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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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. 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 Hat Yai travel costs.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a trendy, coastal, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Newcastle travel costs.

Hat Yai and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Newcastle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle than Hat Yai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Newcastle is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Hat Yai attracts visitors for its food. Newcastle is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also well known for the Bathers Way. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Newcastle. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Hat Yai or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

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

Newcastle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Newcastle attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Newcastle is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Newcastle?

Both Hat Yai and Newcastle 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 Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Is Hat Yai or Newcastle Better for Families?

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

Newcastle is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Newcastle Better for Couples?

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

Newcastle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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 Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Newcastle is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Newcastle is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Newcastle has a few public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

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 Newcastle a more walkable city?

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

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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 Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Newcastle?

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.

In Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful 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.

In Newcastle, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Newcastle has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Newcastle?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively 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.

Newcastle is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Newcastle?

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 Newcastle. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle. 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Newcastle?

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

Both Newcastle and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Newcastle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Newcastlein January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Hat Yai during the autumn 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, most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein April. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun.

Newcastle 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 more rain in October than Newcastlein April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Newcastle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastle during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Newcastlein July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Newcastle. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Newcastlein October. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Newcastlein October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Hat Yai