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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a park-filled, snowy, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Hat Yai and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Sapporo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo than Hat Yai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hat Yai attracts visitors for its food. Sapporo is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hat Yai or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is notable for snow skiing. However, Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Hat Yai or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

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

Sapporo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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 the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Sapporo?

Both Hat Yai and Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Hat Yai or Sapporo Better for Families?

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

Sapporo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

Sapporo is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Sapporo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sapporo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Sapporo Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

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

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Sapporo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Sapporo?

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.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapporo has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo 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.

A week in Hat Yai or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Sapporo?

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Sapporo. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°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 Sapporo. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo 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 Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 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 Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sapporo in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sapporo 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.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Hat Yai