A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hat Yai or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Hat Yai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $16, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $5.11
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $10
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.

Hotels in Hat Yai


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hat Yai $0.63
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

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: $69
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25
  • private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hat Yai $10
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:


  • Roti Snack
    $0.55

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

Tours and Activities in Hat Yai

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:

  • One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
  • One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
  • [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
  • Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
  • Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
  • Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
  • jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
  • Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $63
  • Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $66
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Bus Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.52
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:


  • Beer
    $1.64


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


Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

In the summer, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Cheju (Jeju). Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Hat Yai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Hat Yai is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)