A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Similan Islands and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Similan Islands. Although Similan Islands and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Similan Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Similan Islands is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing and hiking. Milford Sound is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. 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 Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Similan Islands is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Similan Islands is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Similan Islands is not a good area for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an amazing fiord to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Similan Islands offers some nice hiking trails. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound 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, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milford Sound is a fiord with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Milford Sound is a good fiord to visit for backpackers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Similan Islands and Milford Sound.

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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Similan Islands or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable island chain. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Milford Sound?

Similan Islands and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound.

One day in Similan Islands or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote destination of Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The iconic destination of Milford Sound offers skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spectacular destination of Similan Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the beautiful island chain of Similan Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. 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 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Milford Sound Expensive?.