A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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 Aoraki Mount Cook 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Similan Islands and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Similan Islands. Although Similan Islands and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Similan Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Similan Islands is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting. It is also home to the undersea world.

How is Similan Islands different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Similan Islands is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Similan Islands is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Similan Islands is mediocre for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Similan Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Aoraki Mount Cook visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

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

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Aoraki Mount Cook. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Aoraki Mount Cook 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a mountain with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a good mountain to visit for backpackers. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

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 Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Similan Islands is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Similan Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 Similan Islands than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Similan Islands.

One day in Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The breathtaking destination of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the remote island chain of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this island chain makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This mountain offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.