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

Should you visit Islamabad or Hue?

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 Hue 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 Hue?

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.

Hue

Hue is a major city in central Vietnam and was historically the imperial capital. The city was the base for the imperial Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War the city faced many challenges. It was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During this time about 3,000 people were slaughtered for their political views, education level, or religious affiliation.

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


Which place is cheaper, Hue 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 Hue is $48. 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 Hue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Hue $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Hue $46
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Hue

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Hue? 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 Hue


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 Hue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Hue $12

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 Hue

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:


  • Cyclo
    $0.48
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.88
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Golden Bridge Trip with Guide, Lunch &transfer from Chan May Port: $165
  • Da Nang: Private Car Transfer to Hue Via My Son Sanctuary: $139
  • Private Transfer from Hue (HUI) Airport to Dong Hoi: $136
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass &Sightseeing Private: $135
  • Private Transfer From Hue To Phong Nha: $135
  • Private Transfer To Hue Via My Son Sanctuary :Hoi An/Da Nang: $131
  • Hue & Hoi An Transfer: Private Car Sightseeing Trip: $131
  • Private Car Transfer to Hue Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $131
  • From Bach Ma National Park Private Car Transfer: $121
  • Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $115
  • Sightseeing Transfer Between Hue and Hoi An: $113
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Hue?

Prices for flights to both Hue 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
    Hue $15

Typical Food Prices in Hue

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


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.99
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.80
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.20
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue

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

  • Private Healthy Cooking Class In Ancient Vietnamese Garden: $20
  • Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
  • Walking street food tour: $30
  • Hue : Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Family: $31
  • Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hue: $31
  • Hue Food Tour: Taste and tales along Perfume River: $32
  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorcycle with Driver: $33
  • Hue Walking Food Tour: $35
  • Home Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Girl: $35
  • Home Cooking Class with Local Girl: $37
  • Hue:Exploring Street Food Tour With Local Guide: $37
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Hue $11

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 Hue

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


  • Boat Ride
    $7.79
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.12
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.20
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.60

Tours and Activities in Hue

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

  • Hue City Full-Day Tour with Boat Trip on Perfume River and Lunch: $128
  • Hue City: Full-Day Guided Tour - Imperial City - All Inclusive: $59
  • Hue Private Guided Tour : Citadel, Royal tombs, Thien Mu pagoda: $57
  • SHORE EXCURSION from CHAN MAY Port to visit HOI AN CITY & HOI AN VILLAGE TOUR : $150
  • 1-day Hue full day city tour: $39
  • 12 Hours Experience Different Hue: $179
  • 13 Days Private Tour Highlights of Cambodia & Vietnam: $4,731
  • 2 Day Motorbike Tour from Hue to Hoi An by Mister T Easy Rider: $160
  • 2,5 hours walking tour inside Hue Imperial city: $35
  • 2-Day Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave Adventure from Hue: $250
  • 2-Day Sa Pa Adventure with Trekking and Ethnic Homestay: $88
  • 2.5 hours Hue Walking Tour with Tour Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Hue $5.79

Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $1.00


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Hue?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Hue, 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 Hue?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Hue in the Summer?

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

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Hue. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Hue fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In Hue, 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 Hue. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue 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 Hue. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Hue receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the dry season in Hue. September to December is the rainy season in Hue.


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Hue in the Autumn?

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

Islamabad is around the same temperature as Hue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Hue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Hue in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Islamabad is much colder than Hue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Hue averages at about 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 Hue. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 136 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Hue in the Spring?

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

In April, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Hue. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Hue fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Hue and Islamabad

Islamabad Hue
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)