A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Manila for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hat Yai or Manila?

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 Manila 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.

Where Should I go: Hat Yai or Manila?

Hat Yai

The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Manila or Hat Yai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $16, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hat Yai and Manila in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $5.11
    Manila $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $10
    Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Manila

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hat Yai


Hotels in Manila


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hat Yai Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hat Yai $0.63
    Manila $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:

  • Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25
  • private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68
  • Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $69
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
  • Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $37
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
  • Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Manila?

Prices for flights to both Manila and Hat Yai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hat Yai $10
    Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:


  • Roti Snack
    $0.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
  • Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Manila $20

Tours and Activities in Hat Yai

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:

  • One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
  • One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
  • Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
  • ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
  • ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
  • Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.52
    Manila $9.97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:


  • Beer
    $1.64


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


Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Manila?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Manila, 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 Manila?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Manila in the Summer?

Both Manila and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Manila. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Manila 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Manila in the Autumn?

Both Manila and Hat Yai during the autumn 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 Manila year-round.

May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Manila. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Manila 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Manila in the Winter?

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

January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Manila. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Manila. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Manila 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Manila in the Spring?

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

Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F) 
    Manila 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manila and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Manila
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)