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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning, beautiful, and rustic 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 Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Koh Phi Phi can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Koh Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Koh Phi Phi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

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 Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

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

Both Similan Islands and Koh Phi Phi offer terrific scuba diving or snorkeling.

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.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Similan Islands and Koh Phi Phi are considered to be terrific 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 Phi Phi offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

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 Phi Phi?

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

Shopping in Koh Phi Phi can be found for those interested. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Similan Islands is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Similan Islands offers lots of family activities. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Koh Phi Phi are terrific 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 Phi Phi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Phi Phi is extremely popular for backpackers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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

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

Koh Phi Phi has some public transit options. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

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 Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Koh Phi Phi are notable 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable island chain. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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

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

How long in Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Similan Islands and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote island chain of Similan Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The rustic destination of Koh Phi Phi offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the spectacular destination of Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island chain offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The island of Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic island chain of Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island chain.

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

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 Phi Phi Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

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

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

Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

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

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Phi Phi during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Similan Islands during the spring 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 Phi Phi year-round.

October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi 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 more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Similan Islands