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

Should you visit Islamabad or Bangkok?

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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok

Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Bangkok 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 Bangkok is $76. 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 Bangkok in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Bangkok $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Bangkok $82
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Bangkok

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Bangkok? 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 Bangkok


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 Bangkok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Bangkok $5.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

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


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.18
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.36
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.87
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.71
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.82
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.45
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.36
  • Trains to airport
    $4.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $297
  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Transfer to Pattaya: $288
  • Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Transfer to Pattaya hotels: $288
  • Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $261
  • Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $241
  • From Damnoen and Maeklong Markets Private Transfer: $219
  • Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $216
  • Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Koh Chang Hotel Transfer: $214
  • Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $213
  • From Pattaya Private Day Trip with Transfer: $200
  • Private Transfer from Don Muang Airport to Koh Chang Hotel: $199
  • Bangkok transfer: From/ To Laem Sok Pier: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Bangkok?

Prices for flights to both Bangkok 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
    Bangkok $18

Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $25
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.46
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.23
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.82
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pad Thai
    $1.91
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

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

  • Bangkok Food Tour and Sightseeing with Tuktuk: $16
  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
  • Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $23
  • Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $24
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
  • Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
  • Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
  • Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Bangkok $16

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 Bangkok

Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.36
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $9.55
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.36
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Club Cover Charge
    $10
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $65
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.09
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.73
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
  • Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
  • Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
  • Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
  • Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $50
  • Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $59
  • Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
  • 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $17
  • 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $113
  • 2-Day River Kwai Experience from Bangkok: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Bangkok $5.97

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Bangkok?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Bangkok, 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 Bangkok?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Bangkok in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Bangkok. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bangkok. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Bangkok. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Bangkok in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Bangkok averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Bangkok during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Bangkok 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bangkok in the Winter?

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

In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Bangkok 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bangkok in the Spring?

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

Islamabad is cooler than Bangkok in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Bangkok fluctuates around 31°C (87°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bangkok during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Bangkok 31°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Bangkok and Islamabad

Islamabad Bangkok
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 31°C (87°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 344 mm (13.5 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 242 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)