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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Paihia?

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

Paihia

Paihia is a fun-filled, beautiful, and relaxing coastal town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Paihia travel costs.

Hat Yai and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Paihia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paihia. Although Hat Yai and Paihia are both popular with visitors, Paihia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paihia is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hat Yai is known for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Paihia is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hat Yai or Paihia.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hat Yai. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Paihia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

Hat Yai is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Hat Yai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Paihia is an experience not to be missed. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Is Hat Yai or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Hat Yai and Paihia.

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 Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Hat Yai or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paihia is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hat Yai or Paihia Better for Beaches?

Paihia is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Paihia is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hat Yai or Paihia Better for Hiking?

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

Paihia is a popular spot for hiking. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Paihia?

Hat Yai is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hat Yai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Hat Yai or Paihia Better for Families?

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

Paihia is an extremely popular coastal town to visit for families. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia Better for Couples?

Paihia is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Paihia is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

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 Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Paihia is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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

Paihia is a coastal town with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Paihia has a few public transit options. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

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 Paihia a more walkable city?

Paihia is a coastal town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Paihia is a somewhat walkable coastal town. It's possible to explore parts of the town 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 Paihia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Paihia?

In either Hat Yai or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia 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 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Paihia?

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 Paihia, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal town 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 Paihia?

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 Paihia, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hat Yai or Paihia?

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.

Paihia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paihia has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hat Yai or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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 Paihia. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paihia. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Paihia?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Paihia, 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.