Luang Prabang · Laos

How Much Does Luang Prabang Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips

Luang Prabang is a remarkably affordable UNESCO World Heritage site that offers incredible value for nature lovers and cultural travelers. While the destination can be explored on a solo budget as low as $59 / LAK 1,275,100 per day, the city also caters to luxury seekers with daily costs reaching upwards of $338 / LAK 7,319,074. Compared to regional hubs like Chiang Mai, entry fees for major natural attractions and historical sites remain notably low, making it an accessible choice for those prioritizing outdoor experiences. The pricing landscape is dominated by low-cost street food and affordable bicycle rentals, though high-end resorts significantly shift the upper budget tier for those seeking secluded luxury. Travelers should anticipate a peaceful pace where the greatest expenses are typically specialized tours or luxury Mekong cruises.

Is Luang Prabang expensive to visit?

Luang Prabang is exceptionally affordable for budget travelers but offers world-class luxury—expect a daily spend between $59 / LAK 1,275,100 and $338 / LAK 7,319,074 depending on your travel style.

Currency: Laotian Kip (LAK) (1 $ ≈ 21,667 ₭)

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Daily Budget

How much to budget per person per day in Luang Prabang

Budget

$59

per person /day

Mid-Range

$165

per person /day

Luxury

$338

per person /day

Trip Costs by Duration

Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$177	$494	$1,013
5-Day Trip	$294	$824	$1,689
7-Day Trip	$412	$1,153	$2,365

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$145	$406	$830
5-Day Trip	$241	$677	$1,383
7-Day Trip	$338	$947	$1,936

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$124	$346	$710
5-Day Trip	$206	$577	$1,183
7-Day Trip	$288	$807	$1,656

per person — Excludes international flights

Budget Buffer

Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses

It is advisable to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the Lao PDR E-Visa fee of approximately $55 / LAK 1,183,293 and local ATM withdrawal fees of $1.85 / LAK 40,038 per transaction. This extra padding also covers small incidental costs such as domestic excess baggage fees, which typically run around $2.19 / LAK 47,434 per kg.

How Does It Compare?

See how Luang Prabang stacks up against other popular destinations

Chiang Mai Luang Prabang offers a similar spiritual vibe but is slightly more expensive for mid-range boutique lodging; however, its major nature entry fees like Kuang Si Waterfall ($2.77 / LAK 59,930) are cheaper than many Thai national parks.

Vientiane While Vientiane is the capital, Luang Prabang carries a higher 'tourist premium' for dining, though basic transport like bicycle rentals ($0.92 / LAK 19,892) remains equally affordable in both cities.

What Things Cost

Real prices for common tourist expenses in Luang Prabang

Food & Drink (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Street Food (Khao Piak Sen noodle soup) A filling local breakfast costs ~$1.61 / LAK 34,938.	$1.61 LAK 34,938	A filling local breakfast costs ~$1.61 / LAK 34,938.
Beerlao (Large 640ml) in a local restaurant A large bottle typically costs ~$1.38 / LAK 29,837.	$1.38 LAK 29,837	A large bottle typically costs ~$1.38 / LAK 29,837.
Mid-range Dinner for Two A full dinner for two with drinks costs about $25 / LAK 549,058.	$25 LAK 549,058	A full dinner for two with drinks costs about $25 / LAK 549,058.

Transport (4)

Item	Price	Notes
Luang Prabang Airport Transfer (Flat-rate Taxi) This is a fixed price of ~$2.31 / LAK 49,984 per group. Tuk-tuks are generally not allowed for airport pickups.	$2.31 LAK 49,984	This is a fixed price of ~$2.31 / LAK 49,984 per group. Tuk-tuks are generally not allowed for airport pickups.
Shared Tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Waterfall Expect to pay ~$2.77 / LAK 59,930 for the 45-minute journey. Drivers wait for the group to return.	$2.77 LAK 59,930	Expect to pay ~$2.77 / LAK 59,930 for the 45-minute journey. Drivers wait for the group to return.
Daily bicycle rental Cheapest way to get around town at ~$0.92 / LAK 19,892 per day.	$0.92 LAK 19,892	Cheapest way to get around town at ~$0.92 / LAK 19,892 per day.
Shared slow boat to Pak Ou Caves Leaves from the boat pier near the peninsula. Cost is ~$3.68 / LAK 79,821.	$3.68 LAK 79,821	Leaves from the boat pier near the peninsula. Cost is ~$3.68 / LAK 79,821.

Accommodation (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Dorm bed in central hostel Highly rated hostels in the peninsula area cost around $8.3 / LAK 179,789 per night.	$8.3 LAK 179,789	Highly rated hostels in the peninsula area cost around $8.3 / LAK 179,789 per night.
Mid-range boutique hotel double room Standard rooms in traditional Lao-style buildings cost approximately $69 / LAK 1,497,477.	$69 LAK 1,497,477	Standard rooms in traditional Lao-style buildings cost approximately $69 / LAK 1,497,477.
Luxury resort suite (Amantaka or Rosewood) Ultra-luxury stays can exceed $1,012 / LAK 21,931,720 per night during peak season.	$1,014 LAK 21,964,618	Ultra-luxury stays can exceed $1,012 / LAK 21,931,720 per night during peak season.

Activities (4)

Item	Price	Notes
Kuang Si Waterfall Entrance (International Visitor) Entry costs ~$2.77 / LAK 59,930. Includes access to the falls and bear rescue center.	$2.77 LAK 59,930	Entry costs ~$2.77 / LAK 59,930. Includes access to the falls and bear rescue center.
Wat Xieng Thong Entry Fee The most famous temple in town costs ~$0.92 / LAK 19,892 for non-residents.	$0.92 LAK 19,892	The most famous temple in town costs ~$0.92 / LAK 19,892 for non-residents.
Mount Phousi Sunset Entry Best panoramic view of the city for ~$0.92 / LAK 19,892.	$0.92 LAK 19,892	Best panoramic view of the city for ~$0.92 / LAK 19,892.
National Museum (Royal Palace) Entry Costs ~$2.77 / LAK 59,930. Strict dress code applies (shoulders and knees covered).	$2.77 LAK 59,930	Costs ~$2.77 / LAK 59,930. Strict dress code applies (shoulders and knees covered).

Food & Dining

What to eat and what it costs

Dining in Luang Prabang centers around vibrant night markets and riverfront cafes, where a filling bowl of Khao Piak Sen noodle soup costs just $1.61 / LAK 34,938. A mid-range dinner for two in a boutique garden setting typically costs around $25 / LAK 549,058, while a large 640ml Beerlao to accompany the meal is a modest $1.38 / LAK 29,837.

Cheap Eats

Where locals eat — real places, real prices

Night Market Food Stalls

$1.38–$2.77 / LAK 29,837–LAK 59,930

Sisavangvong Road · Night market

The vegetarian buffet stalls are the best value for money at ~$1.38 / LAK 29,837 per plate.

Atsalin Restaurant

$1.85–$3.68 / LAK 40,038–LAK 79,821

Ban Wat Manorom · Local chain

Try the Khao Soy or ginger chicken; it's a favorite for both locals and backpackers.

Khao Soy Noodle Shop

$1.61–$2.31 / LAK 34,938–LAK 49,984

Opposite Wat Sen · Local food type

Only open until early afternoon; arrive by 11:00 to ensure they haven't run out.

Bouang

$3.68–$6.91 / LAK 79,821–LAK 149,697

Main Street · Local chain

A slightly more 'upscale' cheap eat with great burgers and Lao tapas.

Bamboo Tree (Cooking School area)

$3.22–$5.53 / LAK 69,875–LAK 119,859

Nam Khan Riverfront · Local chain

Their sampler platters are a great way to try multiple Lao specialties for ~$4.6 / LAK 99,713.

Buddhist monks in saffron robes collecting alms during morning Tak Bat ceremony in Luang Prabang, Laos

Getting Around

Transport costs and the smartest ways to move

The most efficient way to navigate the flat, compact peninsula is by bicycle rental for only $0.92 / LAK 19,892 per day. For reaching nature sites like Kuang Si Waterfall, shared tuk-tuks are the standard at $2.77 / LAK 59,930 per person, while shared slow boats to the Pak Ou Caves cost approximately $3.68 / LAK 79,821.

Luang Prabang Airport Transfer (Flat-rate Taxi) $2.31 LAK 49,984

Shared Tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Waterfall $2.77 LAK 59,930

Daily bicycle rental $0.92 LAK 19,892

Shared slow boat to Pak Ou Caves $3.68 LAK 79,821

Accommodation Overview

Budget travelers can find highly rated dorm beds in the central peninsula area for approximately $8.3 / LAK 179,789 per night. Mid-range visitors often choose traditional Lao-style boutique hotels at $69 / LAK 1,497,477, while ultra-luxury suites at elite resorts can exceed $1,014 / LAK 21,964,618 per night.

Dorm bed in central hostel $8.3 LAK 179,789

Mid-range boutique hotel double room $69 LAK 1,497,477

Luxury resort suite (Amantaka or Rosewood) $1,014 LAK 21,964,618

Accommodation Budget in Luang Prabang

Budget

$18 /night

Typical Range: $18 – $18

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Mid-Range

$69 /night

Typical Range: $59 – $82

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$142 /night

Typical Range: $124 – $165

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Money-Saving Tips

Insider tricks to stretch your budget further

1 Eat at the Night Market food stalls on Sisavangvong Road for diverse local dishes that are significantly cheaper than sit-down riverfront restaurants.
2 Rent a bicycle for $0.92 / LAK 19,892 per day instead of hiring private tuk-tuks for short trips within the Old Town.
3 Join a shared tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Waterfall for $2.77 / LAK 59,930 rather than booking a private car, which often costs significantly more.
4 Fill water bottles at 'Refill Not Landfill' stations located at various cafes to save on the cost of bottled water and reduce plastic waste.
5 Purchase local breakfast at the morning market near the Royal Palace where fresh Khao Piak Sen costs about $1.61 / LAK 34,938.
6 Book the shared slow boat to Pak Ou Caves directly at the boat pier for $3.68 / LAK 79,821 to avoid agency commissions.
7 Stick to local Beerlao at $1.38 / LAK 29,837 per large bottle, as imported wines and spirits are subject to heavy taxes.
8 Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the town's most iconic temple, for a single entry fee of $0.92 / LAK 19,892 rather than paying for multiple smaller temples.
9 Avoid buying 'alms kits' from street vendors for the morning ceremony; observing respectfully from a distance is free and avoids cultural exploitation.
10 Travel during the rainy season (Jun–Aug) when the landscape is lush and hotels offer significant discounts compared to peak season prices.

Hidden Costs

Surprise expenses that catch tourists off guard

Hidden Costs
Item	Amount	Notes
Lao PDR E-Visa Fee Official fee is ~$55 / LAK 1,183,293 for most nationalities. Visa on arrival is slightly cheaper at ~$38–$49 / LAK 816,064–LAK 1,071,084 depending on nationality.	$50 / LAK 1,079,755 (one-time)	Official fee is ~$55 / LAK 1,183,293 for most nationalities. Visa on arrival is slightly cheaper at ~$38–$49 / LAK 816,064–LAK 1,071,084 depending on nationality.
ATM Withdrawal Fee Local banks charge ~$1.85 / LAK 40,038 per withdrawal on top of your own bank's fees. Max withdrawal is often low (around $92–$184 / LAK 1,989,156–LAK 3,978,312).	$1.85 / LAK 40,038/transaction	Local banks charge ~$1.85 / LAK 40,038 per withdrawal on top of your own bank's fees. Max withdrawal is often low (around $92–$184 / LAK 1,989,156–LAK 3,978,312).
Excess Baggage Fee (Domestic) Domestic flights between Vientiane and Luang Prabang charge ~$2.19 / LAK 47,434 per extra kg.	$1.99 / LAK 43,098/kg	Domestic flights between Vientiane and Luang Prabang charge ~$2.19 / LAK 47,434 per extra kg.
Temple Footwear Storage/Tip While usually free, some sites may have a small tip jar (~$0.24 / LAK 5,100) for attendants managing shoe racks.	$0.24 / LAK 5,100/visit	While usually free, some sites may have a small tip jar (~$0.24 / LAK 5,100) for attendants managing shoe racks.

Common Scams & Ripoffs

Watch out for these tourist traps

⚠ Overpriced Alms Offerings: Street vendors near the morning alms route often sell low-quality or overpriced rice kits to tourists, sometimes pressuring them into the ceremony at inflated costs.
⚠ Tuk-Tuk Commission Redirects: Some drivers may claim a specific hotel or restaurant is 'closed' to redirect passengers to an establishment where they receive a commission.
⚠ Counterfeit or Damaged Currency: Occasionally, travelers may be given damaged LAK notes as change that are difficult to spend elsewhere; always check the condition of your bills.

Seasonal Pricing

When prices rise and fall throughout the year

Peak Season

Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb

+30-50%

Cheapest

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

-25-40%

Best Value

Mar, Apr, Oct

Peak season (Nov–Feb) offers perfect weather 25°C (77°F) but requires booking hotels weeks in advance. Rainy season (Jun–Aug) offers lush landscapes and significant hotel discounts.

Events to Watch

● Lao New Year (Pi Mai - mid-April): Hotels book up and prices spike +50%.

Woman wearing traditional Lao dress at Wat Xieng Thong Golden City Temple in Luang Prabang, Laos

Free Things to Do

The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing

1 Witness the Tak Bat (Morning Alms Giving) ceremony at sunrise along the main streets of the Old Town.
2 Explore the Luang Prabang Morning Market (Talad Mo) to see local jungle produce and traditional crafts.
3 Visit the UXO Laos Visitor Centre to learn about the history of unexploded ordnance in the region.
4 Walk through the grounds of Wat Manorom, one of the city's oldest and most significant temples.
5 Explore the grounds of Wat Aham, famous for its large ancient banyan trees.
6 Take a self-guided architectural tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town peninsula.
7 Watch the sunset from the banks of the Mekong River near the tip of the peninsula.
8 Volunteer for the English conversation hour at Big Brother Mouse to help local students practice their language skills.
9 Visit Wat That Luang, a significant temple located just outside the main tourist center.
10 Explore the displays at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) boutique shop.
11 Walk across the local bamboo bridges during the dry season to view the Nam Khan river (viewing the structures is free).
12 Stroll through the Hmong Night Market to browse traditional textiles and handmade jewelry.

Worth the Splurge

Premium experiences that justify the price tag

Pha Lak & Pha Lam Royal Ballet (Premium Seat)

Cultural preservation performance in the stunning Royal Palace theater.

$6.91 LAK 149,697

Mekong Kingdoms Luxury Sunset Cruise

A highly refined way to see the Mekong with cocktails and canapés (approx $82 / LAK 1,785,140).

$83 LAK 1,797,126

Traditional Lao Massage at L'Orientale Spa

Higher-end hygiene and skill compared to street massage shops for ~$21 / LAK 449,345.

$21 LAK 449,345

Popular Activities

Top-rated tours and experiences in Luang Prabang

View All Activities

Day Trip Costs

Popular day trips from Luang Prabang and what they cost

Nong Khiaw

Getting Around

$17 / LAK 359,323 by minivan

Entry

$1.38 / LAK 29,837

Total Cost

$44 / LAK 948,419

Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary

Getting Around

$12 / LAK 249,665 by shuttle

Entry

$101 / LAK 2,196,487

Total Cost

$129 / LAK 2,795,529

Day Trip Costs
Destinations	Getting Around	Entry	Total Cost
Nong Khiaw	$17 / LAK 359,323 by minivan	$1.38 / LAK 29,837	$44 / LAK 948,419
Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary	$12 / LAK 249,665 by shuttle	$101 / LAK 2,196,487	$129 / LAK 2,795,529

Payment & Money

How to pay and what to know about money

Currency

Laotian Kip (LAK)

1 $ ≈ 21,667 ₭

Cash Needed

Yes

Card Acceptance

Limited to upscale hotels and fine-dining restaurants; cash is king at markets and local cafés.

Tipping

Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving ~$0.59–$1.18 / LAK 12,751–LAK 25,502 for guides is highly appreciated.

ATM Tips

BCEL and JDB are reliable. Withdraw the maximum amount allowed (typically 2,000,000 LAK, approx $92 / LAK 1,989,156) to minimize transaction fees.

Bargaining

Expected at the Night Market and for private tuk-tuk hires. Aim for ~10-20% off the initial quote, but keep it friendly.

Connectivity

eSIM: $11–$14 for 10GB (opens in new tab)

Local SIM: $6.83 / LAK 147,912 (150,000 LAK) for a 30-day 20GB tourist plan.

WiFi: Widely available in guesthouses and cafés in the peninsula; speed is decent but can drop during rain.

Buy a local Unitel or Lao Telecom SIM at the airport for the best local rates and coverage.

Kuang Si waterfall with turquoise pools and cascading water in Luang Prabang, Laos

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

Methodology:

All neighborhoods verified by walking them
Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages

Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Luang Prabang.

Updated: February 16, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Luang Prabang expensive to visit?

How much does Luang Prabang cost per day?

A trip to Luang Prabang costs $59 / LAK 1,278,350 per day on a budget, $165 / LAK 3,575,047 for mid-range, and $338 / LAK 7,323,429 for luxury. These include accommodation, food, transport, and activities per person.

How much does a trip to Luang Prabang cost?

A 7-day trip to Luang Prabang costs approximately $412 / LAK 8,926,783 (budget), $1,153 / LAK 24,981,993 (mid-range), or $2,365 / LAK 51,242,336 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.

What is the cheapest month to visit Luang Prabang?

The cheapest months to visit Luang Prabang are May, June, July, August, with prices -25-40% lower than peak season. Peak season (Nov–Feb) offers perfect weather 25°C but requires booking hotels weeks in advance. Rainy season (Jun–Aug) offers lush landscapes and significant hotel discounts.

What are the hidden costs in Luang Prabang?

Common hidden costs in Luang Prabang include Lao PDR E-Visa Fee ($50 / LAK 1,079,755/one-time), ATM Withdrawal Fee ($1.85 / LAK 40,038/transaction), Excess Baggage Fee (Domestic). It is advisable to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the Lao PDR E-Visa fee of approximately $55 / LAK 1,183,293 and local ATM withdrawal fees of $1.85 / LAK 40,038 per transaction. This extra padding also covers small incidental costs such as domestic excess baggage fees, which typically run around $2.19 / LAK 47,434 per kg.

How can I save money in Luang Prabang?

Top tips for saving money in Luang Prabang: Eat at the Night Market food stalls on Sisavangvong Road for diverse local dishes that are significantly cheaper than sit-down riverfront restaurants. Rent a bicycle for $0.92 / LAK 19,892 per day instead of hiring private tuk-tuks for short trips within the Old Town. Join a shared tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Waterfall for $2.77 / LAK 59,930 rather than booking a private car, which often costs significantly more.

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Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations

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Full budget and cost breakdown

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