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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Similan Islands and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Mashiko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mashiko. Although Similan Islands and Mashiko are both popular with visitors, Mashiko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mashiko is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Mashiko is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. It is also home to Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mashiko is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Mashiko offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Mashiko can be difficult as they are each good 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 Mashiko area. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Similan Islands or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Mashiko. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

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 Mashiko Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Similan Islands specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Similan Islands are among the best in 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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Both Similan Islands and Mashiko are destinations which offer good hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Mashiko offers some nice hiking trails. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Mashiko?

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

Mashiko is well-known for its shopping. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Mashiko Better for Families?

Mashiko 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, Mashiko is very family-friendly. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Similan Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Is Similan Islands or Mashiko Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Mashiko has some public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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 Mashiko a more walkable city?

Mashiko is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Mashiko is a very walkable town. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Mashiko to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Mashiko 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 Mashiko.

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Mashiko?

In Similan Islands, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island chain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Mashiko?

In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do 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 Mashiko?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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 Mashiko Expensive?.

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

Mashiko has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Similan Islands experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Similan Islands is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko 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 more rain than Mashiko. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Mashiko. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In October, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Mashiko. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko 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. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. Similan Islands is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mashiko. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Similan Islands is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Similan Islands