Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Hat Yai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan)?
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 Busan (Pusan) 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.
Where Should I go: Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan)?
Hat Yai
The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Hat Yai Prices
Thailand PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHat Yai $36Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $36, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $104. 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 Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHat Yai $16Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHat Yai $32Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan)? 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.
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 Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hat Yai $0.72Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:
- Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) 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
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Food Meals for one dayHat Yai $18Busan (Pusan) $44
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:
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Roti Snack$0.63
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
- Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hat Yai -Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHat Yai $2.64Busan (Pusan) $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:
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Beer$1.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hat Yai and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
In July, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHat Yai 29°C (83°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
Hat Yai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHat Yai 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 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 Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHat Yai 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hat Yai or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHat Yai 30°C (85°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Hat Yai
| Hat Yai | Busan (Pusan) | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (85°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 588 mm (23.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 404 mm (15.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.