A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Mount Bromo for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Mount Bromo?

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 Mount Bromo 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 festive, colorful, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a breathtaking, scenic, and spectacular volcano. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Hat Yai and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Mount Bromo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hat Yai than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hat Yai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Bromo is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting. 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 Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hat Yai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Hat Yai or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Hat Yai has a few options to choose from. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Hat Yai or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Mount Bromo is a popular spot for hiking. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Mount Bromo?

Hat Yai is a great city for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Mount Bromo More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo as well. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

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

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

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 Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

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 Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Mount Bromo is a good volcano to visit for backpackers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Both Hat Yai and Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Hat Yai or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

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

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable volcano. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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 Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Mount Bromo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hat Yai or Mount Bromo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hat Yai than Mount Bromo 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 1-2 days is enough time in Mount Bromo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.

One day in Hat Yai or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Hat Yai. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Mount Bromo, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This volcano 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Hat Yai. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Mount Bromo, you'll find . 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mount Bromo has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Mount Bromo?

The colorful city of Hat Yai offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Mount Bromo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. 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 Mount Bromo. Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Bromo. 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 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 Mount Bromo, we can see that Hat Yai is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Hat Yai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hat Yai than you might in Mount Bromo.

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 Mount Bromo Expensive?.