A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Similan Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Similan Islands than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Similan Islands is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking. Mount Aspiring National Park is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting. Also, Similan Islands is famous for the undersea world.

How is Similan Islands different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Similan Islands is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Similan Islands. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Similan Islands is not a good place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People don't go to Similan Islands for the nightlife. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is very popular for the beache. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Mount Aspiring National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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, Mount Aspiring National Park is very family-friendly. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for couples.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Mount Aspiring National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Similan Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than Mount Aspiring National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

One day in Similan Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The idyllic destination of Similan Islands offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island chain offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The breathtaking destination of Mount Aspiring National Park offers . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

The national park of Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Similan Islands is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The remote island chain of Similan Islands offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.