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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama 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 lively, festive, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a laid-back, diverse, and bright city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hat Yai and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Yokohama?

You'll generally find more things to do in Yokohama than Hat Yai. Yokohama is bigger than Hat Yai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Yokohama is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hat Yai is more popular for its food. Yokohama is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Also, Yokohama is famous for the Yokohama Chinatown. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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 Yokohama? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Is Hat Yai or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

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

Yokohama has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

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 the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Yokohama?

Both Hat Yai and Yokohama are high quality 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 Yokohama. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Is Hat Yai or Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Yokohama is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama Better for Couples?

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

Yokohama is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers 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 Yokohama Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Yokohama is a good city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

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 Yokohama Better for Students?

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

Yokohama is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around 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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

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

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hat Yai or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hat Yai than Yokohama because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Yokohama.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Yokohama?

The city of Hat Yai offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

A weekend in Hat Yai or Yokohama?

Hat Yai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hat Yai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yokohama has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Yokohama?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Yokohama 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.

A week in Hat Yai or Yokohama?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yokohama. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yokohama. 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 Yokohama, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama 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 Yokohama Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Yokohama?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Yokohama, 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 Yokohama?

Yokohama 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 Yokohama in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Yokohama. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hat Yai is a little warmer than Yokohama. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hat Yai in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Yokohama averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during summer. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Yokohama. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yokohama in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Yokohama. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.

In October, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in October than Yokohama. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yokohama in the Winter?

Both Yokohama and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Yokohama in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Yokohama fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during winter. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In January, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Yokohama. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yokohama in the Spring?

Both Yokohama and Hat Yai during the spring 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 visitors come to Yokohama in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hat Yai is much warmer than Yokohama. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Yokohama averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the spring, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 161 hours of full sun.

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in April than Yokohama. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Typical Weather for Yokohama and Hat Yai