A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Melbourne for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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. Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Melbourne travel costs.

Similan Islands and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Melbourne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Melbourne is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Melbourne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is very popular for the beach. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Similan Islands. 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.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is Similan Islands or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Melbourne?

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

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Melbourne More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good island chain for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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

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

Melbourne is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

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 Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Similan Islands or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Melbourne?

In either Similan Islands or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Melbourne?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the idyllic 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.

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Similan Islands or Melbourne?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Similan Islands and Melbourne, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Similan Islands is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Melbourne Expensive?.

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

Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Similan Islands experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Similan Islands is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Similan Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Similan Islands is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Similan Islands in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein April. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (80°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Melbournein July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Melbourne. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Similan Islands is much warmer than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Similan Islands this time of the year. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Melbournein October. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Similan Islands