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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful, rustic, and remote island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hat Yai and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Hat Yai and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Hat Yai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Hat Yai is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Phi Phi is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi?

Hat Yai is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Hat Yai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi as a family destination.

Hat Yai is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

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 Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi has a few public transit options. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

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 Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable island. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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 Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the festive city of Hat Yai. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Hat Yai. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi?

The lively city of Hat Yai offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. 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 Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Koh Phi Phi?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

In July, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

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

January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Hat Yai