A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Airlie Beach for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Airlie Beach 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.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a remote, spectacular, and idyllic island chain. You'll find world class beauty in Similan Islands as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Similan Islands and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Similan Islands and Airlie Beach are popular destinations, Airlie Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also well known for the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Airlie Beach is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Airlie Beach can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Similan Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Airlie Beach area. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Airlie Beach is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

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 Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Airlie Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Similan Islands and Airlie Beach offer fantastic scuba diving or snorkeling.

Similan Islands is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Is Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Both Similan Islands and Airlie Beach are considered to be fantastic beach destinations.

Similan Islands is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Airlie Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Is Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Airlie Beach visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Similan Islands offers some nice hiking trails. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Similan Islands and Airlie Beach are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

The famous beauty of Airlie Beach is one of the main draws. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

Is Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Airlie Beach 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, Airlie Beach is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

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 Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Airlie Beach are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Similan Islands is a great island chain for couples, as it 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.

Airlie Beach is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Is Similan Islands or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Similan Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's remote setting makes it challenging to reach on a budget, but if you're willing to devote a day or more to travel, then you'll be well rewarded.

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

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

Airlie Beach has some public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

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 Similan Islands or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable town. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

Both Similan Islands and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Airlie Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Airlie Beach than Similan Islands. However, 4-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Airlie Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Similan Islands if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Airlie Beach.

One day in Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this spectacular island chain offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The slow-paced destination of Airlie Beach offers nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

Similan Islands is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The town of Airlie Beach offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this idyllic destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

A week in Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

Similan Islands is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The laid back town of Airlie Beach offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Airlie Beach, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Airlie Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Similan Islands is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, 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 Airlie Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Airlie Beach 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands than you might in Airlie Beach.

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

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Similan Islands experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Airlie Beach. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Airlie Beachin January. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin January. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands usually gets less rain in July than Airlie Beachin January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Similan Islands is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during autumn. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Similan Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Similan Islands is much warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 16°C (62°F)in July.

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the winter, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Airlie Beachin July. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Airlie Beachin July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Similan Islands is generally a little warmer than Airlie Beachin October. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Similan Islands