A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Kobe for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Kobe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Kobe, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

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.

Koh Chang and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Kobe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kobe than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kobe is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Chang is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. Also, Kobe is famous for Kobe Harborland.

How is Koh Chang different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Kobe?

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Is the Food Better in Koh Chang or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kobe. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Kobe have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Chang. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

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 Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is adequate for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Kobe?

Kobe is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Families?

Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Koh Chang is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Koh Chang and Kobe.

Koh Chang has some public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

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 Koh Chang or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in 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.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Chang or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Chang than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kobe. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kobe has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Kobe?

Koh Chang 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Kobe. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Koh Chang. This island 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Kobe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Kobe?

The idyllic island of Koh Chang offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Kobe during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Kobe. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Kobe. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Kobe. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Koh Chang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In April, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Koh Chang gets 247 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Koh Chang