A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Similan Islands vs. Koh Lanta for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Similan Islands or Koh Lanta?

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 Koh Lanta 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 spectacular, idyllic, and remote island chain. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Similan Islands and Koh Lanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Koh Lanta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Koh Lanta is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Also, Koh Lanta is famous for Long Beach. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Koh Lanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Lanta is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Koh Lanta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

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 Koh Lanta Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta is a island 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 Koh Lanta. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

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 Koh Lanta Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Lanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Lanta Better for Beaches?

Both Similan Islands and Koh Lanta are considered to be world-class beach destinations.

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.

Koh Lanta offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Lanta Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

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 Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta is not a good area for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Lanta Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Lanta is very family-friendly. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

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 Koh Lanta Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Koh Lanta are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Koh Lanta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Lanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta is a island with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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 Koh Lanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Similan Islands is a island chain with a few options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Lanta a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island chain. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Lanta or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Koh Lanta?

In either Similan Islands or Koh Lanta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than Koh Lanta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-5 days is enough time in Koh Lanta.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Lanta that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta.

One day in Similan Islands or Koh Lanta?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island chain of Similan Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The quiet destination of Koh Lanta offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Koh Lanta?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the remote destination of Similan Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The island of Koh Lanta offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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 Koh Lanta?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the remote island chain of Similan Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island chain makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island chain has to offer.

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Similan Islands or Koh Lanta?

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Similan Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Koh Lanta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Lanta, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Lanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta.

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 Koh Lanta Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Koh Lanta?

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 Koh Lanta in the Summer?

Both Koh Lanta 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta 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 around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Lanta. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 206 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta in the summer. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Koh Lanta in the Autumn?

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

October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Koh Lanta. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

In the autumn, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Similan Islands in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Koh Lanta in the Winter?

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

Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Similan Islands usually gets less rain in January than Koh Lanta. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the winter, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 287 hours of full sun.

In January, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Koh Lanta in the Spring?

Both Koh Lanta 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta 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 Similan Islands is June to September. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Koh Lanta. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Lanta and Similan Islands