A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Hat Yai and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Hat Yai and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Milford Sound is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Hat Yai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hat Yai or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is notable for snow skiing. However, Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

Hat Yai is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hat Yai is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Hat Yai or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Hat Yai or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

Hat Yai is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound as well. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Milford Sound Better for Families?

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

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Milford Sound is a good fiord to visit for backpackers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Both Hat Yai and Milford Sound offer reasonable 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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Hat Yai or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Hat Yai is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

Hat Yai and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound.

One day in Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Hat Yai. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Hat Yai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Hat Yai. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Milford Sound?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Milford Sound, 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.