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

Should you visit Hoi An or Sendai?

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 Hoi An and Sendai. 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.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Hoi An and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai. Although Hoi An and Sendai are popular destinations, Sendai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Hoi An attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Sendai and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Sendai is famous for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. It is also well known for the statue of Lord Masamune.

How is Hoi An different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hoi An or Sendai?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Hoi An or Sendai.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hoi An. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

Sendai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Hoi An or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An 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, Hoi An is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

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 Hoi An or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Sendai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Hoi An or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Hoi An and Sendai both offer nice beaches.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Sendai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Is Hoi An or Sendai Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is renowned for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Hoi An is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Sendai?

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

Known for shopping, Hoi An draws large crowds to its stores. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

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 Hoi An or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Sendai are great family-friendly destinations.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old town.

Sendai is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Hoi An or Sendai Better for Couples?

Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Hoi An makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

Sendai is a good town 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 Hoi An or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An 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, Hoi An is extremely popular for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Sendai is a good town 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 Hoi An or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sendai is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Hoi An, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Hoi An or Sendai a more walkable city?

Hoi An is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hoi An. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hoi An and Sendai. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hoi An than Sendai. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

One day in Hoi An or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sendai. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Sendai?

Hoi An 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.

Sendai 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.

Five days in Hoi An or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. 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.

A week in Hoi An or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Hoi An. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, 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 Hoi An and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An 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 Hoi An or Sendai?

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

Should I visit Hoi An or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Sendai. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.

Should I visit Hoi An or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Hoi An during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 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 Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. Hoi An is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Sendai. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Sendai. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Hoi An