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

Should you visit Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a peaceful, quiet, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come to Koh Lanta because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a subdued, under-rated, and multicultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kobe travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Kobe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kobe. Although Koh Lanta and Kobe are both popular with visitors, Kobe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kobe is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also home to Kobe Harborland.

How is Koh Lanta different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kobe is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Kobe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

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

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Kobe both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Koh Lanta. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Kobe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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).

Is Koh Lanta or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Kobe has a better nightlife scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

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 Koh Lanta or Kobe Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lanta to choose from. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Kobe Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Lanta offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is great for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Lanta for the hiking trails. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Kobe?

Kobe is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Kobe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Kobe More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Lanta because of it's amazing beauty. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Kobe Better for Families?

Koh Lanta 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 Lanta. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

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 Lanta or Kobe Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Lanta or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta and Kobe are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Lanta 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, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Lanta is not a very walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Kobe?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kobe than Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Lanta. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lanta or Kobe?

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the multicultural 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 Lanta or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Lanta. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 subdued 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 Lanta or Kobe?

The tranquil island of Koh Lanta offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing 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 Lanta and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Lanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lanta 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 Lanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Koh Lanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta 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 the summer, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kobe in the Autumn?

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

In October, Koh Lanta is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Koh Lanta 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. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Kobe. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Kobe. Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kobe in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Kobe. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Koh Lanta