A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Sendai for Beaches, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Koh Chang or Sendai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Sendai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a serene, tranquil, and scenic island. Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Koh Chang travel costs.

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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Sendai travel costs.

Koh Chang and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Sendai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai. Although Koh Chang and Sendai are popular destinations, Sendai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sendai is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known 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. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Sendai?

Sendai is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Both Koh Chang and Sendai offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Sendai. 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 Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

Koh Chang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is renowned for the beach. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Koh Chang are among the best in the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

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.

Is Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Sendai?

Sendai is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Koh Chang or Sendai More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Sendai are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly destination. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Sendai is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Koh Chang has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

Sendai is a good island 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 Koh Chang or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Sendai is a good island 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 Koh Chang 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, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sendai. 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 Koh Chang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Is Koh Chang or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in 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.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Chang and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than in Sendai. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sendai. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Sendai?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Sendai. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cosmopolitan city of Sendai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Koh Chang. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sendai is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in 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 Koh Chang and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Chang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Sendai?

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

Should I visit Koh Chang or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In the summer, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 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. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Sendai. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Koh Chang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Koh Chang gets 193 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 Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. Koh Chang is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Sendai. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Sendai. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Koh Chang