A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Chiang Mai vs. Hat Yai for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Hat Yai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a cultural, welcoming, and natural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a festive, colorful, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Hat Yai. Chiang Mai is bigger than Hat Yai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Chiang Mai different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Chiang Mai on the map. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

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 Chiang Mai or Hat Yai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and Hat Yai both to be fantastic destinations.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Chiang Mai has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Chiang Mai or Hat Yai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Hat Yai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

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 Chiang Mai or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Chiang Mai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

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 Chiang Mai or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

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 Chiang Mai or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

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

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

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

Is Chiang Mai or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

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

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable city. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

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 Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Hat Yai. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the colorful city of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hat Yai, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hat Yai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Hat Yai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Hat Yai, we can see that Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Hat Yai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Hat Yai?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Hat Yai in the Summer?

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

June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Hat Yai. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 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, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Hat Yai. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

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

November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hat Yai in the Winter?

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

Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 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 Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is cooler than Hat Yai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hat Yai in the Spring?

Both Hat Yai and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 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 Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Chiang Mai