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

Should you visit Islamabad or Da Nang?

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 Da Nang 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 Da Nang?

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.

Da Nang

Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.

With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.

Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Da Nang 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 Da Nang is $46. 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 Da Nang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Da Nang $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Da Nang $38
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Da Nang

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Da Nang? 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 Da Nang


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 Da Nang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Da Nang $11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Charter Limousine DCar RoundTrip Transfer Da Nang Hoi An Hue : $219
  • Private Transfer from Da Nang (DAD) Airport to Dong Hoi: $187
  • Da Nang to Quy Nhon Private Transfer with Professional Driver: $164
  • Da Nang or Hoi An Golf Courses Transfer by Limousine VIP 9: $158
  • Da Nang Airport To Hue Private Transfer: $126
  • Golden Bridge with guide, lunch, ticket & transfer From Da Nang: $120
  • Da Nang to Phong Nha Private Transfer with Sightseeing Stops: $115
  • Private Car Transfer to Visit Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills & My Son Holyland : $113
  • Private Transfer from Da Nang (DAD) Airport to Quang Ngai: $113
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass -Sightseeing Private: $110
  • Private Car Transfer to Visit Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge and Marble Mountain: $108
  • Hue: Transfer Hue to Hoi An by Private Car- English Driver: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Da Nang?

Prices for flights to both Da Nang 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
    Da Nang $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang

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

  • Dragon bridge show and Da Nang local food tour: $4.10
  • Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $26
  • Experience Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class in Da Nang : $27
  • Cooking Class and tasting Pho with Local Girl: $29
  • Da Nang Home Cooking Class: $29
  • Da Nang Vegetarian Cooking Class: $29
  • Basket Boat Riding and Cooking Class from Da Nang City : $29
  • Da Nang Street Walking Food Tour : $29
  • Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang city: $29
  • Vegetarian Home Cooking Class Da Nang: $29
  • Making Lantern & Basket Boat & Happy Cooking Class: $30
  • Da Nang Home Cooking Class with Market Tour & Coffee Making: $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Da Nang $13

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

Tours and Activities in Da Nang

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

  • Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge & My Son Sanctuary : Private Tour: $154
  • DA NANG CITY SUNSET - Private Guided Tour : $92
  • Full Day Hue City Tour from Danang : $55
  • Golden Bridge Ba Na Hill-Early start to Avoid Crowds-PrivateTour: $138
  • Golden Bridge- Early Departure & Marble Mountains- Private Tour: $133
  • HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE & MARBLE MOUNTAIN Private Tour from Hoi An or Da Nang city: $82
  • HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE LIFE TOUR to Understand about Hoi An Life: $75
  • HUE CITY 1 DAY GUIDED TOURS from DA NANG CITY : $60
  • Hoi An Walking Tour, Lantern Making Class & Basket Boat Ride to Coconut Jungle: $85
  • HoiAn Walking Tour with RiverBoat-Night Market-Colourful Lantern: $77
  • INSTAGRAM Tour - Da Nang & Hoi An city Private Tour ( 11 Hours): $140
  • Marble Mountains & Basket Boat Ride - Morning or Afternoon Tour: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Da Nang $9.39

Sample the Local Flavors in Da Nang

Also in Da Nang, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Son Tra Private Tour Rice Wine Distillery & Fishing Sauce Filtery: $75


When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Da Nang, we can see that Da Nang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Da Nang, 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 Da Nang?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Da Nang in the Summer?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Da Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Da Nang averages at about 29°C (85°F).

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Da Nang. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Da Nang. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Da Nang in the Autumn?

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

In October, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Da Nang in the Winter?

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

Islamabad is much colder than Da Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Da Nang fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Da Nang. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Da Nang in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Da Nang averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Da Nang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Da Nang. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Islamabad

Islamabad Da Nang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in)