A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Airlie Beach for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

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 Airlie Beach 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 colorful, cultural, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a idyllic, paradise, and laid back town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Hat Yai and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach than Hat Yai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Airlie Beach is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Also, Airlie Beach is famous for the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach?

Hat Yai is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

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

Hat Yai is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Hat Yai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Hat Yai or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Airlie Beach.

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 Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Hat Yai or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

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

Airlie Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Hat Yai or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Airlie Beach is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Airlie Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

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

Around Airlie Beach visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

Hat Yai is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hat Yai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Hat Yai or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

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

Airlie Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

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 Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Airlie Beach is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

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 Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Airlie Beach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

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 Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Airlie Beach has a few public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

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 Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

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

Airlie Beach is a very walkable destination. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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 Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

Both Hat Yai and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Hat Yai. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach.

One day in Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

In Hat Yai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this festive city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Airlie Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 Airlie Beach?

Hat Yai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Airlie Beach, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Hat Yai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

Hat Yai is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Airlie Beach. In Airlie Beach, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Hat Yai or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach in the Summer?

Both Airlie Beach and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Hat Yai during the autumn 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, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Airlie Beachin April. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin April. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun.

Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Airlie Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Airlie Beach during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Airlie Beach. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin October. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai usually gets more rain in April than Airlie Beachin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Hat Yai