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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a nature-oriented, spirited, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Hat Yai and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Queenstown than Hat Yai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Queenstown is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Queenstown is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Also, Queenstown is famous for Kawarau Bridge. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Hat Yai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hat Yai or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hat Yai or Queenstown?

Hat Yai is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Both Hat Yai and Queenstown offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

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.

Eat your way through Queenstown, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Is Hat Yai or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

Queenstown has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for Hiking?

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

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Queenstown?

Both Hat Yai and Queenstown are very good 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 Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Hat Yai or Queenstown Better for Families?

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

Queenstown is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

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 Queenstown Better for Couples?

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

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Queenstown is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is notable for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

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 Queenstown a more walkable city?

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

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached 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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Queenstown?

Both Hat Yai and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Hat Yai. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hat Yai, one day is sufficent for most.

In Queenstown, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Queenstown, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Queenstown?

Hat Yai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Queenstown?

Hat Yai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. In Queenstown, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Queenstown?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Queenstown, 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.