A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hat Yai or Guangzhou?

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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?

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.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

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 in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $5.11
    Guangzhou $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $10
    Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou


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
    Guangzhou $14

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 Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
  • Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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
    Guangzhou $19
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

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


  • Roti Snack
    $0.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Guangzhou $18

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 Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
  • Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.52
    Guangzhou $14
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 Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?

Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Guangzhou in the Autumn?

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

In October, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 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) 
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Guangzhou in the Winter?

Both Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 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) 
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Guangzhou in the Spring?

Both Guangzhou 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 a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun.

Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 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) 
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Guangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)