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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kobe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a beautiful, tropical, and rainforest-covered resort island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Kobe

Kobe is a under-rated, multicultural, and quaint city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Samui and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Kobe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Kobe are popular destinations, Koh Samui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Samui is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kobe attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Samui is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also well known for The Big Buddha Temple. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Koh Samui different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kobe is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kobe. 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 Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Kobe can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Koh Samui has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

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 Koh Samui or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Koh Samui has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Koh Samui or Kobe Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Samui for its luxury resorts. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui 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 Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Kobe Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Samui offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Kobe Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Koh Samui for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Kobe?

Kobe is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Is Koh Samui or Kobe Better for Families?

Koh Samui 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 Samui. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

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 Samui or Kobe Better for Couples?

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

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

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 Samui or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui 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 Samui. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

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

Koh Samui and Kobe both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Kobe has a few public transit options. 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 Samui or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Samui or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. 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 Samui or Kobe?

Koh Samui is a fun place to experience. 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 Samui or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the lush destination of Koh Samui. This resort 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 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 Samui or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the rainforest-covered resort island of Koh Samui. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to 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 Samui and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Samui.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Samui or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Samui is cooler than Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Kobe. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the autumn, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Kobe. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Kobe. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.

Koh Samui is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Koh Samui