A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Similan Islands vs. Khao Sok National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Similan Islands or Khao Sok National Park?

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 Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park?

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.

Khao Sok National Park

In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.

Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.

You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.

To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.

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 Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Khao Sok National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Khao Sok National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park.

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 Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Khao Sok National Park?

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 Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

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

June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Khao Sok National Park. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. 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 Khao Sok National Park. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In October, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Khao Sok National Park. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

In October, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?

Both Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park year-round.

Similan Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Khao Sok National Park. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Khao Sok National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the winter, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Sok National Park. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 287 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Khao Sok National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Khao Sok National Park 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. Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Khao Sok National Park. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

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

In the spring, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Similan Islands