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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 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. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a cultural, active, and relaxed coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Brisbane travel costs.

Hat Yai and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane than Hat Yai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brisbane is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hat Yai attracts visitors for its food. Brisbane is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also well known for the Cultural Centre. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brisbane 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 Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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 Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Hat Yai or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

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

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

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 Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal 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 Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Brisbane?

Both Hat Yai and Brisbane 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 Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Hat Yai or Brisbane Better for Families?

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

Brisbane is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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 Brisbane Better for Couples?

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

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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 Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brisbane is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Brisbane Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

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

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to 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 Brisbane a more walkable city?

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

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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 Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Brisbane. In our opinion, Brisbane has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Brisbane?

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 Brisbane, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Brisbane has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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 Brisbane. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Brisbane. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Brisbane. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Brisbanein January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Brisbanein April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Hat Yai during the winter 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbanein July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Brisbanein July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane 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 Brisbane during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Brisbanein October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Hat Yai