Which place is cheaper, Agra or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Similan Islands or Agra?
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 Agra 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 Agra?
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.
Agra
In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.
While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.
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 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
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Similan Islands Prices
Thailand PricesAgra Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $219Agra $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $219, while the average daily cost in Agra is $53. 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 Agra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $79Agra $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $158Agra $30
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Agra
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Agra? 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: Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $113Agra $9.80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wildlife SOS Visit with One Way Transfer from Agra to Delhi: $52
- Transfer from Delhi to Jaipur with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
- Transfer from Agra to Tundla railway station and vice versa: $34
- Transfer from Agra to Delhi Airport: $70
- Transfer Agra To Jaipur Via Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $51
- Transfer Agra To Jaipur By Ac Car With Fatehpur sikari.: $85
- Sunrise Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Half-Day Tour with Transfer: $14
- Sunrise Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri Tour With Transfer To Jaipur: $106
- Smooth Departure Transfer by Car from Agra to Lucknow: $100
- Private transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $161
- Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $246
- Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $230
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Agra?
Prices for flights to both Agra 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 $72Agra $26
Typical Food Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:
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Breakfast for Two$2.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking class with taj: $5.64
- Old Agra Market & Street Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $15
- Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk Ride: $18
- Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $18
- Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra: $20
- Dine In Indian, home cooked food Agra Food tour My Magic Kitchen: $21
- Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $21
- Old City & Street Food Tour in Car, Tuk Tuk or Bike: $21
- AI Cooking Class and Much More in a Local Family Home: $27
- Jaisalmer: Thar Desert Camel Safari with Dinner: $28
- Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $28
- Private Indian Cooking Demonstration and In-Home Meal Minutes from the Taj Mahal: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $50Agra $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra
For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entry to the Red Fort for Two$6.81
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Taj Mahal for Two$17
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- Private 6 Hours: Agra Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $38
- Private Agra Tour to TajMahal from Delhi by Car: $27
- Skip-the-Line Private Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort: $5.78
- Taj Mahal Skip the Line Guided Tour with Optional Add ons: $5.78
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Private Tour with Add-ons: $20
- "Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Tour With Guide": $15
- "Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour From Delhi": $105
- 05-Hours Taj Mahal & Agra Day Tour by TUK TUK: $5.00
- 1 Day Agra and 1 Day Jaipur Private Tour from Agra: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour of Agra - Taj Mahal & More: $35
- 11 Hour Taj Mahal Sunrise and Sunset Day Tour: $20
- 2 Days Jaipur City Tour from Agra: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $11Agra $9.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Agra, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Agra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Agra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Agra 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 Agra.
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 Agra 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.