A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Similan Islands vs. Krabi for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Similan Islands or Krabi?

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 Krabi 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Krabi

Krabi is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Similan Islands and Krabi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Krabi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Krabi. Although Similan Islands and Krabi are popular destinations, Krabi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Krabi is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Krabi is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. It is also well known for Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Krabi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Krabi. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Krabi 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 Krabi area. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.

Is Similan Islands or Krabi Better for Nightlife?

Krabi 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 Krabi. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

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 Krabi Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Krabi offers a few options. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Similan Islands or Krabi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands is not to be missed. 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.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Krabi Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Similan Islands is a very popular vacation 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.

You can check out the beach in Krabi. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Is Similan Islands or Krabi Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is very good for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Krabi?

Krabi is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Krabi is well-known for its shopping. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Krabi Better for Families?

Krabi 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, Krabi is very family-friendly. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.

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 Krabi Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for romance. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Similan Islands 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.

Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.

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

Krabi is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Krabi is a good town to visit for backpackers. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Similan Islands and Krabi.

Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).

Is Similan Islands or Krabi a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Krabi 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.

Krabi is a somewhat walkable island chain. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Krabi or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Krabi?

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Krabi?

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this spectacular destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The colorful destination of Krabi offers nightlife and food. 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 Krabi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The town of Krabi offers food and shopping. 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 Krabi?

Similan Islands is a fun place to experience. In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Krabi is a great place to explore. 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 Krabi?

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this spectacular destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

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 Krabi Expensive?.

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

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 Krabi in the Summer?

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

The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Krabi. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Krabi. 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 Krabi during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Krabi. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Krabi in the Autumn?

Both Krabi and Similan Islands during the autumn 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 Krabi year-round.

October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi 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 October than Krabi. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Krabi 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 Krabi. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 181 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Krabi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Krabi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Krabi in the Winter?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi 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 Krabi during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Krabi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Krabi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Krabi in the Spring?

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

Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Krabi. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Krabi. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Krabi. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 249 hours of full sun.

In April, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Krabi. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Krabi and Similan Islands