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

Should you visit Bangkok or Kobe?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Kobe 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.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a alluring, spirited, and colorful capital city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Bangkok attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bangkok travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a subdued, under-rated, and multicultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kobe travel costs.

Bangkok and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Kobe?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bangkok than Kobe. Bangkok is bigger than Kobe, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bangkok is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. Also, Bangkok is famous for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Bangkok different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bangkok has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

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 Bangkok or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Bangkok, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kobe makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Bangkok or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Bangkok has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

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 the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Kobe?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Bangkok specifically to go shopping. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Kobe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Bangkok or Kobe More Beautiful?

Bangkok is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bangkok attracts visitors from all around. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bangkok or Kobe Better for Families?

Bangkok is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bangkok. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bangkok or Kobe Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

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 Bangkok or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bangkok, as it is a very popular capital city for budget travelers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

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

Bangkok is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bangkok. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

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.

Is Bangkok or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options 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.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

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

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

One day in Bangkok or Kobe?

Bangkok is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Bangkok or Kobe?

Bangkok is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Bangkok or Kobe?

Bangkok is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This capital city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Bangkok or Kobe?

Bangkok is a vibrant capital city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Kobe?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Bangkok or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In the summer, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 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 Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kobe. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bangkok is much warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Kobe. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Kobe. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Kobe. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Bangkok