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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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. You'll find world class beauty in Similan Islands as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a outdoorsy, nature-oriented, and spirited city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Similan Islands and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Similan Islands and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Queenstown is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Similan Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Similan Islands or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Similan Islands is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Queenstown?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Queenstown 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 Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

Queenstown has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Queenstown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Queenstown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

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 Queenstown?

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

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Similan Islands as well. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Is Similan Islands or Queenstown Better for Families?

Queenstown 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, Queenstown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

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 Queenstown Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Queenstown are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Queenstown is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Queenstown is extremely popular for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

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 Queenstown a more walkable city?

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities 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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Queenstown?

Both Similan Islands and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Queenstown has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Queenstown than Similan Islands. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.

One day in Similan Islands or Queenstown?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the spectacular island chain of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The bustling destination of Queenstown offers skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Queenstown?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Queenstown offers nightlife and food. 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 Queenstown?

Similan Islands, a popular island chain, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island chain. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Similan Islands or Queenstown?

Similan Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island chain makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island chain has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The nature-oriented city of Queenstown offers shopping and skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

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 Queenstown Expensive?.