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

Should you visit Hat Yai or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Hat Yai and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hat Yai than Rotorua. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hat Yai is very popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Rotorua attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hat Yai different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Hat Yai or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Hat Yai and Rotorua.

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 Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Hat Yai or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

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

Rotorua is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Hat Yai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Rotorua?

Hat Yai is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Hat Yai or Rotorua More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Hat Yai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hat Yai or Rotorua Better for Families?

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

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotorua is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

Rotorua has a few public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hat Yai or Rotorua?

In Hat Yai, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

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

In Hat Yai, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Hat Yai has to offer.

In Rotorua, 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 Rotorua has to offer.

Five days in Hat Yai or Rotorua?

Hat Yai 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.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Rotorua?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua 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. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 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 Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Rotorua. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 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 Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua 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, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 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 Rotorua and Hat Yai