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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Beijing?

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 Beijing 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. The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Similan Islands and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Beijing?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing. Although Similan Islands and Beijing are both popular with visitors, Beijing has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Beijing is an amazing 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 Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing Better for Nightlife?

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

Beijing has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 Beijing Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Beijing Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Beijing Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Beijing?

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

Beijing is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Beijing More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. 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.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Similan Islands or Beijing Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Beijing 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 Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Similan Islands or Beijing Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

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

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

Many backpackers visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

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 Beijing Better for Students?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Beijing can get you to some places easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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 Beijing a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options 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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable island chain. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Beijing?

Both Similan Islands and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Beijing has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Beijing than Similan Islands. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.

Families should spend more time in Similan Islands than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing.

One day in Similan Islands or Beijing?

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.

Beijing 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 Beijing?

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.

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

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.

Beijing is a great place to explore. This 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

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 Beijing Expensive?.

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

Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?

Both Beijing 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. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.

Beijing 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 Beijing. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Beijing in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Beijing. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Beijing in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Beijing. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. Similan Islands is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the winter, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Beijing in the Spring?

Both Beijing 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. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Similan Islands is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. 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 Beijing during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Beijing. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.

Typical Weather for Beijing and Similan Islands