A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hat Yai and Aoraki Mount Cook can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hat Yai

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

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a breathtaking, world renowned, and scenic mountain. You'll find world class beauty in Aoraki Mount Cook as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Hat Yai and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Hat Yai and Aoraki Mount Cook are popular destinations, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Hat Yai is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Hat Yai has a few options to choose from. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Around Aoraki Mount Cook visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Hat Yai is great for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Aoraki Mount Cook as well. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a mountain with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

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 Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great mountain for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic 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 Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a mountain with good options for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a good mountain to visit for backpackers. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

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

Hat Yai is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Hat Yai and Aoraki Mount Cook both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not a very walkable city. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

One day in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, 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 hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aoraki Mount Cook has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the festive destination of Hat Yai. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A week in Hat Yai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hat Yai and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hat Yai is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook is in Pacific, 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 Aoraki Mount Cook would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Hat Yai Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.