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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Matsue?

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 Matsue 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.

Matsue

Matsue is a quiet, peaceful, and pretty town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Hat Yai and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Matsue?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hat Yai than Matsue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hat Yai is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Matsue is known for its museums & sights, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Matsue is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. 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 Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Matsue 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 Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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 Matsue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Matsue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Is Hat Yai or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Hat Yai or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Matsue offers a nice historic old town area. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Matsue?

Hat Yai is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Matsue has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Hat Yai or Matsue Better for Families?

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

Matsue is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

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 Matsue Better for Couples?

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

Matsue is a good town for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

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 Matsue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Matsue is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue is notable for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Matsue. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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 Matsue a more walkable city?

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

Matsue is a very walkable destination. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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 Matsue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Matsue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Matsue. In our opinion, Matsue has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Matsue than Hat Yai. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Matsue.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Matsue?

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 Matsue, you'll find museums and food. This town 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 Matsue?

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 Matsue, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Matsue has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Matsue?

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.

Matsue 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 Matsue?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful 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 Matsue. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Matsue. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Matsue?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In July, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Matsue this time of the year. In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

Matsue 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 Matsue. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Matsue. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Matsue. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue 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, many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In January, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Matsue. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue 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, most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 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 Matsue and Hat Yai