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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Hiroshima?

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 Hiroshima 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a meaningful, park-filled, and memorable city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Hat Yai and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Hiroshima?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hat Yai than Hiroshima. While Hiroshima is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is better known for its food and big city activities, while Hiroshima is more popular for its museums and attractions. Hiroshima is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. 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 Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima is a must-visit destination 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Hiroshima on the map. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Hat Yai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Is Hat Yai or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Hiroshima.

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 Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Hiroshima?

Both Hat Yai and Hiroshima are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hiroshima. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Is Hat Yai or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Hiroshima is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

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 Hiroshima Better for Couples?

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

Hiroshima is a good city for couples to visit. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

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 Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hiroshima is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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 Hiroshima Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hiroshima is notable for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hiroshima. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

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 Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Hiroshima is a very walkable destination. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Hiroshima?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Hiroshima?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hat Yai. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Hiroshima, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Hiroshima?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Hat Yai. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Hiroshima, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hiroshima has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Hiroshima?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the festive city of Hat Yai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Hiroshima. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Hiroshima. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima 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, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the shopping scene.

In October, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima 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, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hiroshima can get quite cold in the winter. Hat Yai is much warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Hiroshima. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Hiroshima in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hat Yai is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 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 Hiroshima and Hat Yai