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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Can Tho?

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 Can Tho 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 spectacular, idyllic, and remote island chain. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a cultural, unique, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Similan Islands and Can Tho: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Can Tho?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Can Tho than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Can Tho is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Can Tho is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. Also, Can Tho is famous for Cai Rang Floating Market. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Can Tho?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Can Tho. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Can Tho 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.

Can Tho has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

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 Can Tho Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho is a city 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 Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

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 Can Tho Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Can Tho Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Can Tho Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is very good for hiking. However, Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Can Tho?

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

Known for shopping, Can Tho draws large crowds to its stores. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Can Tho Better for Families?

Can Tho 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, Can Tho is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

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 Can Tho Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Is Similan Islands or Can Tho Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Can Tho. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Similan Islands and Can Tho.

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 generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Similan Islands or Can Tho a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Can Tho are notable 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.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable island chain. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Can Tho or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Can Tho?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Can Tho to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Can Tho 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 Can Tho.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Can Tho. 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 Can Tho 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 Can Tho.

One day in Similan Islands or Can Tho?

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 friendly destination of Can Tho offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that shopping 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 Can Tho?

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 city of Can Tho offers food and shopping. 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 Can Tho?

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.

Can Tho is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Can Tho?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. 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 Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam.

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

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 Can Tho Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Can Tho?

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 Can Tho in the Summer?

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

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Can Tho during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 168 hours of full sun in the summer.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the summer. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Can Tho in the Autumn?

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

Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Can Tho. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Can Tho. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 158 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Similan Islands in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Can Tho averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Can Tho in the Winter?

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

In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Can Tho. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Can Tho. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Can Tho during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Can Tho in the Spring?

Both Can Tho and Similan Islands during the spring 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 Can Tho year-round.

October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho 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 April than Can Tho. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Can Tho, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Can Tho. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 235 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Can Tho fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Similan Islands