A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Fiordland National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park?

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 Fiordland National Park 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a world famous, stunning, and iconic national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Hat Yai and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hat Yai than Fiordland National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hat Yai is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fiordland National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. Also, Hat Yai is famous for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Hat Yai is very good for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is very good for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Around Fiordland National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park?

Hat Yai is a very popular place for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

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

Fiordland National Park is an extremely popular national park to visit for families. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Fiordland National Park is a great national park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Fiordland National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hat Yai is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Fiordland National Park both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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

Fiordland National Park is generally not a very walkable city. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park?

Hat Yai and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Hat Yai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

One day in Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the lively city of Hat Yai. Most people head to the area for the food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Fiordland National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Fiordland National Park, you'll find . 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Fiordland National Park?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the food. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Fiordland National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fiordland National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Most people head to the area for the food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Fiordland National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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