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

Should you visit Islamabad or Hoi An?

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 Hoi An 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 Hoi An?

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.

Hoi An

Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Hoi An 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 Hoi An 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 Hoi An in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Hoi An? 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 Hoi An


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 Hoi An Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Hoi An $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:


  • Taxi From Danang to Hoi An
    $8.79
  • Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town
    $0.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An

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

  • HoiAn city private trip with Guide, Lunch, tickets &Transfer: $91
  • From Private Transfer to Hue with Photo Stops: $90
  • Private Transfer To Marble Mountains and My Son HolyLand: $76
  • My Son Sanctuary & Hai Van Pass: Transfer Hoi An to/from Hue: $70
  • Hai Van Pass & Ba Na Hills: Car Transfer Hue to/from Hoi An: $67
  • Private Transfer To Hue via My Son Sanctuary: $66
  • Lady Buddha in Monkey Mountain: Transfer Hue to/from Hoi An: $57
  • Hue Transfer with Scenic Route over The Hai Van Pass: $51
  • Hue: Transfer to/from Hoi An by Private Car via Hai Van Pass: $47
  • Private Transfer To My Son Sanctuary From Hoi An or Da Nang: $45
  • Da Nang/Market & Old Town Private Tour with Transfer: $41
  • From My Son Sanctuary Day Trip With Transfer & Lunch: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Hoi An?

Prices for flights to both Hoi An 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
    Hoi An $9.95

Typical Food Prices in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)
    $14
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.99
  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $7.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bamboo Basket Boat Tour with Optional Lunch/Dinner: $14
  • Hoi An:Traditional Cooking Class with Cam Thanh Local Family: $21
  • Traditional Cooking Class & meal w Cam Thanh Family: $21
  • Hoi An/Da Nang: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Transportation: $22
  • From Cooking Class at Organic Farm: $22
  • Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
  • Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class in Leina Cookery: $23
  • Evening Tra Que Cooking Class with Locals in Herb Village: $24
  • Hoi An : Basket Boat Ride & Cooking Class with Market Tour: $24
  • Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hoi An: $24
  • Cooking Class with Traditional Vietnamese Meals: $24
  • Hoi An : Cooking Class W Optional Basket Boat & Market Tour: $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Hoi An $13

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Golf (for Two)
    $148
  • Short Boat Ride
    $1.60

Tours and Activities in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3-Hour Sunrise or Sunset Photography Tour in Hoi An: $59
  • Amazing My Son Sunset & River Cruise Tour From Hoi An/DaNang: $27
  • Amazing My Son Sunset Tour With Banh My & Cruise By Group: $28
  • BUFFALO RIDING ADVENTURE AND BASKET BOAT TOUR: $28
  • Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Private Tour: $120
  • Basket Boat Experience: $13
  • Big Experiences Water Wheel Tour - Tra Que Island: $56
  • Bike and Bite Tour: $42
  • Cam Thanh Bike Tour from Hoi An: $86
  • Cam Thanh Coconut Forest Basket Boat Tour by Private Car: $13
  • Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle Eco Tour From Hoi An: $30
  • Cham Island - Snorkeling Tour from Hoi An/DaNang: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Hoi An $9.06

Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $9.59

Sample the Local Flavors in Hoi An

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hoi An:

  • Pub Crawl by Bus with Shots at Each Bar: $8.21


When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Hoi An, we can see that Hoi An 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 Hoi An Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Hoi An?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Hoi An, 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 Hoi An?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An 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 Hoi An during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Hoi An 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hoi An in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Hoi An. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.

In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Hoi An averages at about 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Hoi An 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hoi An in the Winter?

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

In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Hoi An 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hoi An in the Spring?

Both Hoi An and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.

Islamabad is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Hoi An 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Islamabad

Islamabad Hoi An
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)