A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Similan Islands vs. Ao Nang for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

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 Ao Nang 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 idyllic, remote, and spectacular island chain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a popular, beachfront, and lively town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Similan Islands and Ao Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Similan Islands and Ao Nang are both popular with visitors, Ao Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ao Nang is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to the Island Boat Tours. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Ao Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang?

Ao Nang is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Ao Nang specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Ao Nang can be difficult as they are each good 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 Ao Nang area. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Is Similan Islands or Ao Nang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Ao Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

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 Ao Nang Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

In Ao Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Similan Islands or Ao Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Is Similan Islands or Ao Nang Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Similan Islands. 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.

Many people head to Ao Nang to enjoy the beach. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

Is Similan Islands or Ao Nang Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Ao Nang Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Ao Nang are good to visit with kids.

Similan Islands is a family-friendly island chain. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

Is Similan Islands or Ao Nang Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

Is Similan Islands or Ao Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Ao Nang. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

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 Ao Nang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ao Nang 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.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

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 Ao Nang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang 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.

Ao Nang is a very walkable town. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

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 Ao Nang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ao Nang or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Similan Islands and Ao Nang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Ao Nang. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ao Nang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

In Similan Islands, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island chain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The popular destination of Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang?

In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Ao Nang offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Ao Nang, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ao Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang.

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 Ao Nang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Ao Nang?

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 Similan Islands or Ao Nang in the Summer?

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

The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ao Nang. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Ao Nang in the Autumn?

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

October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Ao Nang. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun.

In October, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Ao Nang in the Winter?

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

December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Ao Nang. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Ao Nang in the Spring?

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

Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Ao Nang. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Similan Islands