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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Hat Yai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Hat Yai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a small, local, and tranquil island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Koh Lipe and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hat Yai than Koh Lipe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hat Yai is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lipe is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. 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 Koh Lipe 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 Lipe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

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

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

Hat Yai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is very good for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Hat Yai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

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

In Koh Lipe, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lipe is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Lipe is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Hat Yai Better for Hiking?

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

Koh Lipe is a popular spot for hiking. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Hat Yai?

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

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Koh Lipe is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Lipe or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lipe is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

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 Lipe or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koh Lipe is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koh Lipe and Hat Yai.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Koh Lipe or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

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

Koh Lipe is a very walkable destination. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

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

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

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

How long in Koh Lipe or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lipe and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Hat Yai. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Hat Yai?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Hat Yai?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Hat Yai?

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

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.

A week in Koh Lipe or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe 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 Lipe or Hat Yai in the Summer?

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

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

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

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

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

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Hat Yai and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe 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 Hat Yai is January to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In January, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lipe in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

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

December to April is the dry season in Koh Lipe. May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe. 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 Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in April than Hat Yai. Koh Lipe 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 April, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 29°C (85°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Koh Lipe