A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Nha Trang for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Nha Trang?

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 Nha Trang 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a high energy, coastal, and resort-filled city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Similan Islands and Nha Trang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Nha Trang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nha Trang than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nha Trang is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Also, Nha Trang is famous for Long Son Pagoda. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Nha Trang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Nha Trang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife in the area, there are also several cultural sights worth visiting. Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and XQ Historical Village are all interesting to visit. If you're looking for a thrill, also nearby is Vinpearl Land.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Nha Trang can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Nha Trang area. Seafood is the most common option in many restaurants. You'll find local curries and spring rolls on many menus. Fish sauce is often served with dishes and many recipes have a sweet flavor. If you need a break from Vietnamese food, there are also restaurants that serve pizza, burgers, and other common international dishes.

Is Similan Islands or Nha Trang Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Nha Trang has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is varied and caters to all types of travelers. There are glamorous rooftop bars and lounges, beachside parties, and booze cruises that cater to the backpacker crowd. The city is big enough to have options for everyone.

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 Nha Trang Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nha Trang makes a nice vacation spot. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Similan Islands or Nha Trang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nha Trang is not known for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Nha Trang. Snorkeling is a bit tricky here, because you need to visit during the right season and you'll need to hop on a tour to get to the best spots. If you're lucky you'll have good visibility and see some interesting marine life.

Is Similan Islands or Nha Trang Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is very popular for the beache. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Nha Trang is a good option for a beach vacation. The accessible beaches are very developed and filled with vacationers who are looking for fun activities. The sands are white and soft and the water is comfortable and fun to splash around in.

Is Similan Islands or Nha Trang Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

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

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Nha Trang?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nha Trang. There are some local street markets that are fun to explore. There are also the typical shops and supermarkets that sell local produce, souvenirs, and any other essentials that you may have forgotten.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Nha Trang Better for Families?

Nha Trang 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, Nha Trang is very family-friendly. While it is known among the backpacker crowds for its party scene, there are also great beaches and many activities for families. Vinpearl Land is an amusement park in the area that has rides and shows. There's also Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, which are both interesting to visit. The beaches also make a great playground for kids who enjoy building sand castles and playing in the shallow water.

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 Nha Trang Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Nha Trang is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

Is Similan Islands or Nha Trang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nha Trang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Nha Trang. Backpackers looking for a party head to the streets around Biệt Thự Street. There are many cheap hostels and guesthouses in the area, and you won't be far from the area's best nightlife.

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 Nha Trang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Nha Trang has some public transit options. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

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 Nha Trang a more walkable city?

Nha Trang 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.

Nha Trang is a very walkable city. The city is compact enough that you can explore many parts on foot. Most of the attractions are near the intersection of Tran Phu and Biet Thu.

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 Nha Trang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nha Trang or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Nha Trang?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Nha Trang. 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 Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang.

One day in Similan Islands or Nha Trang?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island chain of Similan Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The resort-filled destination of Nha Trang offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Nha Trang?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the idyllic destination of Similan Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Nha Trang offers food and shopping. 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 Nha Trang?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic island chain of Similan Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island chain makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island chain has to offer.

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Nha Trang?

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Similan Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nha Trang. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.

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

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 Nha Trang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Nha Trang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Nha Trang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Nha Trang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Nha Trang. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Nha Trang in the summer. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nha Trang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Nha Trang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Nha Trang. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year.

Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Nha Trang. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Nha Trang. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Nha Trang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Similan Islands in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nha Trang averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Nha Trang in the Winter?

Both Nha Trang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Nha Trang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Nha Trang is January to August. In January, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nha Trang. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Similan Islands is generally a little warmer than Nha Trang. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Nha Trang fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Should I visit Similan Islands or Nha Trang in the Spring?

Both Nha Trang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round.

October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Nha Trang. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Nha Trang in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Nha Trang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Typical Weather for Nha Trang and Similan Islands