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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Canberra?

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 Canberra 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. Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Canberra travel costs.

Similan Islands and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Canberra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Canberra than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Canberra is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Canberra is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Also, Canberra is famous for the Australian War Memorial. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Canberra 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 Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Canberra 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.

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Canberra 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 Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's 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 Canberra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is terrific for the beach. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Similan Islands. 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.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Both Similan Islands and Canberra are destinations which offer notable hiking.

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

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Canberra?

Canberra is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Canberra More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Canberra Better for Families?

Canberra 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, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra Better for Couples?

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

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Canberra is a good island chain for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Similan Islands or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra 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 Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

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

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Canberra 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Similan Islands and Canberra. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Canberra. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Canberra.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra.

One day in Similan Islands or Canberra?

The beautiful island chain of Similan Islands offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The cultural destination of Canberra offers nightlife and food. 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 Canberra?

Similan Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Canberra 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 Canberra?

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Similan Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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 Canberra?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. This island chain offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

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

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 Canberra Expensive?.

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

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Similan Islands is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra and Similan Islands during the autumn 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, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Similan Islands is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Similan Islands in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra 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 October than Canberrain April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Canberra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In January, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Canberrain July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Canberra. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

Similan Islands is much warmer than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.

Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Similan Islands