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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming, quaint, and quirky town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Similan Islands and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Arrowtown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Similan Islands and Arrowtown are popular destinations, Arrowtown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arrowtown is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also well known for the Chinese Settlement. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Similan Islands or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Arrowtown. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Arrowtown is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

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 Similan Islands or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront 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 Arrowtown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Similan Islands or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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 Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Arrowtown is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Arrowtown 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, Arrowtown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

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 Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is terrific for romance. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Similan Islands or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

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 Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Arrowtown are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable island chain. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Similan Islands or Arrowtown?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island chain of Similan Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Arrowtown is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Arrowtown?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the remote destination of Similan Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Arrowtown?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic island chain of Similan Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island chain makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island chain has to offer.

Arrowtown is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Arrowtown?

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Similan Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Since Arrowtown is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

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 Arrowtown Expensive?.