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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Kobe?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Kobe. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a temple-filled, laid-back, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Kobe

Kobe is a under-rated, multicultural, and quaint city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Kobe. While Kobe is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Chiang Mai different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Chiang Mai is an amazing 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, Chiang Mai has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

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 Chiang Mai or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is an amazing 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 Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

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 Chiang Mai or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai for the nightlife scene. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

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 Chiang Mai or Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Chiang Mai is an amazing 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 Chiang Mai specifically to go shopping. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

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 Chiang Mai or Kobe Better for Families?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

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 Chiang Mai or Kobe Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Chiang Mai is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

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 Chiang Mai or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is an amazing 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 Chiang Mai, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

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

Chiang Mai and Kobe both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

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 Chiang Mai or Kobe a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Kobe are notable when it comes to walkability.

Chiang Mai is somewhat walkable. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Mai or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Chiang Mai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the multicultural city of Kobe, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kobe, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Chiang Mai 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kobe, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Chiang Mai is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Kobe, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Chiang Mai is a friendly city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Kobe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, 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 Chiang Mai and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Kobe during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 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 Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Kobe. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Kobe. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Chiang Mai