A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. El Nido for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Similan Islands or El Nido?

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 El Nido 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 El Nido?

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.

El Nido

El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.

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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Similan Islands?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $166, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $39. 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 El Nido in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Similan Islands $69
    El Nido $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Similan Islands $138
    El Nido $28
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and El Nido

Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or El Nido? 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.

Hotels in Similan Islands


Hotels in El Nido


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: El Nido Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Similan Islands $99
    El Nido $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido

Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $140
  • Private Transfer From El Nido Lio Airport To El Nido Hotels: $20
  • Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $37
  • El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $11
  • El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or El Nido?

Prices for flights to both El Nido 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Similan Islands $36
    El Nido $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Similan Islands $44
    El Nido $5.40

Tours and Activities in El Nido

For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch : $43
  • Day cruise on Sailing Yacht: $184
  • El Nido Group Tour B - Cave Tour w/ Island Lunch: $48
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: $28
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine: $29
  • El Nido Island Tour A w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $33
  • El Nido Island Tour B w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $30
  • El Nido Island Tour C w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $33
  • El Nido Island Tour D w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $33
  • El Nido Nacpan Day Tour: $65
  • El Nido Palawan Private Tour C, with Lunch: $139
  • El Nido Private Lagoon Tour - Tour A w/ Island Lunch: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Similan Islands $9.45
    El Nido $8.39


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

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 El Nido Expensive?.