A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Kobe for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands 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.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a idyllic, remote, and spectacular island chain. Many visitors also come to Similan Islands because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a quaint, subdued, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kobe travel costs.

Similan Islands and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Kobe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kobe. Although Similan Islands 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, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kobe is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also home to Kobe Harborland. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Kobe?

Kobe is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands 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.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kobe is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kobe has a huge number of terrific 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Similan Islands area. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Is Similan Islands or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Kobe is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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 Similan Islands. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Is Similan Islands or Kobe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands. These islands offer one of the world's most famous and impressive diving spots. World class divers travel great distances to experience the undersea world here. There are liveaboard boat trips that range in length from 4 to 6 nights and leave from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips will take you to the many great dive spots in the area. Do take note that the islands close every year from May until October.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Similan Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The world class beaches have white sand and stunningly blue waters. The setting is challenging enough to reach that you'll likely have few people to share the beaches with. The undersea world is also among the best and most vibrant around.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands offers some nice hiking trails. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Kobe?

Kobe is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kobe is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Kobe More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is an amazing island chain to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Similan Islands because of it's amazing beauty. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Kobe Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Kobe are good to visit with kids.

Similan Islands is a family-friendly island chain. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

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 Similan Islands or Kobe Better for Couples?

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

Similan Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who want to escape the tourist crowds will appreciate this remote and beautiful beach setting. The blue water and sandy beaches make for a true paradise.

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 Similan Islands or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kobe is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Kobe is a good city 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.

Similan Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's remote setting makes it challenging to reach on a budget, but if you're willing to devote a day or more to travel, then you'll be well rewarded.

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

Kobe is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in 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 Similan Islands. The national park operates boats between the islands. You can also charter private longtail boats, however these must be secured in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

Is Similan Islands or Kobe a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Kobe are good when it comes to walkability.

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable place. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable island chain. 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 Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kobe than Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands or Kobe?

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

The multicultural destination of Kobe offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Kobe?

Similan Islands is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The city of Kobe offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Similan Islands or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the spectacular destination of Similan Islands. This island chain 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.

Kobe is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic island chain of Similan Islands. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kobe. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, 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 Similan Islands and Kobe, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Kobe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kobe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kobe 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands than you might in Kobe.

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

When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Similan Islands or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Kobe. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Kobe in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Similan Islands or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Similan Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Similan Islands is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 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 Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Kobe. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Similan Islands