Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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 Guilin?
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 Guilin 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 Guilin?
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.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Similan Islands Prices
Thailand PricesGuilin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $214Guilin $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $214, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $88. 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 Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $77Guilin $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $154Guilin $74
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Guilin? 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 $110Guilin $6.13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- [Elite Transport] Dongguan Private Transfer & Executive Support: $89
- [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! *: $23
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
- Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41
- Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin 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 $70Guilin $41
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
- Shantou Foodie Day Tour with Cooking Class: $199
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Boat and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $49Guilin $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$18
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
- 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
- 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $80
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
- 1 Day Li River Tour with Xingping Town & Xianggong Mountain: $209
- 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
- 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
- 1 Day Yangshuo Adventure Balloon Helicopter and Cave Experience: $208
- 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Hiking along the Yulong river Private Tour: $103
- 1 Day Yangshuo Nature Explore Bamboo Rafting and Cave Adventure: $265
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $11Guilin $6.08
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Guilin, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
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 Guilin Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Guilin?
Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Guilin 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 Guilin. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 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)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Guilin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round.
Similan Islands is a little warmer than Guilin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Guilin. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 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)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Guilin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Guilin. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Similan Islands is much warmer than Guilin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Guilin averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Similan Islands usually gets less rain in January than Guilin. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Guilin in the Spring?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In April, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Guilin. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 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)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.