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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Wollongong travel costs.

Hat Yai and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Wollongong?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong than Hat Yai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Wollongong is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Hat Yai attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Wollongong is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wollongong 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 Wollongong. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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 Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Hat Yai or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

Wollongong has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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 Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Wollongong attract visitors from all over. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Wollongong?

Hat Yai is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Hat Yai or Wollongong Better for Families?

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

Wollongong is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

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 Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Wollongong is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

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 Wollongong Better for Students?

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

Wollongong is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong 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 Wollongong. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in 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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

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

Wollongong is a very walkable destination. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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 Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong 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 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Wollongong?

With museums and nightlife around the colorful 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 Wollongong, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

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 Wollongong, 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 Wollongong has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

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 Wollongong. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wollongong. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Wollongong. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Wollongongin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong 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, most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong 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, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Wollongongin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 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 Wollongong and Hat Yai