Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Pai?
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 Pai or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pai and Luang Prabang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Pai or Luang Prabang?
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $18. 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 Pai and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Pai and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Luang Prabang? 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: Pai Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Luang Prabang $2.07
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Pai 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 dayPai $42Luang Prabang $9.25
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.Pai $46Luang Prabang $2.66
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Luang Prabang $1.78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Luang Prabang, we can see that Pai 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 Pai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pai 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 Pai Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Pai or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Pai is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pai or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Luang Prabang. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Pai is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Pai or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
Both Luang Prabang and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Pai is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Pai or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Pai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Pai
| Pai | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.