A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Hat Yai and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Hat Yai and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Hat Yai different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Hat Yai is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hat Yai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Hat Yai is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for nightlife.

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.

Shiretoko National Park doesn't offer many options. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

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

Around Shiretoko National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Hat Yai is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park More Beautiful?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a remote,natural,scenic,pristine with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular remote,natural,scenic,pristine for backpackers and budget travelers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Hat Yai is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.


Is Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Hat Yai
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a remote,natural,scenic,pristine with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park 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 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park.


  • How many days in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hat Yai 1-3 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the festive city of Hat Yai. Most people head to the area for the food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Most people head to the area for the food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Hat Yai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hat Yai Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hat Yai $36
    Shiretoko National Park $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $36, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $96. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $16
    Shiretoko National Park $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $32
    Shiretoko National Park $68
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hat Yai $0.72
    Shiretoko National Park $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:

  • Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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 $18
    Shiretoko National Park $45
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

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


  • Roti Snack
    $0.63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.64
    Shiretoko National Park $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

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


  • Beer
    $1.88


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



When is the best time to visit Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In July, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Hat Yai during the autumn 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, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Shiretoko National Park. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the spring. Hat Yai is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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