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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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 to Similan Islands because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Cromwell travel costs.

Similan Islands and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Cromwell?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cromwell than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cromwell is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cromwell is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. Also, Cromwell is famous for the big fruit. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cromwell and Similan Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Similan Islands or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Cromwell?

Cromwell is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Cromwell offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Cromwell can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Similan Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Similan Islands or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Cromwell is a town 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 Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

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 Cromwell Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is very popular for the beach. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

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 Cromwell?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cromwell. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Cromwell More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Similan Islands because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Cromwell Better for Families?

Cromwell 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, Cromwell is very family-friendly. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

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 Cromwell Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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

Cromwell is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Cromwell is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

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

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 Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Similan Islands or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable island chain. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Cromwell?

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cromwell?

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 town of Cromwell offers food and shopping. 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 Cromwell?

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.

Cromwell is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Cromwell?

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 skiing when visiting Cromwell. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

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 Cromwell Expensive?.