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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin 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 lively, festive, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a cultural, vibrant, and small city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Dunedin travel costs.

Hat Yai and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Dunedin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hat Yai than Dunedin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hat Yai is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Dunedin attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Dunedin is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. 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 Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

Dunedin is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Hat Yai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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

Hat Yai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Hat Yai or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Dunedin has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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 Hat Yai or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin 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 Dunedin. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Dunedin is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Dunedin?

Both Hat Yai and Dunedin are excellent 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 Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Hat Yai or Dunedin Better for Families?

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

Dunedin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

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 Dunedin Better for Couples?

Dunedin is a city with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Dunedin is a good city for couples to visit. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

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 Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dunedin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is notable for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Dunedin 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.

Dunedin has a few public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

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 Dunedin a more walkable city?

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

Dunedin is a very walkable destination. Parts of the town are easy 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 Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Dunedin. In our opinion, Dunedin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dunedin than Hat Yai. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Dunedin?

In Hat Yai, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Dunedin, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Dunedin?

In Hat Yai, 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer.

In Dunedin, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Dunedin?

Hat Yai 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.

Dunedin 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.

A week in Hat Yai or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Dunedin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dunedin. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Dunedin?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Dunedin, 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.