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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a authentic, welcoming, and interesting city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Nagasaki travel costs.

Hat Yai and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Nagasaki?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagasaki than Hat Yai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nagasaki is very popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife, while Hat Yai attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Nagasaki is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also well known for the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nagasaki 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nagasaki makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Hat Yai or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagasaki has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Nagasaki?

Hat Yai is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Hat Yai or Nagasaki Better for Families?

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

Nagasaki is a family-friendly place to visit. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

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 Nagasaki Better for Couples?

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

Nagasaki is a good city for couples to visit. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

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 Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nagasaki is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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 Nagasaki a more walkable city?

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

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the 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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Nagasaki?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Nagasaki. In our opinion, Nagasaki has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Nagasaki?

The city of Hat Yai offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nagasaki, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Nagasaki?

Hat Yai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hat Yai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Nagasaki?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Nagasaki?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Nagasaki in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki 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 less rain in July than Nagasaki. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 20°C (67°F).

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Nagasaki. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 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 Nagasaki in the Winter?

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

In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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 Nagasaki. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Nagasaki. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 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 Nagasaki in the Spring?

Both Nagasaki 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Nagasaki in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 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 Nagasaki and Hat Yai