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

Should you visit Islamabad or Vang Vieng?

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 Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng?

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.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng is $14. 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 Vang Vieng in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Vang Vieng $4.34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Vang Vieng

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Vang Vieng? 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 Vang Vieng


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 Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Vang Vieng $3.18

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Vang Vieng?

Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng 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
    Vang Vieng $6.31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Vang Vieng $4.87

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 Vang Vieng

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

  • Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
  • Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
  • Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
  • One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
  • Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
  • Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
  • Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
  • Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
  • Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
  • Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Vang Vieng $1.14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Vang Vieng, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Vang Vieng?

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

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Vang Vieng in the Summer?

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

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?

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

Islamabad is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Vang Vieng. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Vang Vieng in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Islamabad is much colder than Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Vang Vieng during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Vang Vieng in the Spring?

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

In April, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Islamabad

Islamabad Vang Vieng
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)


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