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

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a historical, fascinating, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi 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.

Hanoi and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Kobe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Kobe are both popular with visitors, Hanoi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hanoi is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Hanoi different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Hanoi and Kobe.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is great for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi or Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Kobe?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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.

Is Hanoi or Kobe Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Kobe are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

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 Hanoi or Kobe Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Kobe are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Kobe is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Hanoi or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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 Hanoi or Kobe Better for Students?

Hanoi is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kobe is not popular with students.

Many students visit Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Kobe is not popular with students.

Is Hanoi 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, Hanoi is not particularly known 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 mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Kobe a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Kobe both are good when exploring on foot.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Kobe?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Kobe?

Hanoi is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kobe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this multicultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hanoi or Kobe?

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Kobe?

Hanoi is a historical big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Kobe is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kobe. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Kobe?

The colorful city of Hanoi offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Kobe. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Hanoi or Kobe in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Kobe in the Autumn?

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

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Kobe. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hanoi is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Kobe in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Kobe. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Hanoi