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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Cairns?

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 Cairns 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a tropical, idyllic, and outdoorsy city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Hat Yai and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Cairns?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cairns than Hat Yai. While Hat Yai is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hat Yai attracts visitors for its museums, food, and big city activities. Cairns is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

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

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Hat Yai or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Cairns is a world class party destination. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is notable for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

In Cairns, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Hat Yai or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Cairns is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Cairns Better for Beaches?

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

Cairns is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Cairns Better for Hiking?

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

Around Cairns visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Cairns?

Both Hat Yai and Cairns are excellent 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 Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Hat Yai or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cairns is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Cairns Better for Couples?

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

Cairns is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cairns is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Cairns 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.

Cairns has a few public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Cairns a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Cairns both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Cairns is generally not a very walkable city. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Cairns?

In either Hat Yai or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Hat Yai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cairns, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Cairns?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairns, 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 Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns 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 Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Hat Yai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Cairns?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Cairns, 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 Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns 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, many visitors come to Cairns in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in January.

Cairns 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 less rain in July than Cairnsin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, most visitors come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cairnsin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Cairns. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cairns because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Cairnsin July. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Cairnsin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 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 Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns 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, the beaches are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Cairnsin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 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. The dry season in Cairns is April to October. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Hat Yai