A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Kobe for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Ao Nang or Kobe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kobe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a lively, accessible, and popular town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kobe

Kobe is a quaint, subdued, and under-rated 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.

Ao Nang and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Kobe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kobe. Although Ao Nang and Kobe are popular destinations, Kobe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kobe is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also well known for Kobe Harborland.

How is Ao Nang different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kobe and Ao Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Kobe?

Kobe is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kobe. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Ao Nang offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kobe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is great for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Ao Nang for the nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ao Nang to choose from. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang offers a nice beach destination. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Kobe?

Kobe is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Kobe.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kobe. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Kobe make for a nice place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ao Nang. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Ao Nang and Kobe.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

You'll find some public transit in Kobe, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Ao Nang or Kobe a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Ao Nang is a very walkable destination. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Ao Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ao Nang than Kobe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ao Nang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Kobe 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Ao Nang or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kobe, you'll find nightlife and 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.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Kobe?

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Kobe, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kobe has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Kobe?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the popular destination of Ao Nang. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kobe 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.

A week in Ao Nang or Kobe?

The beachfront town of Ao Nang offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kobe. 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Kobe, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ao Nang Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Kobe, 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 Ao Nang or Kobe?

Kobe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ao Nang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Kobe. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Kobe. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Kobe. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Ao Nang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Ao Nang