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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Perth?

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 Perth 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 remote, spectacular, and idyllic island chain. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Similan Islands and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Perth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Perth. Although Similan Islands and Perth are popular destinations, Perth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Perth is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Perth is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also well known for the Swan Bell Tower. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth 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 Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Perth can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Perth area. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Similan Islands or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Perth is a city 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 Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

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 Perth Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands is not to be missed. 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.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Perth Better for Beaches?

Both Similan Islands and Perth are considered to be amazing 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.

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Is Similan Islands or Perth Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is very good for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Perth?

Perth 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 Perth. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Perth Better for Families?

Perth 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, Perth is very family-friendly. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

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 Perth Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is very popular for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Similan Islands 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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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

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

Perth is a good city to visit for backpackers. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

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 Perth Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Perth 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.

Perth has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around 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 Perth a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Perth are nice 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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Perth?

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Perth?

In Similan Islands, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic 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.

The relaxed destination of Perth offers nightlife and food. 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 Perth?

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.

The city of Perth offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Perth?

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.

Perth 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 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 Perth?

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 Perth. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

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 Perth Expensive?.

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

Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Perth. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Similan Islands is generally a little warmer than Perthin January. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Perth fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Perth during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.

Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Perthin January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 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 Perth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Perth. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene.

Similan Islands is a little warmer than Perth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Perthin April. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Perthin April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 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 Perth in the Winter?

Both Perth 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year.

In the winter, Similan Islands is much warmer than Perth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Perth averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Perth during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Perth. In January, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Perthin July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Perth in the Spring?

Both Perth 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. Also, many travelers come to Perth for the beaches.

In April, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Perthin October. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Perth fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Perthin October. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Perthin October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 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 Perth and Similan Islands