A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Kobe for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Hoi An 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 Hoi An 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.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a quaint, peaceful, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Kobe

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

Hoi An and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Kobe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Kobe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums & sights, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kobe is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hoi An is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Also, Hoi An is famous for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Hoi An different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hoi An or Kobe?

Hoi An 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 Hoi An. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

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 Hoi An or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An is an amazing town 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 Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

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 Hoi An or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Kobe is a good destination for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Hoi An or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a good destination for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Kobe?

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

Many people travel to Hoi An specifically to go shopping. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

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 Hoi An or Kobe Better for Families?

Hoi An 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 Hoi An. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old 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 Hoi An or Kobe Better for Couples?

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

Hoi An is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

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 Hoi An or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an amazing town 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 Hoi An, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Hoi An and Kobe.

Hoi An has some public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

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 Hoi An or Kobe a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Hoi An is a very easy town to get around on foot. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore 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 Hoi An Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Kobe?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

One day in Hoi An or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kobe. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Kobe?

Hoi An 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.

Kobe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hoi An or Kobe?

You'll find shopping and museums around the traditional destination of Hoi An. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hoi An or Kobe?

The quaint town of Hoi An offers museums 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Kobe. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An 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 Hoi An or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Hoi An or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In July, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Kobe. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Kobe. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Kobe in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Hoi An is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Kobe. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.

Should I visit Hoi An or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Hoi An during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Hoi An gets 210 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. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Hoi An