Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kanchanaburi and Islamabad. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kanchanaburi or Islamabad?
Kanchanaburi
If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $42Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $42. 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 Kanchanaburi and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $19Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $38Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Islamabad? 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.
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: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $12Islamabad $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
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
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Kanchanaburi 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
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Food Meals for one dayKanchanaburi $12Islamabad $15
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thai Cooking Class: $34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $9.10Islamabad $9.48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Entry Park TreeHouse$5.46
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Bangkok Mystical Waterfall & River Kwai Tour: $241
- Bangkok and Beyond - A 6 Day Exciting Group Tour: $1,000
- Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour: $281
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $8.03Islamabad $2.88
When comparing the travel costs between Kanchanaburi and Islamabad, we can see that Kanchanaburi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Islamabad, 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 Kanchanaburi or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kanchanaburi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Islamabad in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. In July, Kanchanaburi is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Islamabad in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Islamabad. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.
Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Islamabad in the Winter?
Both Islamabad and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.
In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Islamabad in the Spring?
Both Islamabad and Kanchanaburi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.
Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.