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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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 cultural, lively, and festive city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hat Yai and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Hat Yai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Melbourne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Hat Yai is known for its food. Melbourne is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Hat Yai or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Melbourne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Hat Yai or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is notable for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Melbourne?

Both Hat Yai and Melbourne are excellent 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 Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Hat Yai or Melbourne Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

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

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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 Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Melbourne is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

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 Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Melbourne?

In either Hat Yai or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Hat Yai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Melbourne?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hat Yai. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the festive destination of Hat Yai. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Hat Yai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Melbourne?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hat Yai and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hat Yai is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Hat Yai during the summer 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, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Melbourne. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Melbournein July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Hat Yai