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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Torquay?

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 Torquay 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. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a outdoorsy, trendy, and casual surf town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Torquay travel costs.

Hat Yai and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Torquay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Hat Yai and Torquay are both popular with visitors, Hat Yai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hat Yai is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Torquay is known for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Torquay is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also home to Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Torquay is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Hat Yai is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Hat Yai or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Hat Yai and Torquay.

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 Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Hat Yai or Torquay Better for Beaches?

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

Torquay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Torquay?

Hat Yai is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Hat Yai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Hat Yai or Torquay More Beautiful?

Torquay is a surf town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Torquay Better for Families?

Torquay is a surf town with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

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 Torquay Better for Couples?

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

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Torquay is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

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

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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 Torquay a more walkable city?

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

Torquay is a very walkable destination. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Torquay?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Torquay?

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 Torquay, 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 surf town 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 Torquay?

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 Torquay, you'll find food and shopping. 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. 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 Torquay has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Torquay?

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.

Torquay 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 Torquay?

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 Torquay. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Torquay?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Torquay. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Torquayin January. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Torquay. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Torquayin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Torquay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay 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, many travelers come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Torquay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Torquayin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Torquayin October. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In April, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Torquayin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 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 Torquay and Hat Yai