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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Tauranga?

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 Tauranga 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a relaxing, nature-filled, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Similan Islands and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Tauranga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tauranga. Although Similan Islands and Tauranga are both popular with visitors, Tauranga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tauranga is more popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Tauranga is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to Mount Maunganui. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tauranga is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Tauranga offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Tauranga can be difficult as they are each good 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 Tauranga area. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Similan Islands or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

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 Tauranga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

The clear water and abundant marine life make Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Tauranga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Similan Islands. 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.

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Is Similan Islands or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

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 Tauranga?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Tauranga Better for Families?

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Tauranga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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

Tauranga 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, Tauranga is extremely popular for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in 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 Tauranga a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Tauranga?

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Tauranga?

The beautiful island chain of Similan Islands offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The nature-filled destination of Tauranga offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Tauranga?

Similan Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The town of Tauranga 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 Tauranga?

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Similan Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Tauranga is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Tauranga?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. This island chain offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tauranga. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Tauranga Expensive?.