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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya 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.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a famous, popular, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kobe than Ayutthaya. Kobe is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kobe is better known for its big city activities, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its museums & sights and historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. Also, Kobe is famous for Kobe Harborland.

How is Ayutthaya different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

Ayutthaya is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ayutthaya. These large and impressive ruins are among the most visited in Thailand. This is in large part because of their easy access from Bangkok. Highlights of the historical park include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the Royal Chapel, Wat Ratchaburana, and Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophi.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Kobe offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ayutthaya makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine makes use of the area's freshwater fish, green vegetables, and river prawns. Dishes often include rice noodles and a spicy sauce. There are many restaurants that cater to the tourist crowds but still serve high quality dishes.

Kobe has a huge number of terrific 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).

Is Ayutthaya or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Ayutthaya and Kobe.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Ayutthaya or Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its historic old town charm. However, Kobe does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

Both Ayutthaya and Kobe are superb shopping destinations.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are some great shopping areas around the town that specialize in local handicrafts such as pottery, wicker weaving, and stone masonry. Some of the most interesting places include the Ayutthaya Floating Market and the Ayutthaya Night Market.

Kobe is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Kobe Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Kobe.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will appreciate how easy it is to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. The historical ruins are fun for both kids and adults, but the sites are very spread out and you'll need to hire a tuk tuk to see everything. The roads can be crowded and distances far, so biking isn't recommended with kids.

Kobe is a family-friendly city. 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 Ayutthaya or Kobe Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Kobe make for a notable place to visit.

Ayutthaya is a nice destination for couples. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Kobe makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Ayutthaya or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

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

Kobe is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Kobe has a few public transit options. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ayutthaya. There are organized tours and private tuk tuks for hire that will take you to the various temples. There are also bicycles available for rent, but roads can be crowded.

Is Ayutthaya or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Ayutthaya is not a very walkable city. The historic sites are spread out over a vast area and you must have some form of transportation to reach everything. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phutthai Sawan are the furthest apart. Everywhere else can be accessed on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ayutthaya or Kobe to fill your time. In our opinion, Ayutthaya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ayutthaya than Kobe. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kobe. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kobe has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Kobe. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the popular destination of Ayutthaya. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the subdued city of Kobe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Kobe?

The historical city of Ayutthaya offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Kobe is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ayutthaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ayutthaya 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe than you might in Ayutthaya.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Kobe. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Kobe. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Kobe. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Ayutthaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Kobe. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Ayutthaya