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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Malang?

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 Malang 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Malang travel costs.

Hat Yai and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Malang?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Hat Yai than Malang. While Malang is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Hat Yai is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Malang is more popular for its hiking. Malang is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its many nearby natural attractions. 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 Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Malang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

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

Both Hat Yai and Malang offer a number of terrific restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Hat Yai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through Malang, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

Is Hat Yai or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Malang.

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 Malang. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Hat Yai or Malang Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Malang. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Malang?

Hat Yai is well known for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Hat Yai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Hat Yai or Malang Better for Families?

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

Malang is a family-friendly place to visit. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

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 Malang Better for Couples?

Malang is a city with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Malang is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

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 Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Malang is a good city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

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 Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Malang is a good city to visit for students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Is Hat Yai or Malang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Hat Yai and Malang offer respectable 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 Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Hat Yai or Malang a more walkable city?

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

Malang is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is relatively walkable.

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 Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Malang. In our opinion, Malang has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Malang than Hat Yai. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Malang?

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 Malang, 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.

A weekend in Hat Yai or Malang?

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 Malang, 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 Malang has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Malang?

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.

Malang 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.

A week in Hat Yai or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively 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 Malang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Malang. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Malang, 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.