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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Hat Yai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a secluded, remote, and beautiful island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a cultural, lively, and festive city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Koh Tarutao and Hat Yai are popular destinations, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hat Yai is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Hat Yai is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hat Yai. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Hat Yai is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tarutao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai Better for Hiking?

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

Koh Tarutao is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Koh Tarutao is a family-friendly place to visit. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

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 Tarutao or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

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

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place to visit for couples. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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 Tarutao or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koh Tarutao is a good island to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Hat Yai.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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

Is Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao and Hat Yai are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Koh Tarutao is generally not a very walkable island. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

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

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

How long in Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Hat Yai. In our opinion, Koh Tarutao has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Hat Yai. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Hat Yai. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . 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 Tarutao has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Hat Yai. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The colorful city of Hat Yai offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Many people enjoy the when visiting Koh Tarutao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Hat Yai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

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

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

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Hat Yai. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

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

Both Hat Yai and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hat Yai. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Hat Yai and Koh Tarutao during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao 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 Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Koh Tarutao