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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Sapa?

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 Sapa 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.

Sapa

Sapa is a cultural, scenic, and fascinating town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Similan Islands and Sapa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Sapa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapa. Although Similan Islands and Sapa are popular destinations, Sapa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapa is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Sapa is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets. It is also well known for Cat Cat Village. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Sapa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sapa 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 Sapa specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While the many nearby villages are filled with markets and culture and have the feel of living museums, there are few actual museums in the area.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sapa 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.

Sapa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The area's food highlights the local agricultural scene with lots of meat, fish, and vegetables. If you want to check out traditional Hmong cuisine, Thang Co is one of the most common dishes. It's a soup that has a strong smell and is prepared with local herbs 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 Sapa Better for Nightlife?

Sapa 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 Sapa. While you don't visit the area for its nightlife, there's a big backpacker scene here so you'll likely find a crowd looking for a good time. The town has a night market and there are plenty of bars that cater to the tourists.

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 Sapa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Sapa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Sapa Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Similan Islands is a very popular vacation 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.

Sapa is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Sapa Better for Hiking?

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

Around Sapa visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Trekking is, by far, one of the best ways to experience the area's beauty. You'll pass by scenic rice paddies, walk along mist covered mountains, and stumble into fascinating villages. Many people hire a local guide to guide them. This helps the local economy and offers insider information.

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 Sapa?

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

Sapa is well-known for its shopping. Many villages have a weekly market that is very fascinating to explore. In addition to local food items, there are often locally made handicrafts that make great souvenirs from your travels.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Sapa Better for Families?

Sapa 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, Sapa is very family-friendly. Many people arrive via an overnight train, which is an adventure for the whole family. Once you arrive, your kids will experience a local culture that is uniquely its own. You can participate in a homestay and enjoy meals prepared by a local family. There are also many kid-friendly hikes through the surrounding mountains.

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 Sapa Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Sapa is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy experiencing unique cultures and hiking through stunning mountain settings will love a trip to this mountain town. While the tourists have definitely discovered the area, there are still places that have a local vibe with traditional Vietnamese markets and homesteads.

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

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

Many backpackers visit Sapa. Like much of Southeast Asia, this town and the surrounding areas are solidly on the backpacker trail. You'll find cheap places to stay and tours that cater specifically to the budget and backpacker crowd.

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

Sapa 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.

Sapa has some public transit options. There are public buses through the region. If you're hoping to visit nearby towns for their market days, an organized tour or private guide is a good option.

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 Sapa a more walkable city?

Sapa 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.

Sapa is a very walkable town. Trekking is, by far, the best way to experience the area and all of the beauty and culture that it has to offer.

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 Sapa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapa or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Sapa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Sapa?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The cultural destination of Sapa offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Sapa?

Similan Islands is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The town of Sapa offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Sapa?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the remote destination of Similan Islands. This island chain offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Sapa is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Sapa?

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 one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Sapa. 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 Budget Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam.

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

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 Sapa Expensive?.