Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Similan Islands or Jaisalmer?
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 Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer?
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.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
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 Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $164Jaisalmer $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $164, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $37. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $68Jaisalmer $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $136Jaisalmer $26
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Jaisalmer? 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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $98Jaisalmer $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
- Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Sam Sand Dunes: $19
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Khuri Sand Dunes: $19
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple : $45
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Ahmedabad: $117
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $10
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $36Jaisalmer $13
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
- Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $28
- Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
- Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42
- Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
- 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
- DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
- Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
- DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $44Jaisalmer $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.59
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
- 1 Night Desert Experience Sleeping Under Star Near Jodhpur: $56
- 1 night 2 day thar desert experience & village lifestyle: $38
- 2 Nights 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour & Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $210
- 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
- 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
- 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $203
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $180
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $150
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $168
- 4-Day Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $270
- 8 Days Private Tour Colors of Rajasthan from Jaisalmer: $246
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $9.35Jaisalmer $9.23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Jaisalmer, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.
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 Jaisalmer Expensive?.
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.