Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Similan Islands or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Similan Islands Prices
Thailand PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $219Guangzhou $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $219, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $104. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $79Guangzhou $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $158Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Guangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $113Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou HTL-APT (CAN): $62
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
- Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $72Guangzhou $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Shenzhen Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch: $86
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $50Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
- 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
- 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
- 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience : $118
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $11Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Guangzhou, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou.
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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
Both Guangzhou 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.
In July, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySimilan Islands 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round.
Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou during autumn. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSimilan Islands 27°C (81°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Guangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Guangzhou. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Similan Islands is much warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 14°C (58°F).
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 Guangzhou. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun.
Similan Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Guangzhou. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou 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.
In April, Similan Islands is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In April, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSimilan Islands 29°C (83°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.