A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Arrowtown for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown 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 cultural, lively, and festive city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Hat Yai and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arrowtown than Hat Yai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arrowtown is better known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Hat Yai is more popular for its food and big city activities. Arrowtown is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. Also, Arrowtown is famous for the Chinese Settlement. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hat Yai or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is notable for snow skiing. However, Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Hat Yai is not a skiing destination.

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hat Yai or Arrowtown.

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.

Arrowtown is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Hat Yai is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hat Yai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Hat Yai or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Hat Yai and Arrowtown.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Hat Yai or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is Hat Yai or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

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

Around Arrowtown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

Both Hat Yai and Arrowtown are superb shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arrowtown. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Is Hat Yai or Arrowtown Better for Families?

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

Arrowtown is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

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 Arrowtown Better for Couples?

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

Arrowtown is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

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 Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Arrowtown is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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 Arrowtown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Arrowtown has a few public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

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

Is Hat Yai or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Arrowtown is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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 Hat Yai Worth Visiting? and Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hat Yai or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hat Yai than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

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.

Arrowtown is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the festive 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.

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Arrowtown has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the festive 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.

Arrowtown is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Arrowtown?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. Since Arrowtown is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Arrowtown?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Arrowtown, 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.