A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Similan Islands vs. Hat Yai for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands or Hat Yai?

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 Hat Yai 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 idyllic, remote, and spectacular island chain. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a cultural, lively, and festive city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Similan Islands and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Hat Yai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Similan Islands and Hat Yai are both popular with visitors, Hat Yai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hat Yai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hat Yai is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also home to Wat Hat Yai Nai. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hat Yai is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Hat Yai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hat Yai is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Hat Yai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Similan Islands area. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Is Similan Islands or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a city 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 Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

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 Hat Yai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai 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.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Hat Yai 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.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Hat Yai Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hat Yai is well-known for its shopping. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Hat Yai Better for Families?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Similan Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Similan Islands or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Similan Islands or Hat Yai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Similan Islands and Hat Yai.

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 Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Similan Islands or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

Hat Yai is generally not a very walkable island chain. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Similan Islands and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Hat Yai. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Hat Yai. 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.

One day in Similan Islands or Hat Yai?

In Similan Islands, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island chain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The lively destination of Hat Yai offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Hat Yai?

In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Hat Yai offers food and shopping. 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 Hat Yai?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. 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, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok.

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

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 Hat Yai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Hat Yai?

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 Hat Yai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Hat Yai. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in July than Hat Yai. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

Both Hat Yai and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai is May to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during autumn. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Hat Yai in the Winter?

Both Hat Yai and Similan Islands during the winter 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 Hat Yai year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Similan Islands usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the winter, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Hat Yai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Similan Islands