Which place is cheaper, Hat Yai or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Hat Yai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Hat Yai?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
Hat Yai
The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Hat Yai $16
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Hat Yai is $16. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Petra and Hat Yai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Hat Yai $5.11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Hat Yai $10
Compare Hotels in Petra and Hat Yai
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Hat Yai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Petra Hotel Prices and Hat Yai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Hat Yai $0.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:
- Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25
- private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68
- Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $69
- Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
- Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Hat Yai?
Prices for flights to both Hat Yai and Petra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $38Hat Yai $10
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:
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Roti Snack$0.55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Hat Yai -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
- Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
Tours and Activities in Hat Yai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:
- One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
- One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Hat Yai $2.52
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:
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Beer$1.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Hat Yai, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Hat Yai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Hat Yai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Hat Yai?
Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra 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 Petra or Hat Yai in the Summer?
Both Hat Yai and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Hat Yai in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Hat Yai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Petra or Hat Yai in the Autumn?
Both Hat Yai and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.
May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Hat Yai. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Petra is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Hat Yai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Petra or Hat Yai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra is generally much colder than Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Hat Yai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Petra or Hat Yai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Hat Yai. Petra 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 April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Hat Yai. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.
Petra is cooler than Hat Yai in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Hat Yai 30°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Petra
| Petra | Hat Yai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 588 mm (23.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 404 mm (15.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.