A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapa vs. Shanghai for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Sapa or Shanghai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sapa and Shanghai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sapa

Sapa is a picturesque, cultural, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapa and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapa or Shanghai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than Sapa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Sapa attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sapa is famous for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund.

How is Sapa different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sapa or Shanghai?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its historical sights. However, Sapa is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Sapa offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While the many nearby villages are filled with markets and culture and have the feel of living museums, there are few actual museums in the area.

Is the Food Better in Sapa or Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sapa. The area's food highlights the local agricultural scene with lots of meat, fish, and vegetables. If you want to check out traditional Hmong cuisine, Thang Co is one of the most common dishes. It's a soup that has a strong smell and is prepared with local herbs and meats.

Is Sapa or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Sapa and Shanghai.

If you're looking for night time activities Sapa has a few options to choose from. While you don't visit the area for its nightlife, there's a big backpacker scene here so you'll likely find a crowd looking for a good time. The town has a night market and there are plenty of bars that cater to the tourists.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Sapa or Shanghai Better for Hiking?

Sapa is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Sapa is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Trekking is, by far, one of the best ways to experience the area's beauty. You'll pass by scenic rice paddies, walk along mist covered mountains, and stumble into fascinating villages. Many people hire a local guide to guide them. This helps the local economy and offers insider information.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapa or Shanghai?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Sapa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many villages have a weekly market that is very fascinating to explore. In addition to local food items, there are often locally made handicrafts that make great souvenirs from your travels.

Is Sapa or Shanghai Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Sapa or Shanghai.

Sapa is a very family-friendly destination. Many people arrive via an overnight train, which is an adventure for the whole family. Once you arrive, your kids will experience a local culture that is uniquely its own. You can participate in a homestay and enjoy meals prepared by a local family. There are also many kid-friendly hikes through the surrounding mountains.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly town. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Sapa or Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Sapa is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy experiencing unique cultures and hiking through stunning mountain settings will love a trip to this mountain town. While the tourists have definitely discovered the area, there are still places that have a local vibe with traditional Vietnamese markets and homesteads.

Is Sapa or Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapa and Shanghai are high quality places to visit.

Sapa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like much of Southeast Asia, this town and the surrounding areas are solidly on the backpacker trail. You'll find cheap places to stay and tours that cater specifically to the budget and backpacker crowd.

Shanghai is a great town to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Sapa or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sapa is not popular with students.

Shanghai is very popular with students. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Sapa is not popular with students.

Is Sapa or Shanghai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors to Shanghai can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Sapa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the region. If you're hoping to visit nearby towns for their market days, an organized tour or private guide is a good option.

Is Sapa or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Sapa and Shanghai are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Sapa is very walkable. Trekking is, by far, the best way to experience the area and all of the beauty and culture that it has to offer.

Shanghai is a very walkable town. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

For even more information, also check out Is Sapa Worth Visiting? and Is Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Sapa?

How long in Sapa or Shanghai?

In either Sapa or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Sapa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Sapa, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Sapa 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 Shanghai.

One day in Sapa or Shanghai?

The beautiful town of Sapa offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shanghai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Sapa or Shanghai?

Sapa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sapa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Sapa or Shanghai?

Sapa is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shanghai is a trendy big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Sapa or Shanghai?

Sapa is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

The trendy port city of Shanghai offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapa and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Sapa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sapa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapa 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Sapa.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapa or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Sapa. When comparing the sizes of Sapa and Shanghai, 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.