Which place is cheaper, Hat Yai or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Hat Yai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Hat Yai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Hat Yai?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
Hat Yai
The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Hat Yai $16
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Hat Yai is $16. 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 Aqaba and Hat Yai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Hat Yai $5.11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Hat Yai $10
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Hat Yai
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Hat Yai? 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Hat Yai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Hat Yai $0.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:
- Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $69
- Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
- Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73
- Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25
- private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Hat Yai?
Prices for flights to both Hat Yai and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Hat Yai $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:
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Roti Snack$0.55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Hat Yai -
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $40
Tours and Activities in Hat Yai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:
- One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
- One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Hat Yai $2.52
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:
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Beer$1.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Hat Yai, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Hat Yai is in Asia, 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 Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Hat Yai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Hat Yai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Hat Yai?
Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Hat Yai, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba or Hat Yai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Hat Yai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Hat Yai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Hat Yai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Hat Yai. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.
May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Hat Yai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun.
In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Hat Yai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Hat Yai in the Winter?
Both Hat Yai and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.
Aqaba is much colder than Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Hat Yai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Hat Yai in the Spring?
Both Hat Yai and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.
January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Hat Yai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Aqaba is cooler than Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Hat Yai 30°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Hat Yai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 588 mm (23.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 404 mm (15.9 in) |
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.