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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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 lively, festive, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a spiritual, traditional, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Hat Yai and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Koyasan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Hat Yai and Koyasan are both popular with visitors, Hat Yai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hat Yai is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also home to Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan is notable 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 a good number of museums and monuments packed into Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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 Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Hat Yai or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Hat Yai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Hat Yai or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Koyasan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is Hat Yai or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Koyasan?

Hat Yai is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hat Yai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Koyasan Better for Families?

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

Koyasan is a family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

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 Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Koyasan is a very popular place to visit for couples. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koyasan is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan 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.

Koyasan has a few public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

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

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hat Yai or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hat Yai than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hat Yai or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Hat Yai or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Koyasan. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Koyasan. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Hat Yai during the spring 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, the spring months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Hat Yai