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

Should you visit Hanoi or Hat Yai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Hat Yai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a cultural, historical, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a lively, festive, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Hat Yai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Hat Yai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hat Yai is known for its food. Hanoi is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hanoi different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi 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 Hanoi on the map. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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

Hat Yai is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Is Hanoi or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

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

Hanoi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi or Hat Yai Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hanoi can be explored in its historical center. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Hat Yai?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is a world class destination for shoppers. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Hat Yai Better for Families?

Hanoi is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Hanoi is a family-friendly place to visit. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

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 Hanoi or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

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

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

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 Hanoi or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hanoi is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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 Hanoi or Hat Yai Better for Students?

Hanoi is notable for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hanoi and Hat Yai.

Public transit is generally limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

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

Is Hanoi or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Hat Yai. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Hat Yai?

Because Hanoi 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.

In Hat Yai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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 Hanoi or Hat Yai?

Because Hanoi 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Hanoi or Hat Yai?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful 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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Hat Yai?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Hat Yai in the Summer?

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

Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Hat Yai. Hanoi 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 April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Hat Yai. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Hanoi is generally cooler than Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Hat Yai in the Winter?

Both Hat Yai and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi 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, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Hanoi is much colder than Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Hat Yai in the Spring?

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

November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Hat Yai. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Hanoi is cooler than Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Hanoi