Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Luang Prabang, 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: Phuket or Luang Prabang?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, 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 Phuket and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Luang Prabang $5.60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Luang Prabang $2.07
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 5-8 Islands with Pickup and Transfer: $221
- Jet Ski Island Hopping Adventure from Phuket Lunch and Transfers: $209
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $174
- ATV Bike 1 hr + Zipline Adventure 35 platforms with meal and Free Transfer : $160
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
- Freedom Party Boat Cruise By HYPE Boat Club Phuket - Include Pickup Transfer: $153
- From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $150
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Krabi: $135
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $131
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT in Luxury Van: $130
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City in Luxury Van: $130
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:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $43Luang Prabang $9.25
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $54
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
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 River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Luang Prabang $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Best of Phi Phi Island Adventure Day Tour with Lunch from Phuket: $50
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- James Bond Island Adventure Full Day Speedboat/Big Boat Phuket : $63
- Patong Trolley Tours: $55
- Phi Phi Islands Premium Speedboat Adventure Day Tour from Phuket: $67
- Phuket Night Food Walking tour : $106
- Phuket Scenic Horseback Riding Adventure : $70
- Phuket Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation: $172
- Aeolos Catamaran Tour to Coral & Racha Islands + Lunch: $80
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
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Luang Prabang $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Luang Prabang, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Luang Prabang?
Phuket has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Luang Prabang, 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 Phuket or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Phuket or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Luang Prabang. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Luang Prabang. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Phuket usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Phuket is a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
Both Luang Prabang and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Phuket
| Phuket | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.