A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Sukhothai vs. Similan Islands for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Similan Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a remote, spectacular, and idyllic island chain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sukhothai and Similan Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Similan Islands are popular destinations, Sukhothai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sukhothai is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. It is also well known for Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Sukhothai different from Similan Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Similan Islands and Sukhothai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sukhothai. Although many visitors overlook Sukhothai, the Sukhothai Historical Park is one of the area's most impressive historical and cultural sights. There are countless historical landmarks both within the old walled city and in the surrounding area.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sukhothai 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.

Sukhothai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Tourists visit specifically to try the area's famed spicy noodle dish - kuaytiaw Sukhothai. The city is filled with a range of dining options, from noodle joints to Thai eateries, as well as tourist-friendly restaurants.

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 Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a city 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 Sukhothai. This is more of a historical area than a nightlife destination, but you'll find tourist-oriented bars where you can grab a cold beer, or local cafes with live music.

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 Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sukhothai 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.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai 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.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Sukhothai Historical Park is an impressive World Heritage Site. There are 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls. Outside of the walls there are another 70 sites within a 5 kilometer radius.

Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is very good for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

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

Sukhothai is well-known for its shopping. There are a number of markets and handicraft studios nearby. Check out Tra Phang Thong Market for local foods and products or Suntree Thai Weaving for handwoven items. There's also Suthep Sangkalok where you'll find traditional ceramics.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Similan Islands.

Sukhothai is a family-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and other nearby temples. The less touristy side of this area makes it great for families who need a break from Thailand's tourist crowds. It's also a fun place to explore by bike.

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 Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Sukhothai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

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

Sukhothai is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Sukhothai is a good city to visit for backpackers. For many backpackers, its not part of the typical Southeast Asian tourist trail, but for some, that is the appeal.

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 Sukhothai or Similan Islands Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sukhothai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its public transit.

Sukhothai has some public transit options. There are tuk tuks and local shuttle buses around the town.

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 Sukhothai or Similan Islands a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Sukhothai is generally not very walkable. This isn't the most walkable area, and the historical sites are spread out so you'll really need a bike, motorbike, or some other form of transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Similan Islands or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

Both Sukhothai and Similan Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Sukhothai. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 4-7 days is enough time in Similan Islands.

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

The cultural destination of Sukhothai offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island chain of Similan Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

The city of Sukhothai offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the spectacular destination of Similan Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic island chain of Similan Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island chain makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island chain has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Similan Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Similan Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Similan Islands Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Similan Islands?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Similan Islands in the Summer?

Both Similan Islands and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Similan Islands. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Similan Islands during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Similan Islands receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Similan Islands. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Similan Islands averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Similan Islands in the Autumn?

Both Similan Islands and Sukhothai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in October than Similan Islands. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Similan Islands. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Similan Islands receives 181 hours of full sun.

In October, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Similan Islands. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Similan Islands fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Similan Islands in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Similan Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Similan Islands. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Similan Islands during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Similan Islands receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Similan Islands in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Similan Islands fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Similan Islands in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Similan Islands. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year.

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Similan Islands. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Similan Islands. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Similan Islands receives 249 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Similan Islands. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Similan Islands averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Typical Weather for Similan Islands and Sukhothai