A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samet vs. Sendai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samet or Sendai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet 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.

Where Should I go: Koh Samet or Sendai?

Koh Samet

The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Koh Samet?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $133, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Samet and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $37
    Sendai $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $74
    Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Sendai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koh Samet


Hotels in Sendai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Samet Hotel Prices and Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $79
    Sendai $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Koh Samet change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Samet $54
    Sendai $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
  • Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $10
    Sendai $19

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $5.38
    Sendai $11


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



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

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

Should I visit Koh Samet or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Koh Samet during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

Koh Samet is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In the summer, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Koh Samet gets 195 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 Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Samet is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Sendai. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Sendai. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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. In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Samet this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Sendai. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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