xiamen? 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 $2.07Xiamen $6.08
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 Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $9.25Xiamen $46
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 $2.66Xiamen $16
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 Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Xiamen $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen 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 Xiamen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xiamen 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 Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Xiamen?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Xiamen 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 Xiamen. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Xiamen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Xiamen. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Xiamen in the Winter?
Both Xiamen 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.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Xiamen in the Spring?
Both Xiamen 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.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Xiamen 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 April than Xiamen. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 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.