Which place is cheaper, Udaipur or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Similan Islands or Udaipur?
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 Udaipur 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 Udaipur?
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.
Udaipur
Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.
The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.
Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.
Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.
Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.
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 India, and The Best Adventure Tours to India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $164Udaipur $33
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $164, while the average daily cost in Udaipur is $33. 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 Udaipur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $68Udaipur $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $136Udaipur $32
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Udaipur
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Udaipur? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Udaipur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $98Udaipur $6.98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:
- Private Transfer From Hotel To Airport: $11
- Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel: $14
- Udaipur to jodhpur one Way Transfer: $52
- Udaipur To Pushkar Private One Way Transfer: $60
- Udaipur City Tour With Next Day Jodhpur Transfer: $72
- Udaipur Airport to Hotel or Vice Versa Transfer: $24
- Udaipur Airport Transfer: $30
- Udaipur Airport Pick up Transfer: $12
- Udaipur Airport : Private Transfer to/from Udaipur Hotels: $6.00
- Udaipur / RaNaK PUR / jodhpur one Way Transfer: $55
- Transfer From Udaipur To Jaipur Via Chittorgarh Fort: $85
- Shilpgram: Private Half-Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $31
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Udaipur?
Prices for flights to both Udaipur 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 $36Udaipur $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.
- Private Traditional Dinner with an Indian Family in Udaipur: $8.99
- 4-Hour Indian Food Cooking Class with full Meals: $12
- Enjoyable,homely & mom 's delicious cooking classes: $13
- Durga Cooking Class: $17
- mamta cooking class awarded by tripadvisor : $23
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $25
- Culinary Adventure: Make Pizza, Sip Wine At Royal Repast: $39
- 3 Hours Indian Cooking Session at Local Home (Udaipur): $50
- Private Rajasthani Cooking Class in an Udaipur Home: $51
- Jodhpur to Osian camel safari / Dinner At Dhani: $60
- Jodhpur, Osian camel ride &Dinner At Dhani (country side): $60
- Evening Cooking Session and Dinner with an Indian Family: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $44Udaipur $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur
Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Palace Entrance Fee$1.20
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Lake Boat Tour$2.39
Tours and Activities in Udaipur
Here are a few actual costs in Udaipur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full Day Udaipur City Tour by Private Vehicle: $92
- Guided Udaipur Tour With Drop Off To Jodhpur Next Day.: $135
- 3 Days Private Udaipur City Tour With Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Jain Temple : $125
- 3 Days Private Udaipur Highlights Tour: $90
- 3 Days Private Udaipur Tour: $110
- 3 Night 4 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour By Car & Driver: $180
- 3-Days Tour of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur with Jodhpur Drop: $120
- 4 Night 5 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $155
- 4 Night 5 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour By Car & Driver: $162
- 6 - Days Udaipur and Mount Abu Tour: $300
- 7 - Days Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur Tour: $360
- 7 - Days Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur Tour: $246
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $9.35Udaipur $8.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur
Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Uaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $20
- Pub Crawl Udaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $35
- 3-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
- Pub Crawl Udaipur: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Udaipur, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Udaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Udaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Udaipur 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 Udaipur.
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 Udaipur Expensive?.
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.