Which place is cheaper, Lijiang 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.
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Should you visit Hat Yai or Lijiang?
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 Lijiang 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.
Where Should I go: Hat Yai or Lijiang?
Hat Yai
The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Hat Yai Prices
Thailand PricesLijiang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHat Yai $36Lijiang $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $36, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $55. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHat Yai $16Lijiang $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHat Yai $32Lijiang $32
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Lijiang? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hat Yai $0.72Lijiang $5.67
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 Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali : $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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
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Food Meals for one dayHat Yai $18Lijiang $30
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:
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Roti Snack$0.63
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hat Yai -Lijiang $20
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Via Ferrata with Zipline Experience in Lijiang: $42
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
- Lijiang to Shangri-La Scenic Drive Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge: $119
- Tiger Leaping Gorge Private Hiking Tour: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
- Private Jade Dragon Snow Mountains and Naxi Village Tour: $187
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- Lijiang Day Tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Black Dragon Pool and Old Town: $193
- Private Day Tour Tiger Leaping Gorge and Black Dragon Pond from Lijiang: $207
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHat Yai $2.64Lijiang $7.98
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:
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Beer$1.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hat Yai and Lijiang, we can see that Lijiang 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 Lijiang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lijiang 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 Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Lijiang?
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Lijiang, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.