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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi 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.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a educational, reflective, and somber town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kobe

Kobe is a quaint, subdued, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kanchanaburi and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kobe than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kobe is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Kanchanaburi is known for its museums. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also home to Kobe Harborland.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi. The city is most recognized for the Bridge on the River Kwai (Death Railway Bridge), which you can walk across or take a train across. The city also has the Thailand Burma Railway Center and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the Memorial Museum, Chungkai Cemetery, and the JEATH War 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 Kanchanaburi or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kanchanaburi area. While food isn't the first thing that comes to mind here, you'll find markets with great street food as well as interesting riverside and floating restaurants. A local specialty that you should try is the gaeng paa pla khang (jungle curry). There are also western style restaurants if you need a break from the curry. Many visitors head to Mae Nam Khwae Road for most of their meals.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Kobe.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kanchanaburi. The backpacker scene keeps the nightlife active. You'll find locals and tourists mingling along Maenam Kwai Road. You'll also find several clubs along Song Kwae Road.

Kobe has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

Kobe is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Kanchanaburi to go shopping. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kobe Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Kobe are good family-friendly destinations.

Kanchanaburi is a family-friendly town. Although most people think of "The Bridge over the River Kwai" when they think of Kanchanaburi, for families, there are actually a number of outdoor adventures in the area that kids will enjoy. Biking, hiking, and kayaking are all popular. The locals are also very friendly and welcoming to children.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kobe. 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 Kanchanaburi or Kobe Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Kobe both good destinations for a couple.

Kanchanaburi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an educational and informative place to visit, but there are also outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together.

Kobe is a good town 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.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Kobe are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kanchanaburi. There are plenty of hostels to choose from in the area, and like many places in Thailand, it is an affordable place to visit.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Kobe.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

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 Kanchanaburi or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Kobe are good when it comes to walkability.

Kanchanaburi is a somewhat walkable place. There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

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

Couples should spend more time in Kobe than Kanchanaburi. 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 Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

Kanchanaburi 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.

Kobe is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the subdued destination of Kobe. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

The reflective town of Kanchanaburi 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.

Kobe is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in 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 Kanchanaburi and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Kanchanaburi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kanchanaburi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Kobe?

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

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

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kobe in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 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, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Kobe. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kobe in the Autumn?

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

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kobe in the Winter?

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

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Kobe. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kobe in the Spring?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Kanchanaburi gets 262 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. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Kanchanaburi