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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton 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. Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a rural, traditional, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Similan Islands and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Rockhampton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rockhampton. Although Similan Islands and Rockhampton are both popular with visitors, Rockhampton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rockhampton 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. Rockhampton is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also home to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Rockhampton is a town 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 Rockhampton. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

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 Rockhampton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Similan Islands or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Rockhampton More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Rockhampton 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, Rockhampton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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

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

Rockhampton is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

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 Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Similan Islands and Rockhampton.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Similan Islands or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Rockhampton are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable island chain. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Similan Islands or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Similan Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rockhampton.

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

Couples should spend more time in Similan Islands than Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton.

One day in Similan Islands or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote island chain of Similan Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The cultural destination of Rockhampton offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island chain offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Rockhampton offers food and shopping. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote island chain of Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Rockhampton is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island chain.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rockhampton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Similan Islands and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton Expensive?.

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton 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. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Similan Islands is generally a little warmer than Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 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 Rockhampton in the Winter?

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

Similan Islands is much warmer than Rockhampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin July. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Rockhampton. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In the spring, Similan Islands is a little warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 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 Rockhampton and Similan Islands