A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Similan Islands vs. Chiang Mai for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands or Chiang Mai?

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 Chiang Mai 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a friendly, cultural, and welcoming city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Similan Islands and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Chiang Mai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Similan Islands and Chiang Mai are popular destinations, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai are world-renowned. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

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

Chiang Mai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands. 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.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Chiang Mai Better for Beaches?

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

Similan Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

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

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Similan Islands or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

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 Chiang Mai?

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

Known for shopping, Chiang Mai draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Chiang Mai 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, Chiang Mai is very family-friendly. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Similan Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Is Similan Islands or Chiang Mai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Chiang Mai is extremely popular for backpackers. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

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

Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai has some public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

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 Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable island chain. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Chiang Mai?

Both Similan Islands and Chiang Mai have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Chiang Mai has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Similan Islands or Chiang Mai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the remote island chain of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Chiang Mai is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Chiang Mai?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Chiang Mai is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Chiang Mai?

Similan Islands, a popular island chain, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island chain. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Chiang Mai?

Similan Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island chain makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island chain has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Chiang Mai is a big city with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Chiang Mai, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

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 Chiang Mai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Chiang Mai?

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 Chiang Mai in the Summer?

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

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai 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 more rain than Chiang Mai. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 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 Chiang Mai during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

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

Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Chiang Mai. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

Both Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. 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 Chiang Mai during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Similan Islands is a little warmer than Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

Both Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai year-round.

October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In April, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Similan Islands