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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Hat Yai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a festive, colorful, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Hat Yai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai than Hat Yai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai attracts visitors for its food. Dubai is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

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

Dubai 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 Dubai. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Dubai is a world class party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Hat Yai is not a live music destination.

In Dubai you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Hat Yai is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Hat Yai?

Dubai 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.

Dubai is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Dubai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Dubai is a city with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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 Dubai or Hat Yai Better for Students?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Dubai 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.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Dubai and Hat Yai are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Hat Yai?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai 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 Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Hat Yai?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hat Yai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Hat Yai?

Because Dubai 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. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Hat Yai?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hat Yai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Hat Yai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Hat Yai?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Hat Yai in the Summer?

Both Hat Yai and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai 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 August is the dry season in Dubai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Hat Yai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Hat Yai in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

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

Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Dubai is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Hat Yai in the Winter?

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

January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Dubai is generally cooler than Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Hat Yai in the Spring?

Both Hat Yai and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai 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 Dubai is June to August. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Dubai is cooler than Hat Yai in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Dubai