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

Should you visit Islamabad or Hat Yai?

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 Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai?

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.

Hat Yai

The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai is $16. 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 Hat Yai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Hat Yai $5.11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Hat Yai $10
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Hat Yai

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Hat Yai? 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 Hat Yai


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 Hat Yai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Hat Yai $0.63

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 Hat Yai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:

  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $69
  • private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68
  • Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Hat Yai?

Prices for flights to both Hat Yai 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
    Hat Yai $10

Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:


  • Roti Snack
    $0.55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Hat Yai -

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 Hat Yai

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

  • One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
  • One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Hat Yai $2.52

Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:


  • Beer
    $1.64


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

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Hat Yai?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Hat Yai in the Summer?

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

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

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

Islamabad is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Hat Yai in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Islamabad is much colder than Hat Yai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hat Yai in the Spring?

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

In April, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Islamabad

Islamabad Hat Yai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in)


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