A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hat Yai vs. Yangshuo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hat Yai or Yangshuo?

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 Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo?

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.

Yangshuo

A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.

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


Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $36, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hat Yai $16
    Yangshuo $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hat Yai $32
    Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Yangshuo

Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai or Yangshuo? 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.

Hotels in Hat Yai


Hotels in Yangshuo


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hat Yai $0.72
    Yangshuo $43

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 Yangshuo

Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
  • Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
  • From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
  • Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Yangshuo?

Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hat Yai $18
    Yangshuo $33
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:


  • Roti Snack
    $0.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo

For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
  • Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
  • The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
  • Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
  • Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hat Yai -
    Yangshuo $24

Tours and Activities in Yangshuo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.

  • Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
  • Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
  • Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
  • Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
  • Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
  • Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
  • Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
  • Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
  • Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
  • Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
  • Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hat Yai $2.64
    Yangshuo $34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:


  • Beer
    $1.88


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


Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Yangshuo?

Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?

Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Yangshuo. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Hat Yai is generally around the same temperature as Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Yangshuo. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hat Yai 29°C (83°F) 
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yangshuo in the Autumn?

Both Yangshuo and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

Hat Yai is a little warmer than Yangshuo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yangshuo in the Winter?

Both Yangshuo and Hat Yai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Yangshuo. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hat Yai 28°C (82°F) 
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hat Yai or Yangshuo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

In April, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hat Yai 30°C (85°F) 
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Hat Yai

Hat Yai Yangshuo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 26 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 30°C (85°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 588 mm (23.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 404 mm (15.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)