Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Similan Islands or Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen 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.
Where Should I go: Similan Islands or Shenzhen?
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park – Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size – including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Similan Islands Prices
Thailand PricesShenzhen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $214Shenzhen $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $214, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Similan Islands and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $77Shenzhen $96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $154Shenzhen $192
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Shenzhen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $110Shenzhen $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Elite Transport] Shenzhen Private Transfer & Executive Support: $89
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service!: $32
- Venetian Macao and Macau Heritage Tour with 2-way ferry transfers from Hong Kong: $115
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $120
- Stress-Free Hong Kong hotels to HongKong Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Shenzhen Private transfer and Ongoing assistance: $39
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $85
- Shenzhen Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
- Shenzhen Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Similan Islands change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySimilan Islands $70Shenzhen $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals: $38
- Traditional Outdoor Cooking in a Private Lesson: $45
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $59
- Best Street Food Tour With a Local Guide in Hong Kong: $96
- Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- Hong Kong Market Walking Tour & Chinese Cooking Class: $131
- Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
- Hong Kong Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $147
- Hong Kong Tour, Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise & TurboJet Transfers from Macau: $170
- Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $172
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Street Food Tour with a Local: $172
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $49Shenzhen $18
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Perfect Hong Kong Layover - 5h private tour: $300
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $53
- Audio Tour of Hong Kong: Hollywood Road Loop: $8.99
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $99
- Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.62
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
- Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $79
- Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
- City Tour and Film Portrait in Hong Kong: $157
- Comprehensive Shenzhen Tech Tour: A Deeper Look at the Future: $174
- Cruise Excursion Day Trip in Dongmen Old Street, Dapeng Old City etc.: $243
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $229
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $11Shenzhen $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Shenzhen, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Shenzhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenzhen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen.
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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?
Both Shenzhen 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.
In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 30°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Shenzhen during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySimilan Islands 28°C (82°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
Both Shenzhen 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.
In October, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSimilan Islands 27°C (81°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Shenzhen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round.
Similan Islands is much warmer than Shenzhen in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Shenzhen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Shenzhen. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Similan Islands is a little warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 23°C (73°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 Shenzhen. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Shenzhen. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSimilan Islands 29°C (83°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Shenzhen | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.