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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Noosa Heads?

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 Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a relaxed, peaceful, and scenic coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Similan Islands and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Noosa Heads?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Noosa Heads is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Noosa Heads is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Also, Noosa Heads is famous for Noosa Main Beach. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Noosa Heads is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Noosa Heads specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Noosa Heads is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Noosa Heads is a coastal town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Similan Islands is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Both Similan Islands and Noosa Heads are considered to be world-class beach destinations.

Similan Islands is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Noosa Heads offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Is Similan Islands or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Noosa Heads. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads is a coastal town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Noosa Heads. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Noosa Heads 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, Noosa Heads is very family-friendly. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

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 Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for couples.

Similan Islands is a great island chain for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Similan Islands or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Noosa Heads. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Noosa Heads has some public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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 Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Similan Islands or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Similan Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

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

Couples should spend more time in Noosa Heads than Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Noosa Heads that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.

One day in Similan Islands or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote island chain of Similan Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island chain offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spectacular island chain of Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island chain.

Since Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

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

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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

Similan Islands is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Headsin January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 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 Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Noosa Heads. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Similan Islands is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Similan Islands in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.

Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 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 Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads 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 visitors come to Noosa Heads in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

Both Noosa Heads 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, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Similan Islands is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 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 Noosa Heads and Similan Islands