A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Katoomba for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba 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 colorful, cultural, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a serene, natural, and relaxing town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hat Yai and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Katoomba?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hat Yai than Katoomba, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hat Yai is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. 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 Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hat Yai or Katoomba.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hat Yai. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Katoomba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Is the Food Better in Hat Yai or Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Hat Yai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Hat Yai or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Katoomba.

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 Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Hat Yai or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

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

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Katoomba?

Hat Yai is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hat Yai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Hat Yai or Katoomba Better for Families?

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

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Katoomba is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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 Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Katoomba is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Katoomba is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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 Katoomba a more walkable city?

Katoomba is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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 Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Katoomba?

The city of Hat Yai offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town 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 Katoomba?

Hat Yai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hat Yai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Katoomba has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Katoomba?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. Since Katoomba is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Katoomba?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In July, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katoombain January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Hat Yai during the autumn 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 Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain April. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Katoomba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba 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 Katoomba during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Katoomba. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hat Yai is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Katoombain October. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Katoombain October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Hat Yai