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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Hobart?

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 Hobart 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Hobart travel costs.

Hat Yai and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Hobart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Hat Yai and Hobart are both popular with visitors, Hat Yai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hat Yai is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Hobart is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Hobart is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also home to Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hat Yai
Hobart

Hobart 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 Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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 Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai
Hobart

Hat Yai is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Hat Yai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Dining out in Hobart is an experience not to be missed. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Is Hat Yai or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai
Hobart

Evening events are good in both Hat Yai and Hobart.

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 Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Hat Yai or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Hat Yai
Hobart

Hobart is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Hobart?

Hat Yai
Hobart

Both Hat Yai and Hobart are great 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 Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Is Hat Yai or Hobart Better for Families?

Hat Yai
Hobart

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

Hobart is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

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 Hobart Better for Couples?

Hat Yai
Hobart

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

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

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 Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hat Yai
Hobart

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

Hobart is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Hat Yai
Hobart

Hobart 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.

Hobart has a few public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

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 Hobart a more walkable city?

Hat Yai
Hobart

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

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring 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 Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Hobart. In our opinion, Hobart has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hobart than Hat Yai. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hobart.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Hat Yai or Hobart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hat Yai 1-3 
    Hobart 2-3

One day in Hat Yai or Hobart?

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

In Hobart, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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 Hobart?

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.

In Hobart, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hobart has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Hobart?

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.

Hobart 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 Hobart?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Hobart or Hat Yai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $36, while the average daily cost in Hobart is $156. 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 Hat Yai and Hobart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $16
    Hobart $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $32
    Hobart $154
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Hobart

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Hobart? 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.

Hotels in Hat Yai


Hotels in Hobart


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: Hat Yai Hotel Prices and Hobart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hat Yai $0.72
    Hobart $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:

  • Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hobart

Also for Hobart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hobart Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Hobart City: $15
  • Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $40
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $152
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $152

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Hobart?

Prices for flights to both Hobart and Hat Yai 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hat Yai $18
    Hobart $49
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:


  • Roti Snack
    $0.63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Hobart $23

Tours and Activities in Hobart

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hobart.

  • Admission Ticket to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: $23
  • Morning River Cruise: $23
  • 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket: $30
  • From Mt Wellington Pinnacle 2 Hour Small Group Tour: $36
  • 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $36
  • Mt Wellington Ultimate Afternoon Tour: $40
  • 3-Hour City Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Historic Lunch Cruise: $43
  • Mount Wellington and Hobart Sightseeing Combo Ticket: $56
  • Rum and Beer Tour with Lunch: $65
  • nipaluna Half-Day Highlights Tour: $65
  • Historic Richmond Village Half-Day Coach Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.64
    Hobart $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:


  • Beer
    $1.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cascade Brewery Historic Tour: $17
  • Cascade Brewery Experience: $26
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart & SE Tasmania: $145
  • Moorilla's Big Day Out at Mona - Wine Tasting and Lunch: $165
  • Tasmania: Private Distillers Reserve Distillery Tour: $224


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


Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Hobart?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Hobart, 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 Hat Yai or Hobart?

Hobart has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hat Yai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Hobart in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Hobart. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

In July, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Hobartin January. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets less sunshine than Hobartin January. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Hobartin January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Hobart 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Hobart in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in April.

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Hobartin April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Hobart 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Hat Yai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Hobart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Hobart. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hobart averages at about 9°C (47°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Hobartin July. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Hobartin July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Hobart 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Hobart in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Hobart. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Hobartin October. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Hobart during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Hobartin October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F) 
    Hobart 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Hobart and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Hobart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 9°C (48°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 9°C (47°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)