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

Should you visit Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai 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.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a cultural, lively, and festive 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.

Sendai

Sendai is a cosmopolitan, lively, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hat Yai and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hat Yai or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai than Hat Yai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sendai is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Hat Yai is known for its food. Sendai is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. It is also home to the statue of Lord Masamune. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hat Yai different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hat Yai or Sendai?

Sendai is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Hat Yai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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

Hat Yai 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, Hat Yai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

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 Hat Yai or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Sendai has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Hat Yai or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a city with good options for the beach. However, Hat Yai 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.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hat Yai or Sendai?

Both Hat Yai and Sendai are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hat Yai. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Hat Yai or Sendai Better for Families?

Sendai is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Sendai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Hat Yai or Sendai Better for Couples?

Sendai is a city with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Sendai is a good 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.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Hat Yai or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sendai is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sendai is a good 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.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

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

Sendai is notable for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sendai. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Hat Yai or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Sendai is a very walkable destination. 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.

Hat Yai is generally not a very walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Hat Yai?

How long in Hat Yai or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hat Yai and Sendai. In our opinion, Sendai has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sendai than Hat Yai. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hat Yai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Hat Yai 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 Sendai.

One day in Hat Yai or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Hat Yai or Sendai?

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Hat Yai or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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 Hat Yai or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the festive destination of Hat Yai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hat Yai and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai.

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

Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Sendai?

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

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

Should I visit Hat Yai or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Hat Yai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hat Yai is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 29°C (83°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. In the summer, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Hat Yai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Hat Yai gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hat Yai and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

Hat Yai is much warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hat Yai averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Hat Yai gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hat Yai usually receives more rain than Sendai. Hat Yai gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hat Yai as well as Sendai. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In the winter, Hat Yai is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hat Yai in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In the winter, Hat Yai often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Hat Yai gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hat Yai usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Hat Yai gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season.

Should I visit Hat Yai or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Hat Yai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hat Yai is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hat Yai average around 30°C (85°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. Hat Yai usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Hat Yai gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hat Yai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Hat Yai gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hat Yai is January to April. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Hat Yai