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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Nikko?

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 Nikko 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.

Nikko

Nikko is a natural, rural, and historic town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Hat Yai and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Nikko?

Both Nikko and Hat Yai have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hat Yai is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is a must-visit destination 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Nikko on the map. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Hat Yai or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination 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 Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Hat Yai or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Nikko can be explored in its historical center. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is Hat Yai or Nikko Better for Hiking?

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

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Nikko?

Hat Yai is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Hat Yai or Nikko Better for Families?

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

Nikko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

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 Nikko Better for Couples?

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

Nikko is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nikko is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko 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 Nikko. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

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

Nikko is a very walkable destination. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko 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 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Nikko?

In Hat Yai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this festive destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Nikko is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town 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 Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Nikko?

Hat Yai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Nikko is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Hat Yai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Since Nikko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Nikko?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Nikko. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In the summer, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Nikko. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Hat Yai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. Hat Yai is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hat Yai is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Nikko. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Hat Yai