A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Kobe for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a serene, laid back, and relaxed area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Khao Lak and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Kobe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kobe than Khao Lak, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kobe is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Khao Lak is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. Also, Kobe is famous for Kobe Harborland.

How is Khao Lak different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Kobe?

Kobe is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Khao Lak or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Kobe has a better nightlife scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Kobe has a few options to choose from. 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 Khao Lak or Kobe Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Khao Lak to choose from. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Kobe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Khao Lak. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Khao Lak offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Kobe?

Kobe is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Kobe Better for Families?

Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

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 Khao Lak or Kobe Better for Couples?

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

Khao Lak is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

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 Khao Lak or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Kobe.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

While Kobe offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Khao Lak or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area 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.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Kobe offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Kobe?

Khao Lak is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kobe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kobe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Khao Lak. This area offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Kobe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene area of Khao Lak. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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 comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Kobe, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 900 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Khao Lak during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak 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, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Khao Lak gets 206 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 Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kobe in the Autumn?

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

Khao Lak is a little warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Kobe. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Kobe. Khao Lak 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, Khao Lak is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kobe. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kobe in the Spring?

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

In April, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 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. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Kobe. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Khao Lak