Which place is cheaper, Delhi or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Similan Islands or Delhi?
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 Delhi 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.
Where Should I go: Similan Islands or Delhi?
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park – Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size – including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
Delhi
Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.
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 Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $164Delhi $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $164, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $45. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Similan Islands and Delhi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $68Delhi $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $136Delhi $46
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Delhi
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Delhi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $98Delhi $5.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.12
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Taxi to Airport$1.91
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Subway$0.38
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Uber Cab$0.96
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Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.79
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Auto-rickshaw$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- Walk through Old Delhi's Colorful Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $119
- Visit to Rail Museum or Dolls Museum with India Gate (private hotel transfers): $29
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Delhi HTL-APT (DEL): $27
- Transfer from New Delhi to Agra by Private car: $60
- Transfer from Delhi to Agra by private Car: $57
- Tour To Swaminarayan Akshardham Guide & Delhi Transfers: $37
- Taj Mahal Sunrise All Inclusive Tour with Transfers : $7.00
- Stroll through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $119
- Round Trip Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Hotel and back to Delhi Airport: $75
- Round Trip Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Hotel and back to Delhi Airport: $72
- Round Trip Airport Transfer- From Delhi Airport to Hotel & Back to Delhi Airport: $80
- Qutub Minar Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide Delhi transfers: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Delhi?
Prices for flights to both Delhi and Similan Islands change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySimilan Islands $36Delhi $12
Typical Food Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:
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McDonalds$3.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
- Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
- Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
- Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
- Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
- Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
- Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $43
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
- Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $45
- Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $46
- Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
- Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $44Delhi $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi
Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Red Fort$10
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Agra Tour From Delhi with Fatehpur Sikri & bird Sanctuary: $130
- 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $132
- 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $205
- 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $147
- 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
- All Inclusive: Same day Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $50
- Bharatpur Birding adventure from Delhi: $159
- Delhi : Private Day Tour Of Tajmahal And Shopping At Agra: $100
- Delhi Agra and Jaipur 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $220
- Delhi Evening City Tour with Guide: $53
- Full Day Old And New Delhi City Tour- All Inclusive : $38
- Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days: $267
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $9.35Delhi $8.67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Delhi, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Delhi.
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 Delhi Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Delhi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Similan Islands or Delhi in the Summer?
Both Delhi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Delhi 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 Delhi. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Delhi. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delhi receives 166 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Delhi. Similan Islands is cooler than Delhi in the summer. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Delhi fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySimilan Islands 28°C (82°F)Delhi 31°C (88°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Delhi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Delhi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Delhi. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Delhi during autumn. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Delhi receives 269 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Delhi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Similan Islands in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Delhi averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSimilan Islands 27°C (81°F)Delhi 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Delhi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Delhi. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year.
Similan Islands usually gets more rain in January than Delhi. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. 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 Delhi. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delhi receives 215 hours of full sun.
In January, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Delhi. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Delhi fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Delhi 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Delhi in the Spring?
Both Delhi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Delhi. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Delhi. 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 Delhi during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Delhi receives 261 hours of full sun in the spring.
Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Delhi in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Delhi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSimilan Islands 29°C (83°F)Delhi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Delhi and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Delhi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 34°C (93°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.