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

Should you visit Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Koh Phi Phi $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi


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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Koh Phi Phi $6.89

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
  • 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 Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $15
  • Longboat Taxi
    $2.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

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

  • One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
  • Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $24
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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
    Koh Phi Phi $11

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.64
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $9.27
  • Casual Lunch
    $5.73
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.27
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $11
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Koh Phi Phi $45

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 Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $8.18

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

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

  • 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $160
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
  • Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
  • Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
  • Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $69
  • PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
  • Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Koh Phi Phi $5.66

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $14
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $5.46


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In October, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

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

Islamabad is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In the spring, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Islamabad

Islamabad Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)