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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a idyllic, tropical, and pristine archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hat Yai and Yaeyama Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hat Yai than Yaeyama Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hat Yai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Yaeyama Islands is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. Also, Hat Yai is famous for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Yaeyama Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Hat Yai is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Hat Yai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Yaeyama Islands.

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 Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Yaeyama Islands is a world class resort vacation destination. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Yaeyama Islands is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands Better for Beaches?

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

Yaeyama Islands is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands Better for Hiking?

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

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands?

Hat Yai is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hat Yai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands Better for Families?

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

Yaeyama Islands is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Yaeyama Islands is a great archipelago for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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

Both Hat Yai and Yaeyama Islands offer respectable public transit options.

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 mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Yaeyama Islands both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Hat Yai is generally not very walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable city. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting? and Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yaeyama Islands or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands?

In either Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Hat Yai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Yaeyama Islands.

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands?

The festive destination of Hat Yai offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This archipelago 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 Yaeyama Islands?

The city of Hat Yai offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 beaches. 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yaeyama Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Yaeyama Islands. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

When is the best time to visit Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Yaeyama Islands. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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, many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands 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 more rain in October than Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Yaeyama Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Yaeyama Islands in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 23°C (74°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 Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Yaeyama Islands. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 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. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Hat Yai