A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Hat Yai vs. Koh Chang for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang 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.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a idyllic, serene, and tranquil island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Hat Yai and Koh Chang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Koh Chang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hat Yai than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hat Yai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Chang is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. 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 Koh Chang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its 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.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Hat Yai is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hat Yai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Chang Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Koh Chang.

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 Koh Chang. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Chang Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is notable for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

In Koh Chang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Chang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Chang Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Koh Chang is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Chang Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Koh Chang?

Hat Yai is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Chang Better for Families?

Koh Chang is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Chang is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Koh Chang Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Koh Chang is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koh Chang is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

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

Koh Chang has a few public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

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 Koh Chang a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Koh Chang both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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

Koh Chang is generally not a very walkable city. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

For even more information, also check out Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Chang or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Koh Chang?

In either Hat Yai or Koh Chang, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than Hat Yai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Chang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

One day in Hat Yai or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island 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 Koh Chang?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively 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 Koh Chang, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Koh Chang?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful 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.

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Chang has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 3-Day Tours from Phuket, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok.

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

When is the best time to visit Hat Yai or Koh Chang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Koh Chang in the Summer?

Both Koh Chang and Hat Yai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round.

Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Koh Chang. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Koh Chang. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 143 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Koh Chang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Chang. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

In October, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Koh Chang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Koh Chang. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.

Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Koh Chang. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Koh Chang. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 282 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Koh Chang in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Koh Chang in the Spring?

Both Koh Chang and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Hat Yai