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

Should you visit Phuket or Kobe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket 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.

Phuket

Phuket is a energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Phuket 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.

Phuket and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Kobe?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Phuket than Kobe. While Kobe is larger than Phuket, Phuket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Phuket is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kobe is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Phuket is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. It is also home to The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Phuket different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Phuket. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

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 Phuket or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Phuket 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.

Phuket has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

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 Phuket or Kobe Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Phuket for its luxury resorts. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Kobe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket 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 Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Kobe Better for Beaches?

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

Phuket offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Kobe?

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

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Kobe More Beautiful?

Phuket is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Kobe Better for Families?

Phuket and Kobe are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Kobe offers lots of family activities. 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 Phuket or Kobe Better for Couples?

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

Phuket is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

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 Phuket or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Phuket. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Kobe is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Phuket 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 Phuket and Kobe.

You'll find some public transit in Phuket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

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 Phuket or Kobe a more walkable city?

Phuket and Kobe both are good when exploring on foot.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable resort island. 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 Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Kobe?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phuket 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 Phuket.

One day in Phuket or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Phuket. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kobe. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Phuket or Kobe?

Phuket 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.

Kobe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Phuket. This resort 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning resort island of Phuket. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural destination of Kobe. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Kobe, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Kobe?

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

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

Should I visit Phuket or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Phuket is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Phuket 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 Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Phuket 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. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Kobe. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Kobe. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Phuket is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

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

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Phuket 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 Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives less rain than Kobe. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Phuket