A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Similan Islands for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Dubai or Similan Islands?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Similan Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a idyllic, remote, and spectacular island chain. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Dubai and Similan Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Similan Islands are both popular with visitors, Dubai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dubai is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Similan Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Similan Islands and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dubai. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Similan Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Dubai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Similan Islands area. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Dubai has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Similan Islands. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Music?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Similan Islands is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Similan Islands is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands is not to be missed. These islands offer one of the world's most famous and impressive diving spots. World class divers travel great distances to experience the undersea world here. There are liveaboard boat trips that range in length from 4 to 6 nights and leave from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips will take you to the many great dive spots in the area. Do take note that the islands close every year from May until October.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Similan Islands is a very popular vacation destination. The world class beaches have white sand and stunningly blue waters. The setting is challenging enough to reach that you'll likely have few people to share the beaches with. The undersea world is also among the best and most vibrant around.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is very good for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Families?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dubai is very family-friendly. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Similan Islands. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Similan Islands has plenty to offer. Couples who want to escape the tourist crowds will appreciate this remote and beautiful beach setting. The blue water and sandy beaches make for a true paradise.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Students?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its public transit.

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Public transit is generally limited in Similan Islands. The national park operates boats between the islands. You can also charter private longtail boats, however these must be secured in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

Is Dubai or Similan Islands a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Similan Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Similan Islands or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Both Dubai and Similan Islands have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Dubai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dubai than Similan Islands. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 4-7 days is enough time in Similan Islands.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Similan Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this spectacular destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Dubai is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Similan Islands is a fun place to experience. In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Similan Islands?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this remote destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Similan Islands, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Similan Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Similan Islands is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Similan Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Similan Islands 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Similan Islands.

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

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Similan Islands?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Similan Islands in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Similan Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Similan Islands. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Similan Islands. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Similan Islands fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Similan Islands in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Similan Islands. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year.

Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Similan Islands. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai is around the same temperature as Similan Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Similan Islands fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Similan Islands in the Winter?

Both Similan Islands and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Similan Islands. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Dubai is cooler than Similan Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Similan Islands averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Similan Islands in the Spring?

Both Similan Islands and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Similan Islands. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Similan Islands. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Similan Islands fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Typical Weather for Similan Islands and Dubai