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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Similan Islands and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotorua. Although Similan Islands and Rotorua are both popular with visitors, Rotorua has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotorua is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also home to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Rotorua is a 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 Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

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 Rotorua Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

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 Rotorua?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rotorua. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Rotorua are world-class 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.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rotorua is extremely popular for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable island chain. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Rotorua?

In Similan Islands, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island chain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The world-renowned destination of Rotorua offers nightlife and food. 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 Rotorua?

In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Rotorua offers food and shopping. 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 Rotorua?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Rotorua Expensive?.

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the summer, Similan Islands is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Rotorua in the Winter?

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

Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Rotorua. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Similan Islands is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 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 Rotorua and Similan Islands