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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Nelson?

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 Nelson 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 colorful, cultural, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Nelson

Nelson is a natural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, Nelson attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Nelson travel costs.

Hat Yai and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Nelson?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nelson than Hat Yai. While Hat Yai is larger than Nelson, Nelson has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nelson is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Nelson is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. Also, Nelson is famous for Abel Tasman National Park. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hat Yai or Nelson.

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.

Nelson is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

Hat Yai is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Nelson has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

Is Hat Yai or Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Nelson.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nelson. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Hat Yai or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Nelson is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Nelson Better for Hiking?

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

Around Nelson visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Nelson?

Hat Yai is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hat Yai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Hat Yai or Nelson More Beautiful?

Nelson is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Nelson attracts visitors from all around. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful outdoor environments.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Nelson is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders 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 Nelson Better for Couples?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Nelson is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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 Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nelson is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nelson is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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

Both Hat Yai and Nelson 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 Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Hat Yai or Nelson a more walkable city?

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

Nelson is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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 Nelson Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Nelson?

In either Hat Yai or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson 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 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Nelson?

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 Nelson, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Nelson?

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 Nelson, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hat Yai or Nelson?

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.

Nelson 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 Nelson has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Nelson?

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 Nelson. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nelson. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Nelson?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nelson. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Nelson, 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.