How much does it cost to travel to Similan Islands?
You should plan to spend around $170 (฿6,017) per day on your vacation in Similan Islands. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $37 (฿1,321) on meals
- $101 (฿3,586) on local transportation
- $141 (฿5,001) on hotels
A one week trip to Similan Islands for two people costs, on average, $2,380 (฿84,234). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Similan Islands has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Similan Islands expensive to visit?
Prices in Similan Islands are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.
Within Asia, Similan Islands is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Similan Islands in the region, such as Tokyo or Taipei.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Similan Islands Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Similan Islands?
The average Similan Islands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Similan Islands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Cost
|
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
฿5,001
($141)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
฿3,586
($101)
|
|
Food 2
|
฿1,321
($37)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
฿1,607
($45)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
฿171 -
514
($5 - 15)
|
Accommodation Budget in Similan Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Similan Islands is $71 (฿2,501). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Similan Islands is $141 (฿5,001). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Similan Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Similan Islands is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $101 (฿3,586) per person, per day, on local transportation in Similan Islands.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$101
฿3,586
How much does it cost to go to Similan Islands? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Similan Islands will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Similan Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Similan Islands can vary, the average cost of food in Similan Islands is $37 (฿1,321) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Similan Islands should cost around $15 (฿529) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Similan Islands is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$37
฿1,321
Entertainment Budget in Similan Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Similan Islands typically cost an average of $45 (฿1,607) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$45
฿1,607
Alcohol Budget in Similan Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.69 (฿343) on alcoholic beverages in Similan Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.69
฿343
Last Updated: Feb 6, 2023
Similan Islands On a Budget
Similan Islands, Thailand
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.
Sights
Each island has its own charms that will win you over. Koh Miang, for example, also known as island four, is home to a small beach and many different animals including the enchanting flying foxes. Walk along the picturesque Viewpoint Trail for some pretty breathtaking scenery. Keep in mind that this trail may not be for everyone. It is 500 meters of steep climbing.
Koh Similan, or island eight, is the largest island. Underwater you'll find rock formations and coral reefs in a variety of shapes including deer, leaves and brains. It is also home to a beautiful bay known as Big Bend, and the iconic towering Sail Rock. Climb it for an amazing view of all the islands. It is also here that you will find Sunset Point. Walk through the forest and discover the stunning sight that gives this area its name.
Koh Pa Yu, or island seven, in the east has shallow and deep waters for diving. This is one of the islands that has not seen the effects of coral bleaching. Much of its hard coral is still intact.
Ko Huyong has the longest and widest beach, but remember you are not allowed to land here. This beach is where turtles come to nest and lay their eggs so it is off-limits to tourists.
Food and Dining
You will not find much in the way of fine dining on the Similan Islands. There is a restaurant next to the park office on Koh Miang that will serve simple Thai dishes.
If you are travelling for a day trip, be sure to pack snacks, water and a lunch for you and your party.
Transportation
Tours to and from the park leave from Khao Lak, Phuket and Ranong, and offer diving and snorkeling tours. Once you are on the islands, there are marine park boats available for transportation between the islands. It is less expensive than renting your own boat, but can also be less reliable.
Related:
Partying in
Chiang Mai or other parts of
Thailand?
Going to the
Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?
Hitting the beach in
Koh Samui?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.