A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 festive, colorful, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a iconic, world renowned, and majestic national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Hat Yai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Hat Yai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Hat Yai has a few options to choose from. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Around Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Hat Yai is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a few public transit options. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

One day in Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The lively destination of Hat Yai offers shopping and museums. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Hat Yai is a fun place to experience. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Hat Yai. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Hat Yai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Hat Yai