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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Perth?

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 Perth 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.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hat Yai and Perth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Perth?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hat Yai than Perth. While Perth is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Perth is more popular for its museums and beaches. Perth is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. Also, Hat Yai is famous for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai
Perth

Perth 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 Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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 Perth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai
Perth

Hat Yai is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hat Yai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Hat Yai or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai
Perth

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Perth.

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 Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Hat Yai or Perth Better for Beaches?

Hat Yai
Perth

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

Perth is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Perth?

Hat Yai
Perth

Hat Yai is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Hat Yai or Perth Better for Families?

Hat Yai
Perth

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

Perth is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

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 Perth Better for Couples?

Hat Yai
Perth

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

Perth is a good city for couples to visit. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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 Perth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hat Yai
Perth

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

Perth is a good city to visit for backpackers. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

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 Perth Better for Students?

Hat Yai
Perth

Perth is a city with good options for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Is Hat Yai or Perth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hat Yai
Perth

Perth 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.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

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 Perth a more walkable city?

Hat Yai
Perth

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

Perth is a somewhat walkable city. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore 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 Perth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Perth or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Perth. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Perth 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 Perth.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Hat Yai or Perth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hat Yai 1-3 
    Perth 2-4

One day in Hat Yai or Perth?

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.

In Perth, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Perth?

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.

In Perth, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Perth has to offer.


Five days in Hat Yai or Perth?

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.

Perth 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 Perth?

You'll find food and shopping around the festive 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 Perth. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Perth or Hat Yai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $16, while the average daily cost in Perth is $130. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hat Yai and Perth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $5.11
    Perth $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $10
    Perth $150
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Perth

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Perth? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hat Yai


Hotels in Perth


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hat Yai Hotel Prices and Perth Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hat Yai $0.63
    Perth $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:

  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73
  • Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $69
  • private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68
  • Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $33
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Perth City Hotels to Fremantle Cruise Port : $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $33
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $59
  • Perth Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Perth city: $67
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Business Car: $76
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $163
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $219
  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth : $258

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Perth?

Prices for flights to both Perth and Hat Yai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hat Yai $10
    Perth $36
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:


  • Roti Snack
    $0.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • American BBQ Food Tour: $78
  • Half-Day Low and Slow BBQ Food Tour in Perth: $79
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise with Beverages: $111
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $112
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $114
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience a Small Group Tour: $116
  • Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $140
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Perth $14

Tours and Activities in Hat Yai

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:

  • One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
  • One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30

Tours and Activities in Perth

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Perth.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $3.74
  • City Exploration Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Perth Bell Tower Entry Ticket and Bell Chiming Experience: $12
  • Skip the Line: Perth Video Game Console Museum Ticket: $12
  • Perth Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • The Perth Mint Gold Tour: $16
  • Fabulous Fremantle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Optus Stadium Guided Tour: $18
  • The Optus Stadium Tour: $18
  • The Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower: $21
  • AQWA Aquarium of Western Australia Entry Tickets: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.52
    Perth $7.41
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:


  • Beer
    $1.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Little Creatures Brewery Tours : $17
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $62
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $62
  • Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: $63
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $65
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $75
  • Small-Group Gin Distillery Tour in Perth: $89
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $91
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $108
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $108
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Winery & Brewery: $129


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


Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Perth, 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 Perth?

Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Perth. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Perth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Perth averages at about 25°C (76°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Perthin January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Perthin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Perth 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Perth in the Autumn?

Both Perth 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene.

In October, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Perthin April. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Perth. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Perth during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Perthin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Perth 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Perth in the Winter?

Both Perth 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Perth in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Perth fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Perthin July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Perth 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 January than Perthin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Perth 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Perth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Perth. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Perth for the beaches.

In the spring, Hat Yai is much warmer than Perth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Perth averages at about 17°C (62°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth 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 Perth during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Perthin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F) 
    Perth 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Perth and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Perth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)