A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Similan Islands vs. Bangkok for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Bangkok?

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 Bangkok 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a colorful, vibrant, and high energy capital 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Similan Islands and Bangkok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Bangkok?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok. Although Similan Islands and Bangkok are popular destinations, Bangkok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bangkok is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Bangkok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Bangkok have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

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 Bangkok Better for Nightlife?

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

Bangkok has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

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 Bangkok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Bangkok Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

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.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Bangkok Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Bangkok?

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

Known for shopping, Bangkok draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Bangkok Better for Families?

Bangkok 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, Bangkok is very family-friendly. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

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 Bangkok Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Bangkok are world-class 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.

Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bangkok is extremely popular for backpackers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

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

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

Bangkok has some public transit options. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

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 Bangkok a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable island chain. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Bangkok?

Both Similan Islands and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Bangkok has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bangkok than Similan Islands. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok is a great place to explore. This capital city 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 Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. 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 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 Bangkok, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.

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 Bangkok Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Bangkok in the Summer?

Both Bangkok and Similan Islands during the summer 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 Bangkok year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Bangkok 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 July than Bangkok. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Bangkok. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun.

In July, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Bangkok in the Autumn?

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

October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Bangkok. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during autumn. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Bangkok in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bangkok fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Bangkok in the Winter?

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

Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the winter, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bangkok. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Bangkok averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Bangkok in the Spring?

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

The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Bangkok. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. 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 Bangkok during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 31°C (87°F).

Typical Weather for Bangkok and Similan Islands