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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Osaka?

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 Osaka 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.

Osaka

Osaka is a colorful, vibrant, and cultural 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 Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Osaka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka. Although Similan Islands and Osaka are both popular with visitors, Osaka has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Osaka is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Osaka is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also home to Osaka Castle. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Osaka are world-renowned. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Osaka 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 Osaka have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

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 Osaka Better for Nightlife?

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

Osaka has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

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 Osaka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Osaka 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.

Osaka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Osaka Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Osaka 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.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Similan Islands or Osaka Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands has hiking trails worth exploring. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Osaka?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Osaka draws large crowds to its stores. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Osaka Better for Families?

Osaka 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, Osaka is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

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 Osaka Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Osaka frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

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

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

Many backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

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 Osaka Better for Students?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Osaka is an amazing city 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 Osaka is top-notch. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

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 Osaka a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Osaka are good 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.

Osaka is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Osaka?

It's fun to spend time in either Similan Islands or Osaka. 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 Osaka.

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Osaka?

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this remote destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Osaka is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Osaka?

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

Osaka is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Osaka?

Similan Islands is a fun place to experience. In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Osaka is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Osaka?

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this idyllic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Osaka. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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 Osaka Expensive?.

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

Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?

Both Osaka 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, the summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Osaka. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Osaka in the Autumn?

Both Osaka 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In October, Similan Islands is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.

Osaka 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 Osaka. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Osaka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Similan Islands is much warmer than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Osaka. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Osaka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Osaka. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Similan Islands is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°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 Osaka. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Osaka. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 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 Osaka and Similan Islands