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

Should you visit Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai 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.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a festive, colorful, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hat Yai travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kobe travel costs.

Hat Yai and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Kobe?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hat Yai than Kobe. While Kobe is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Hat Yai different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hat Yai or Kobe?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hat Yai or Kobe.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hat Yai. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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 Hat Yai or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

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 Hat Yai or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Hat Yai and Kobe.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

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 the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Kobe?

Both Hat Yai and Kobe are very good shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hat Yai. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Hat Yai or Kobe Better for Families?

Kobe is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Hat Yai or Kobe Better for Couples?

Kobe is a city with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Kobe is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Hat Yai or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kobe is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kobe is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

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

Kobe is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Hat Yai or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

Hat Yai is generally not a very walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Kobe?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kobe than Hat Yai 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 Kobe.

One day in Hat Yai or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Hat Yai or Kobe?

Hat Yai is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Hat Yai or Kobe?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the festive destination of Hat Yai. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Hat Yai or Kobe?

The colorful city of Hat Yai offers nightlife and food. 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 Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures 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 Hat Yai and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Kobe. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hat Yai is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Kobe. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hat Yai is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hat Yai in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 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 Hat Yai. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Kobe. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Hat Yai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 30°C (85°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 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, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Kobe. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Hat Yai