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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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 cultural, lively, and festive city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Wellington

Wellington is a laid-back, funky, and compact city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Wellington travel costs.

Hat Yai and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Wellington?

Both Wellington and Hat Yai have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hat Yai is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Wellington is known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Wellington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Hat Yai is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Hat Yai or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

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

Wellington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is notable for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wellington attract visitors from all over. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Wellington?

Both Hat Yai and Wellington are excellent 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 Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Hat Yai or Wellington Better for Families?

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

Wellington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

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

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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 Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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 Wellington Better for Students?

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

Wellington is a good city to visit for students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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 Wellington a more walkable city?

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

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Wellington?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Wellington?

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 Wellington, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Wellington?

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 Wellington, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wellington has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Wellington?

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.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

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 Wellington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wellington. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Hat Yai during the summer 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 Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Wellington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Wellington. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Hat Yai