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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-rated, often overlooked, and under-the-radar city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Similan Islands and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Nagoya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagoya. Although Similan Islands and Nagoya are both popular with visitors, Nagoya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagoya is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nagoya is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. It is also home to the Nagoya Castle. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nagoya is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Nagoya have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

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.

Is Similan Islands or Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Nagoya has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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 Nagoya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Nagoya Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is very popular for the beach. However, Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Similan Islands. 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.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Nagoya Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Nagoya?

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

Nagoya is well-known for its shopping. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nagoya is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is very popular for couples. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

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

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

Nagoya is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

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 Nagoya Better for Students?

Nagoya is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Nagoya can get you to some places easily. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a very walkable city. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Nagoya?

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Nagoya?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Nagoya is a big city with plenty to do. It's no surprise that food 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 Nagoya?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nagoya is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Nagoya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagoya is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Nagoya?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote destination of Similan Islands. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagoya. 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

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

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 Nagoya Expensive?.

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

Both Nagoya 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. Also, many visitors come to Nagoya in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Nagoya. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Nagoya in the Autumn?

Both Nagoya 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Nagoya in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Nagoya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. Similan Islands is much warmer than Nagoya in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Similan Islands or Nagoya in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Nagoya. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.

In the spring, Similan Islands is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nagoya averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nagoya. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Similan Islands