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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Canberra?

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 Canberra 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. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Canberra travel costs.

Hat Yai and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Canberra than Hat Yai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Canberra is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking, while Hat Yai is known for its food and shopping. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also home to the Australian War Memorial.

How is Hat Yai different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Canberra 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 Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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 Canberra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Hat Yai or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Hat Yai and Canberra.

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 Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Hat Yai or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Canberra 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 Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Canberra?

Hat Yai is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hat Yai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Hat Yai or Canberra Better for Families?

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

Canberra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra Better for Couples?

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

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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 Canberra Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Canberra 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.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra a more walkable city?

Canberra is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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 Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Canberra?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Canberra?

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 Canberra, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Canberra has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Canberra?

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.

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra 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 Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Canberra in the Autumn?

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

Hat Yai is much warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra 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 more rain than Canberrain April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 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 Canberra in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 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 Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Canberrain October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 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.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Hat Yai