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

Should you visit Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan?

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 Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

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.

Koh Pha Ngan

Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $51, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $61. 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 Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Koh Pha Ngan $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Koh Pha Ngan $54
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 Koh Pha Ngan


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 Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.49
    Koh Pha Ngan $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
  • 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 Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Karachi Airport Transfer, Airport Pick and Drop, Rent a Car KHI: $60
  • 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: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.42
  • Ferry Ride
    $16
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.45

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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 $25
    Koh Pha Ngan $20

Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:


  • Noodle Lunch (for One)
    $1.26
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.26
  • Ice Cream
    $0.63
  • Juice
    $1.88
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.94
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.25
    Koh Pha Ngan $19

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing Tour: $70
  • Islamabad City Tour : $72
  • Full Day Islamabad & Taxila Tour: $78
  • Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour : $80
  • Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
  • Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
  • Islamabad Offbeat, Private City Tour Islamabad: $91
  • Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
  • Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.82
    Koh Pha Ngan $11

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)
    $8.16


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Islamabad is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Islamabad

Islamabad Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)