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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a often overlooked, under-the-radar, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Nagoya travel costs.

Hat Yai and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Nagoya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagoya than Hat Yai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. Nagoya is famous for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. It is also well known for the Nagoya Castle.

How is Hat Yai different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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 Nagoya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Hat Yai and Nagoya offer a number of terrific 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 Nagoya, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

Is Hat Yai or Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagoya has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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 Nagoya?

Both Hat Yai and Nagoya 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 Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Is Hat Yai or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Nagoya is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement 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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

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

Nagoya is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

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 Nagoya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nagoya is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

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 Nagoya Better for Students?

Nagoya is a city with good options for students. However, Hat Yai is not popular with students.

Nagoya is a good city to visit for students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Hat Yai is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya is notable for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nagoya. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is a very walkable destination. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached 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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Nagoya?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Nagoya. In our opinion, Nagoya has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagoya 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 Nagoya.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Nagoya?

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

Because Nagoya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Nagoya?

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.

Because Nagoya 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. 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 Nagoya has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagoya. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

Both Nagoya 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagoya in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Nagoya in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun.

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Nagoya in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Nagoya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagoya averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Hat Yai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagoya 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 more rain than Nagoya. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Nagoya in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Nagoya. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. In January, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

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 Nagoya. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Nagoya. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Nagoya in the Spring?

Both Nagoya 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. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Nagoya in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Hat Yai