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

Should you visit Phuket or Hat Yai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Hat Yai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a party-hard, stunning, and activity-filled resort island. Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Phuket travel costs.

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. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Phuket and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Hat Yai?

Both Hat Yai and Phuket have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Phuket is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Phuket is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Phuket different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hat Yai is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hat Yai is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hat Yai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Phuket has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Is Phuket or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Phuket 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.

Phuket is a world class party destination. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

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 Phuket or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Phuket is a world class resort vacation destination. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Hat Yai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Phuket is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

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

Phuket is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Hat Yai More Beautiful?

Phuket is a resort island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Hat Yai Better for Families?

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

Phuket is a family-friendly place to visit. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

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 Phuket or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

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

Phuket is a very popular place to visit for couples. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

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 Phuket or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Phuket is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

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

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

Phuket has a few public transit options. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

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

Is Phuket or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Phuket is a resort island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Hat Yai?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phuket 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 Phuket.

One day in Phuket or Hat Yai?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Phuket or Hat Yai?

In Phuket, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Hat Yai?

Phuket 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 Phuket has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. In Phuket, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the festive destination of Hat Yai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket 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 Phuket or Hat Yai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket 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. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Phuket or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Hat Yai. Phuket 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 March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hat Yai. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Should I visit Phuket or Hat Yai in the Winter?

Both Hat Yai and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket 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 Phuket is December to March. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 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 Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Phuket or Hat Yai in the Spring?

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

June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. 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 Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Hat Yai. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 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 Phuket. In the spring, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Phuket is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Phuket