Should I visit Phuket or Hat Yai first on my trip to Thailand?

Phuket Hat Yai Travel Tourism Nightlife Shopping Thai Travel Destinations Expats

Aug 27, 2024

3 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Should I visit first Phuket or Hat Yai? My travel options and connections are these two at the moment. Never been in both cities. Are they similar or not about shopping, nightlife, places to see, prices ...

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Phuket and Hat Yai are quite different in terms of tourism and atmosphere. Phuket is heavily tourist-oriented, with a large foreign presence and bustling crowds, making it ideal for beach activities and nightlife. In contrast, Hat Yai is predominantly Thai, attracting mainly Malaysian tourists, and offers a more authentic local experience. For nightlife and shopping, Bangkok is recommended as it has the best options, but Phuket does offer enjoyable beaches. Travelers may also consider an itinerary that includes both cities as well as stops in Trang, Krabi, and nearby islands.

Justin *****************

I'd suggest for your consideration an itinerary whereby you travel between the 2 destinations via Trang, Krabi, and Islands.

3 months ago

Ning ******

Best nightlife is in bangkok, RCA, Ratchada's soapy massage, patpong, nana etc. Shopping is also the best in Bangkok, icon siam, siam paragon, central world, otop market etc. Except there is a nice beach in Phuket.

3 months ago

Brandon ************

They're not similar at all. Phuket is almost completely tourism based. A ton of foreigners everywhere. Very crowded with very bad traffic.

Hat Yai is very much not foreigner based. It's almost completely Thai and the tourists they get are Malaysians coming up from the border.

3 months ago

Justin *****************

@Brandon ***********

I agree, that's a very accurate overview, I've spent some time in both...Hatyai has such an interesting vibe , vibrant music scene ,cultural mix food scene and very few non Asian farang..less traffic...beautiful nature nearby in Trang Province with terrific islands...Songkhla old city...I feel.like phuket has become a place about creating a ' paradise within the paradise' to avoid the at times overwhelming tourism.

3 months ago

Christopher *************

@Justin ****************

I agree with you entirely , phuket is starting to suffer from over tourism. Going for volume of tourists and not for quality that actually spend money

3 months ago

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Christopher *************

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What are some recommendations for places to stay near Phuket Airport with good nightlife?

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