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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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: Koh Tarutao or Islamabad?

Koh Tarutao

While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Koh Tarutao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $98, 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 Koh Tarutao and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Tarutao $50
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Tarutao $100
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao 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.

Hotels in Koh Tarutao


Hotels in Islamabad


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $34
    Islamabad $7.68

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 Koh Tarutao or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Koh Tarutao 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
    Koh Tarutao $28
    Islamabad $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $14
    Islamabad $9.48

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Tarutao $7.01
    Islamabad $2.88


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



When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Islamabad?

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Islamabad in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Koh Tarutao is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamabad averages at about 32°C (90°F).

Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Islamabad in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Islamabad. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Islamabad in the Winter?

Both Islamabad and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year.

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

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Islamabad in the Spring?

Both Islamabad and Koh Tarutao during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Islamabad averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Tarutao 29°C (85°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


Related Articles for Koh Tarutao
Related Articles for Islamabad