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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Auckland?

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 Auckland 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hat Yai and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland than Hat Yai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Auckland is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Hat Yai is known for its food. Auckland is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Auckland 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 Auckland. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Hat Yai is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Hat Yai or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

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

Auckland has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Hat Yai or Auckland Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Auckland attract visitors from all over. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland 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 Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Auckland?

Both Hat Yai and Auckland are superb 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 Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Hat Yai or Auckland Better for Families?

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

Auckland is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland Better for Couples?

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

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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 Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Auckland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Auckland 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.

Auckland has a few public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

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 Auckland a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Auckland both are decent when exploring on foot.

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

Auckland is generally not a very walkable city. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Auckland. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Auckland than Hat Yai. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Auckland?

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.

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Auckland?

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.

Because Auckland 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. 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 Auckland has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Auckland?

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.

Auckland 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 Auckland?

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 Auckland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Auckland. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Auckland?

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

Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland 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. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Auckland, 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 Aucklandin January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 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 Aucklandin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 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 Aucklandin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Auckland. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 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 Aucklandin July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland 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, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Aucklandin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 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.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Hat Yai