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

Should you visit Islamabad or Vientiane?

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 Vientiane 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 Vientiane?

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.

Vientiane

You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.

While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.

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, Vientiane 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 Vientiane is $15. 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 Vientiane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Vientiane $6.01
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Vientiane

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Vientiane? 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 Vientiane


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 Vientiane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Vientiane $2.08

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 Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Vientiane?

Prices for flights to both Vientiane 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
    Vientiane $6.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

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

  • Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Vientiane $3.54

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

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
  • Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
  • From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
  • Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
  • Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
  • Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
  • Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
  • Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Vientiane $2.35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Vientiane?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Vientiane, 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 Vientiane?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Vientiane in the Summer?

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

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun.

Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Vientiane in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Vientiane in the Winter?

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

In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Vientiane in the Spring?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. Islamabad is cooler than Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Vientiane and Islamabad

Islamabad Vientiane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)


Related Articles for Islamabad
Related Articles for Vientiane