Langkawi used to be the cheap island escape every Malaysian loved. Duty-free chocolates, island hopping, budget chalets. Perfect for a long weekend.
But in 2025, things have changed. Hotel rates have shot up, seafood dinners feel like KL prices, and even island activities cost more.
Meanwhile, just across the border in Hatyai, you can still makan like a king for RM10, get a full massage for RM40, and stay in a decent hotel for less than half of what you’d pay in Langkawi.
So the question is simple. Where does your Ringgit actually stretch further: Langkawi or Hatyai?
1. Why Malaysians Are Comparing Langkawi and Hatyai
Both are short getaways. Both are familiar to Malaysians.
But here’s the difference:
- Langkawi sells itself as “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia paradise.”
- Hatyai sells itself as cheap thrills, food heaven, and shopping galore.
In 2025, more and more Malaysians are asking: “Why spend more at home when overseas is cheaper?”
2. Flight & Transport Costs
Langkawi
- KL–Langkawi return flights: RM120–250 (low cost) but creeping up during school holidays.
- Driving + ferry: ~RM200–250 (petrol, tolls, ferry).
Hatyai
- KL–Hatyai return flights: RM150–300.
- From Penang/Kedah: drive across border for ~RM70 total.
Of course, prices change depending on season and promotions. Always compare flights before booking you’ll be surprised how often overseas deals match local ones.
Verdict: Roughly equal if you’re flying from KL. From the north, Hatyai wins.
Roughly equal if you’re flying from KL. From the north, Hatyai wins.
3. Hotels and Accommodation Value
Langkawi (2025)
- Budget hotels: RM150/night (used to be RM100).
- Mid-range resorts: RM400–500.
- Beachfront luxury: RM700+.
Hatyai
- Budget stays: RM50–100/night.
- Mid-range hotels: RM150–250.
- Upscale: RM300–400, still cheaper than a basic Langkawi resort.
For the latest hotel deals in Langkawi or Hatyai, use price comparison sites, many mid-range stays are discounted online compared to walk-in rates.
For the same Ringgit, Hatyai hotels give you more.
4. Food & Drinks: Pantai Cenang vs Hatyai Night Market
Langkawi
- Warung meal: RM15–20.
- Pantai Cenang restaurants: RM40–70 per pax.
- Seafood platter: easily RM150–200 for two.
Hatyai
- Street food: RM5–10.
- Restaurant meal: RM20–40.
- Night market makan spree: RM30 feeds two people full.
Langkawi meals now rival KL prices, Hatyai is still dirt cheap.
5. Activities & Things To Do
Langkawi
- Island hopping: RM70–100 per person.
- Cable car + SkyBridge: RM50.
- Car rental: RM120–150/day.
Hatyai
- Temples & floating market: mostly free.
- Thai massage: RM30–50/hour.
- Shopping malls & wholesale markets: cheap entertainment.
Hatyai activities are more wallet-friendly.
6. Shopping: Duty-Free vs Night Bazaar
Langkawi: chocolates, liquor, perfumes. Fun, but limited.
Hatyai: clothes, snacks, accessories, souvenirs with prices that make you buy in bulk.
Unless you only want duty-free items, Hatyai’s variety beats Langkawi.
7. The Real Cost of a 3D2N Trip (2 Pax)
| Category | Langkawi (RM) | Hatyai (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights/Transport | 600 | 600 |
| Hotels (2 nights) | 800 | 400 |
| Food & Drinks | 500 | 250 |
| Activities | 300 | 150 |
| Shopping | 400 | 400 |
| Total | 2,600 | 1,800 |
A Langkawi weekend can now cost RM800 more than Hatyai.
Estimates based on average low-cost fares and online hotel searches (Trip.com, Agoda, Booking). Actual prices vary.
8. Why Hatyai Often Feels Cheaper
- Ringgit stretches further against Thai Baht.
- Food & drinks remain affordable.
- Hotels haven’t surged in price like Langkawi.
- Entertainment (massages, markets) are cheap and plentiful.
9. When Langkawi Still Wins
- If you want island vibes, beaches, and sunsets.
- If you’re chasing duty-free alcohol & chocolates.
- If you prefer staying local and avoiding border hassle.
But pure “value for money”? Not anymore.
10. Final Thoughts
Langkawi is still beautiful, but in 2025, it’s no longer cheap.
Hatyai might not have beaches, but your Ringgit buys you more: more food, more shopping, more fun.
The brutal truth? Cuti-Cuti Malaysia can feel more expensive than a weekend overseas. Until local tourism players adjust, Malaysians will keep voting with their passports.
If you’re curious what the real-time cost difference looks like, compare both destinations online before you decide
