Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Islamabad 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: Khao Lak or Islamabad?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, 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 Khao Lak and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $52Islamabad $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $31Islamabad $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour by Pakinnaka School: $56
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $57
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $61
- 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
- Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
- 3-Hour Khaolak Cooking Class with Food Market Visit: $69
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $89
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $97
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $97
- Thai Food Cooking Class & ATV Adventure Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Islamabad $9.48
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours-Early Bird Guide Tour in Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary: $68
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
- 4 hours Tour with Khaolak ATV Quad Bike and Rescued Elephant: $97
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
- Cheow Lan Lake: 2-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Activities: $176
- Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $81
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Adventure From Khao Lak: $112
- Eco Grand Canyon with Hot Springs and Elephant Retreat Tour: $97
- From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $103
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Islamabad $2.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Islamabad, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Lak experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Khao Lak or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Khao Lak during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. Khao Lak is cooler than Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun.
Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Islamabad. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Islamabad in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Islamabad. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Islamabad. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Islamabad in the Spring?
Both Islamabad and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.