A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Ayutthaya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Ayutthaya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Ayutthaya can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Islamabad or Ayutthaya?

Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.

Ayutthaya

Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Ayutthaya or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Ayutthaya is $62. 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 Islamabad and Ayutthaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Ayutthaya $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Ayutthaya $42
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Ayutthaya

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Ayutthaya? 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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Ayutthaya


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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Ayutthaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Ayutthaya $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Ayutthaya?

Prices for flights to both Ayutthaya and Islamabad 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamabad $15
    Ayutthaya $20

Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $3.82
  • Ice Cream
    $0.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $3.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.

  • Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Ayutthaya $27

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $5.46
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.36

Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:

  • AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Ayutthaya $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Ayutthaya, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya than you might in Islamabad.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Ayutthaya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Ayutthaya?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Ayutthaya, 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 Islamabad or Ayutthaya?

Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ayutthaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Islamabad or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

Both Ayutthaya and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Ayutthaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Ayutthaya. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Ayutthaya. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Ayutthaya during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Ayutthaya. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Ayutthaya. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Ayutthaya. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

Both Ayutthaya and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. Islamabad is cooler than Ayutthaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Islamabad

Islamabad Ayutthaya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)


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