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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Hat Yai and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kuala Lumpur than Hat Yai. Kuala Lumpur is bigger than Hat Yai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Hat Yai different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Kuala Lumpur on the map. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National 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 Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Hat Yai and Kuala Lumpur offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

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.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Is Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

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

Kuala Lumpur has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Kuala Lumpur is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

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

Kuala Lumpur is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable destination. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Hat Yai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

In Hat Yai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this colorful city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Hat Yai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Hat Yai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

Hat Yai is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

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

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the winter. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hat Yai in April average around 30°C (85°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai