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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Koh Tao?

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 Tao 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 Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Hat Yai and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Hat Yai and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao 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 Tao is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao 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 Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

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

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.

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao 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 Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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 Tao Better for Resorts?

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

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

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

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

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

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

Koh Tao is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Koh Tao?

Hat Yai is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Tao Better for Families?

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

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

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 Tao Better for Couples?

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

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

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 Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koh Tao is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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

Both Hat Yai and Koh Tao offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Hat Yai or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

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

Koh Tao is a very walkable destination. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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 Tao Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hat Yai or Koh Tao?

Both Hat Yai and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Hat Yai. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Koh Tao?

In Hat Yai, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Koh Tao, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Tao?

In Hat Yai, 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer.

In Koh Tao, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Tao has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Koh Tao?

Hat Yai 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.

Koh Tao 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 Tao has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. In Koh Tao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Tao, we can see that Koh Tao 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 Tao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tao 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 Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Koh Tao?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

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 Tao in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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 Tao. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.

In July, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

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

Both Koh Tao 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 Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Tao. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

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

Both Koh Tao 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 Tao year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Tao. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Tao, 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 Tao. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Koh Tao 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. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In April, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Tao. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Hat Yai