A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Katoomba for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba 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 remote, spectacular, and idyllic island chain. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Similan Islands and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Katoomba. Although Similan Islands and Katoomba are popular destinations, Katoomba has more sights and attractions for tourists. Katoomba is very popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Katoomba is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. It is also well known for Scenic World. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Katoomba is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Katoomba can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Similan Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Katoomba area. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Similan Islands or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Katoomba is a town 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 Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

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 Katoomba Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands. 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.

Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Similan Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Similan Islands offers some nice hiking trails. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Katoomba?

Katoomba is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Similan Islands. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Is Similan Islands or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Similan Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Similan Islands or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Similan Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's remote setting makes it challenging to reach on a budget, but if you're willing to devote a day or more to travel, then you'll be well rewarded.

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

Katoomba is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its public transit.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Similan Islands or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Katoomba are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable island chain. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Similan Islands or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Similan Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Katoomba. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Katoomba than Similan Islands if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Katoomba.

One day in Similan Islands or Katoomba?

The beautiful island chain of Similan Islands offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Katoomba?

Similan Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Katoomba?

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Similan Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Katoomba?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. This island chain offers something for everyone.

Since Katoomba is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Katoomba, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Katoomba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Similan Islands is in Asia and Katoomba is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Katoomba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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 Katoomba Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Katoomba?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Katoomba. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Similan Islands is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba 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. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Similan Islands is a little warmer than Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during autumn. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Similan Islands is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

In Katoomba, 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 Katoombain July. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Katoomba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba 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 Katoomba during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Similan Islands