A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Sendai for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Bangkok or Sendai?

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 Sendai 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.

Sendai

Sendai is a high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bangkok and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Sendai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Sendai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sendai attracts visitors for its beaches. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Sendai is famous for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Bangkok different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sendai 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 Sendai?

Bangkok is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Sendai 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sendai. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

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

Bangkok is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bangkok is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Bangkok or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Bangkok is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

The people in Sendai know how to have a good time. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

Is Bangkok or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sendai. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Sendai?

Bangkok is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Bangkok or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Sendai are high quality to visit with kids.

Bangkok is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sendai is very family-friendly. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

Is Bangkok or Sendai Better for Couples?

Bangkok is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bangkok has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sendai is a good capital city for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Bangkok or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai 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.

Sendai is a good capital city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

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

Sendai is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sendai is fairly effecient and thorough. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

While Bangkok offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Bangkok or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Sendai is very walkable. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Sendai?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Sendai. 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 Sendai 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 Sendai?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sendai, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Sendai?

Bangkok 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.

In Sendai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sendai has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sendai is a great place to explore. 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 Sendai?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sendai. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Sendai?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Sendai, 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 Bangkok or Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Sendai. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sendai. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai 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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Sendai. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 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 Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai 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, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. Bangkok is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

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

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

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

In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Sendai. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Bangkok