A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Sendai for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Sendai travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Sendai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sendai. Although Koh Tarutao and Sendai are both popular with visitors, Sendai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sendai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sendai is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known 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. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sendai is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Sendai is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Sendai is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Sendai has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sendai Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sendai Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Koh Tarutao are among the best in the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

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 Tarutao or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Sendai?

Sendai is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sendai More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sendai Better for Families?

Sendai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sendai. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sendai Better for Couples?

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

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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 Tarutao or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Sendai are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sendai. 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 Tarutao or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sendai is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Sendai can get you to most places easily. 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 generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Sendai?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Sendai. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Sendai?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Sendai. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

The vibrant city of Sendai offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the undiscovered destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sendai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Sendai, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.

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

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Sendai in the Summer?

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

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Sendai. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Sendai in the Autumn?

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

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Sendai. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, 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. In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Sendai. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Sendai in the Spring?

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

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Koh Tarutao