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

Should you visit Islamabad or Pattaya?

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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya?

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.

Pattaya

Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.

Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.


Which place is cheaper, Pattaya 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 Pattaya is $66. 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 Pattaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Pattaya $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Pattaya $48
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Pattaya

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Pattaya? 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 Pattaya


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 Pattaya Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya

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

  • Surat Thani Hotel Transfer: to/from Bangkok Hotel Transfer: $419
  • Skydive from 13,000 Feet with Hotel Transfers: $228
  • Private Transfer from Pattaya to Ayutthaya: $175
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Hua Hin: $168
  • Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $159
  • Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $142
  • Private Transfer from Pattaya to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $142
  • Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $141
  • Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $129
  • Private Transfer from Rayong to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Laem Chabang to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $112
  • Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Pattaya?

Prices for flights to both Pattaya 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
    Pattaya $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya

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

  • All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
  • Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $67
  • Islands Hopping Tour by Catamaran with Dinner Buffet in Chon Buri: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Pattaya $21

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

Tours and Activities in Pattaya

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

  • Amazing Pattaya Experience Tour to All Famous Points in One Day: $53
  • 1 Hour ATV Off Road Adventure In Pattaya: $62
  • 2 Islands Full Day Tour Catamaran with Lunch in Pattaya: $103
  • 3 Days Thailand Motorcycle Coastal Tour: $1,054
  • 5 Days – Motorcycle tour to River Kwai and Khao Yai: $1,757
  • A Superstar Model Experience in Pattaya with Photo Expert: $112
  • ATV & Buggy Adventures Pattaya - Novice Rider 27km Basic Track: $99
  • ATV & Buggy Off-Road Adventures in Pattaya: $97
  • Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $33
  • Alcazar Cabaret Show Tickets: $21
  • All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $42
  • Amazing Discovery Pattaya Tours with Floating Market & Lunch : $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Pattaya $8.18


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Pattaya?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Pattaya in the Summer?

Both Pattaya and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya 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 Pattaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Pattaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Pattaya during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Pattaya 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Pattaya in the Autumn?

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

In October, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Pattaya. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

Pattaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Pattaya. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Pattaya in the Winter?

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

Islamabad is much colder than Pattaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Pattaya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Pattaya in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Islamabad is cooler than Pattaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Pattaya averages at about 30°C (86°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. 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 Pattaya. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Pattaya. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Pattaya 30°C (86°F)

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Islamabad

Islamabad Pattaya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 202 mm (7.9 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (85°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)