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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Te Anau?

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 Te Anau 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 spectacular, idyllic, and remote island chain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a breathtaking, stunning, and pristine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Similan Islands and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Te Anau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Te Anau than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Te Anau is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Te Anau is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Also, Te Anau is famous for Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Te Anau 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 Te Anau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Te Anau 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.

Te Anau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

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 Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Te Anau is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Te Anau. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang 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 Te Anau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is renowned for the beache. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau 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 Te Anau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

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 Te Anau?

Te Anau is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Te Anau has some nice offerings. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

Both Similan Islands and Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Is Similan Islands or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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

Similan Islands is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Similan Islands or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a island chain with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable place. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Similan Islands and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Te Anau. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

One day in Similan Islands or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. 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 enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau 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 Te Anau?

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.

Since Te Anau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

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 Te Anau Expensive?.