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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Adelaide?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hat Yai and Adelaide 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.

Hat Yai

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

Adelaide

Adelaide is a elegant, welcoming, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hat Yai and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Adelaide?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hat Yai than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is better known for its food and big city activities, while Adelaide is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Adelaide is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. Also, Hat Yai is famous for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hat Yai
Adelaide

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hat Yai or Adelaide.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hat Yai. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Adelaide is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


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

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Hat Yai is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Hat Yai or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Adelaide.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Hat Yai or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Adelaide is notable for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.


Is Hat Yai or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Adelaide 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 Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Adelaide?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Both Hat Yai and Adelaide are great shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Is Hat Yai or Adelaide Better for Families?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

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

Adelaide is a family-friendly place to visit. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

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 Hat Yai or Adelaide Better for Couples?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

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

Adelaide is a good city for couples to visit. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

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 Hat Yai or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Adelaide is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

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 Hat Yai or Adelaide Better for Students?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Adelaide is a city with good options for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.


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

Hat Yai
Adelaide

Adelaide is notable for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Adelaide. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

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

Is Hat Yai or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Hat Yai
Adelaide

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

Adelaide is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's 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 Hat Yai Worth Visiting? and Is Adelaide Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Adelaide?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Adelaide. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Adelaide due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Adelaide.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Hat Yai or Adelaide? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hat Yai 1-3 
    Adelaide 2-4

One day in Hat Yai or Adelaide?

The city of Hat Yai offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Adelaide, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Hat Yai or Adelaide?

Hat Yai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hat Yai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Hat Yai or Adelaide?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Adelaide is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hat Yai or Adelaide?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.


Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Hat Yai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $16, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hat Yai and Adelaide in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $5.11
    Adelaide $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $10
    Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Adelaide

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Adelaide? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hat Yai


Hotels in Adelaide


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hat Yai Hotel Prices and Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hat Yai $0.63
    Adelaide $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:

  • private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68
  • Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Adelaide Airport(ADL)to Adelaide city - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $57
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $62
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $66
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Adelaide - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
  • Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $109
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $218
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $246
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide Port: $252
  • Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Adelaide?

Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Hat Yai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hat Yai $10
    Adelaide $31
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:


  • Roti Snack
    $0.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $23
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $78
  • Cooking classes Goolwa: $129
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $192
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $230

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Adelaide $13

Tours and Activities in Hat Yai

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:

  • One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
  • One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Adelaide Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.00
  • Queer Adelaide History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise: $17
  • Torrens River Cruise in Adelaide: $17
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Guided Tour: $18
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour: $19
  • An exciting, Tree Top Adventure for Our Littlest Adventurers : $23
  • River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise: $25
  • Adelaide Walking Tour: Hills, Squares and Parklands: $27
  • Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $28
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Guide: $29
  • Private Home Style Indian Dining Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.52
    Adelaide $22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:


  • Beer
    $1.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $42
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $78
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $79
  • The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $110
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $110
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $112
  • Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $131
  • Barossa Small Group Wine Tours - Local Guide: $131
  • Adelaide Hills Full Day Wine Tour: $131


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


Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Adelaide?

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

Adelaide has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hat Yai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Adelaide in the Summer?

Both Adelaide and Hat Yai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

In the summer, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Adelaide. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Adelaide averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Adelaidein January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Adelaide in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Adelaide. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Adelaidein April. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Adelaidein April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Adelaide in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Adelaide. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Adelaide in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Adelaide in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Adelaide fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Adelaidein July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Adelaidein July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Adelaide in the Spring?

Both Adelaide and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Hat Yai is much warmer than Adelaide. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Adelaide averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adelaide during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Adelaidein October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F) 
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Adelaide
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in)