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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Lombok?

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 Lombok 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. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Lombok

Lombok is a stunning, peaceful, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Lombok travel costs.

Hat Yai and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Lombok?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lombok. Although Hat Yai and Lombok are both popular with visitors, Lombok has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lombok is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is known for its food and big city activities. Lombok is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also home to Mount Rinjani. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Lombok is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and 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.

Dining out in Lombok is an experience not to be missed. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Hat Yai and Lombok.

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 Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok Better for Resorts?

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

In Lombok, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Lombok is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok Better for Beaches?

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

Lombok is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok Better for Hiking?

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

Lombok is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Lombok?

Both Hat Yai and Lombok are very good shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lombok. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok More Beautiful?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok Better for Families?

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

Lombok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

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 Lombok Better for Couples?

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

Lombok is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

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 Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lombok is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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

Both Hat Yai and Lombok 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 Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Hat Yai or Lombok a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Lombok both are decent when exploring on foot.

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

Lombok is generally not a very walkable city. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

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

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Lombok?

Hat Yai and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Hat Yai 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 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Lombok?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Lombok, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Lombok?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Lombok, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lombok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lombok is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Hat Yai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Lombok. In Lombok, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one week is probably not enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

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

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

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 Lombok in the Summer?

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

Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Lombok. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Lombok in the Autumn?

Both Lombok 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 Lombok 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 Lombok is November to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Lombok. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Should I visit Hat Yai or Lombok in the Winter?

Both Lombok 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 Lombok year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. 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 Lombok. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Lombok. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Hat Yai or Lombok in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Lombok 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. May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Lombok. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Hat Yai