A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Dewa Sanzan for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Dewa Sanzan 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.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a colorful, vibrant, and high energy capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Bangkok and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok. Although Bangkok and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Bangkok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan attracts visitors for its hiking. Bangkok is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Bangkok different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Is the Food Better in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Bangkok has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Bangkok draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Bangkok is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bangkok is very family-friendly. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly capital city. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Bangkok has plenty to offer. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Dewa Sanzan is a good capital city for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bangkok is extremely popular for backpackers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bangkok is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Bangkok has some public transit options. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Bangkok and Dewa Sanzan both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Bangkok is generally not very walkable. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not a very walkable capital city. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangkok and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Dewa Sanzan 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 Bangkok.

One day in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Bangkok is a alluring capital city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Bangkok is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This capital 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.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Bangkok is a vibrant capital city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

Bangkok is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this capital city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dewa Sanzan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dewa Sanzan 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Dewa Sanzan.

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

When is the best time to visit Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months.

In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Should I visit Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Bangkok during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. Bangkok is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Bangkok