A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Chiang Rai vs. Hat Yai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Hat Yai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai 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.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a friendly, charming, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hat Yai

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

Chiang Rai and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chiang Rai than Hat Yai. While Hat Yai is larger than Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Rai is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is known for its big city activities. Chiang Rai is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. It is also home to Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple). Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Chiang Rai 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 Rai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Chiang Rai 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 Rai on the map. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

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 Rai or Hat Yai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chiang Rai and Hat Yai can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Rai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

Many restaurants in Hat Yai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Rai or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Hat Yai have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Chiang Rai. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

Hat Yai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Chiang Rai or Hat Yai Better for its Old Town?

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

Chiang Rai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Hat Yai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Hat Yai?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Chiang Rai and Hat Yai.

Chiang Rai is well-known for its shopping. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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 Rai or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Chiang Rai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.

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 Rai or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

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

Chiang Rai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

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 Rai or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Rai is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Rai is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Chiang Rai and Hat Yai.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

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

Is Chiang Rai or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Chiang Rai is a very walkable destination. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

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 Rai Worth Visiting? and Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chiang Rai or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Rai and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Rai than in Hat Yai. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

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

One day in Chiang Rai or Hat Yai?

In Chiang Rai, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 cultural 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 Rai or Hat Yai?

In Chiang Rai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Rai 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 Rai or Hat Yai?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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, 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 Rai or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chiang Rai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai 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.