A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Hat Yai vs. Pattaya for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Hat Yai or Pattaya?

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 Pattaya 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a colorful, active, and vibrant resort city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Hat Yai and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Pattaya?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pattaya than Hat Yai. While Hat Yai is larger than Pattaya, Pattaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Hat Yai is known for its food and big city activities. Pattaya is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also home to the Sanctuary of Truth. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Pattaya is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

Hat Yai is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city 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.

Dining out in Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Hat Yai or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

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 Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is notable for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

In Pattaya, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Hat Yai or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Pattaya attract visitors from all over. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Pattaya?

Both Hat Yai and Pattaya are great 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 Pattaya. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Is Hat Yai or Pattaya Better for Families?

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

Pattaya is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

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 Pattaya Better for Couples?

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

Pattaya is a good resort city for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

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 Pattaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pattaya is a good resort city to visit for backpackers. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

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

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

Pattaya has a few public transit options. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

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 Pattaya a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Pattaya both are decent when exploring on foot.

Hat Yai is generally not very walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Pattaya is generally not a very walkable city. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting? and Is Pattaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Pattaya?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Pattaya?

In Hat Yai, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Pattaya, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This resort 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 Pattaya?

In Hat Yai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer.

In Pattaya, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pattaya has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Pattaya?

Hat Yai 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.

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Pattaya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Pattaya. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 3-Day Tours from Phuket, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Pattaya?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Pattaya in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Pattaya. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Pattaya. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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 Pattaya. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

In July, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Pattaya in the Autumn?

Both Pattaya 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. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Pattaya in the Winter?

Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Pattaya. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Pattaya averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Pattaya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. In April, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pattaya. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya 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 Pattaya during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Hat Yai