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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Kobe?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Kobe. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Kobe

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

Koh Tarutao and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Kobe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kobe. Although Koh Tarutao and Kobe are popular destinations, Kobe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kobe is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kobe is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also well known for Kobe Harborland. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kobe is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its 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 Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Kobe is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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).

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Kobe is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kobe Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kobe Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kobe Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Koh Tarutao for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Kobe?

Kobe is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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 Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kobe More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kobe Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Kobe are nice family-friendly destinations.

Koh Tarutao is a family-friendly island. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kobe. 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 Tarutao or Kobe Better for Couples?

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

Koh Tarutao is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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 Tarutao or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Kobe are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Kobe is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Kobe has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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 Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Kobe?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Kobe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao 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 Tarutao or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the multicultural city of Kobe. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Kobe?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Kobe. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Kobe?

You'll find around the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The quaint city of Kobe offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Kobe?

The undiscovered island of Koh Tarutao offers . 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kobe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

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

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Kobe. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Kobe. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Kobe. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Koh Tarutao during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Koh Tarutao