A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Lanta vs. Hat Yai for Food, Couples, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and Hat Yai 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a lively, festive, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lanta and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Koh Lanta and Hat Yai are both popular with visitors, Hat Yai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hat Yai is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also home to Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Koh Lanta different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hat Yai and Koh Lanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Hat Yai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

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

Hat Yai is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Hat Yai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Koh Lanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Is Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Hat Yai has a better nightlife scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities Hat Yai has a few options to choose from. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is notable for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach destination. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Koh Lanta is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Hat Yai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Koh Lanta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

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 Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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

Hat Yai is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Hat Yai is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Hat Yai. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta.

One day in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

In Koh Lanta, 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 island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hat Yai. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Hat Yai. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Hat Yai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Lanta. 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.

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Hat Yai, 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 Koh Lanta or Hat Yai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hat Yai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during summer. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Hat Yai. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hat Yai. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hat Yai in the Winter?

Both Hat Yai and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In January, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hat Yai in the Spring?

Both Hat Yai and Koh Lanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in April than Hat Yai. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Koh Lanta