A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Lake Tekapo for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo 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 idyllic, remote, and spectacular island chain. The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Similan Islands and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Similan Islands. Although Similan Islands and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Similan Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Similan Islands is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo is known for its hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Lake Tekapo is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting. It is also home to the undersea world.

How is Similan Islands different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Tekapo and Similan Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Similan Islands is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo offer decent nightlife.

Similan Islands doesn't offer many options. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Lake Tekapo. This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

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 Lake Tekapo?

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

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo 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, Lake Tekapo is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lake Tekapo is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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 Lake Tekapo 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, Lake Tekapo is a town 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 Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Lake Tekapo are good 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.

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable island chain. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

One day in Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic 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 small destination of Lake Tekapo offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Lake Tekapo?

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 town of Lake Tekapo offers . 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote 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.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lake Tekapo?

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 when visiting Lake Tekapo. 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Similan Islands is in Asia and Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.