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

Should you visit Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang 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.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a vibrant, high energy, and coastal city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a festive, colorful, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nha Trang and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hat Yai than Nha Trang. While Nha Trang is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Nha Trang is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. 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 Nha Trang different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nha Trang and Hat Yai.

Nha Trang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife in the area, there are also several cultural sights worth visiting. Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and XQ Historical Village are all interesting to visit. If you're looking for a thrill, also nearby is Vinpearl Land.

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.

Is the Food Better in Nha Trang or Hat Yai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nha Trang area. Seafood is the most common option in many restaurants. You'll find local curries and spring rolls on many menus. Fish sauce is often served with dishes and many recipes have a sweet flavor. If you need a break from Vietnamese food, there are also restaurants that serve pizza, burgers, and other common international dishes.

Is Nha Trang or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Nha Trang is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is varied and caters to all types of travelers. There are glamorous rooftop bars and lounges, beachside parties, and booze cruises that cater to the backpacker crowd. The city is big enough to have options for everyone.

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 Nha Trang or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a few great resort options. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Hat Yai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is a moderate city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Nha Trang. Snorkeling is a bit tricky here, because you need to visit during the right season and you'll need to hop on a tour to get to the best spots. If you're lucky you'll have good visibility and see some interesting marine life.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Nha Trang. The accessible beaches are very developed and filled with vacationers who are looking for fun activities. The sands are white and soft and the water is comfortable and fun to splash around in.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Hat Yai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Nha Trang to go shopping. There are some local street markets that are fun to explore. There are also the typical shops and supermarkets that sell local produce, souvenirs, and any other essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Nha Trang or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Nha Trang is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. While it is known among the backpacker crowds for its party scene, there are also great beaches and many activities for families. Vinpearl Land is an amusement park in the area that has rides and shows. There's also Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, which are both interesting to visit. The beaches also make a great playground for kids who enjoy building sand castles and playing in the shallow water.

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 Nha Trang or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

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

Nha Trang is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

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 Nha Trang or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nha Trang is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers looking for a party head to the streets around Biệt Thự Street. There are many cheap hostels and guesthouses in the area, and you won't be far from the area's best nightlife.

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

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Nha Trang has a few public transit options. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

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

Is Nha Trang or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

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

Nha Trang is a very walkable destination. The city is compact enough that you can explore many parts on foot. Most of the attractions are near the intersection of Tran Phu and Biet Thu.

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 Nha Trang Worth Visiting? and Is Hat Yai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang.

One day in Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

In Nha Trang, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city 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 Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

In Nha Trang, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nha Trang has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful 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 Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

Nha Trang 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.

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 Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nha Trang. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Hat Yai?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang or Hat Yai in the Summer?

Both Hat Yai and Nha Trang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nha Trang 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 August is the dry season in Nha Trang. September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Hat Yai. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nha Trang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

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

Also, September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nha Trang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Nha Trang is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Hat Yai in the Winter?

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

Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Nha Trang is cooler than Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Hat Yai in the Spring?

Both Hat Yai and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang 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. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Nha Trang is cooler than Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nha Trang in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Nha Trang