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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Picton?

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 Picton 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 idyllic, remote, and spectacular island chain. You'll find world class beauty in Similan Islands as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Picton travel costs.

Similan Islands and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Similan Islands and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Picton is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Picton is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Picton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picton 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.

Picton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Picton is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

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 Picton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands. 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.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Picton Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Similan Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Similan Islands or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Similan Islands offers some nice hiking trails. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Picton?

Picton is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Picton More Beautiful?

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

You'll find world class beauty in Similan Islands as well. 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.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Picton Better for Families?

Picton 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, Picton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Similan Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Picton is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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 Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around 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 Similan Islands or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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

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

One day in Similan Islands or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The quaint destination of Picton offers shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Picton?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The town of Picton offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Similan Islands or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Picton is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Similan Islands. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Picton, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Similan Islands is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Picton.

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 Picton Expensive?.

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

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Picton. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Similan Islands is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Similan Islands is generally much warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton and Similan Islands during the winter 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 Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Similan Islands is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Similan Islands usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Picton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Similan Islands is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Typical Weather for Picton and Similan Islands