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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a cultural, historical, and colorful city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Hat Yai and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Yogyakarta?

Both Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Yogyakarta on the map. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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 Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Hat Yai or Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

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

Yogyakarta has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Yogyakarta is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Hat Yai or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

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

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

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

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Yogyakarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Students?

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

Yogyakarta is a good city to visit for students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Both Hat Yai and Yogyakarta offer decent 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 Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Hat Yai or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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 Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yogyakarta has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Yogyakarta?

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.

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Yogyakarta, 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.