A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Can Tho vs. Hat Yai for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Hat Yai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a cultural, unique, and fascinating city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Can Tho travel costs.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a festive, colorful, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Can Tho and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Can Tho than Hat Yai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Can Tho is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Hat Yai is known for its food. Can Tho is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also home to Cai Rang Floating Market. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Can Tho different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hat Yai and Can Tho. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Can Tho is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Can Tho. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

Hat Yai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Is the Food Better in Can Tho or Hat Yai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hat Yai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

Dining out in Can Tho is an experience not to be missed. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Is Can Tho or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Can Tho and Hat Yai.

If you're looking for night time activities Can Tho has a few options to choose from. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Can Tho is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Can Tho is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hat Yai. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

Is Can Tho or Hat Yai Better for Families?

Can Tho is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Can Tho is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Can Tho or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Can Tho is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Can Tho or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Can Tho is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

Is Can Tho or Hat Yai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Can Tho and Hat Yai both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Public transit is generally limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Can Tho or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Can Tho is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is relatively walkable.

Hat Yai is generally not a very walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Can Tho Worth Visiting? and Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Can Tho and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hat Yai than in Can Tho. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Can Tho than Hat Yai 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 Can Tho.

One day in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

In Can Tho, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Hat Yai, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

In Can Tho, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Can Tho has to offer.

In Hat Yai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer.

Five days in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Can Tho is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Hat Yai, we can see that Can Tho is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Can Tho would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Can Tho 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 Can Tho Expensive? and Is Hat Yai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho 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 Can Tho or Hat Yai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Can Tho or Hat Yai in the Summer?

Both Hat Yai and Can Tho during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Hat Yai. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Hat Yai. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Can Tho in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Hat Yai during autumn. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Hat Yai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Hat Yai. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the winter, Can Tho often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun.

Can Tho is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Hat Yai in the Spring?

Both Hat Yai and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho 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 Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In April, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Hat Yai during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Can Tho in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Can Tho