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

Should you visit Sapa or Surabaya?

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 Surabaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sapa

Sapa is a scenic, fascinating, and picturesque town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of Sapa is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Sapa travel costs.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Sapa and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapa or Surabaya?

You'll generally find more things to do in Surabaya than Sapa. Surabaya is bigger than Sapa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Surabaya is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Sapa is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sapa is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. Also, Surabaya is famous for the Submarine Monument.

How is Sapa different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surabaya 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 Surabaya?

Spend time exploring the respectable sights and museums in either Sapa or Surabaya.

While most people don't head to Sapa specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Surabaya offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Sapa is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sapa is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Sapa or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Sapa and Surabaya.

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 Surabaya. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Sapa or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is very good for its beaches. However, Sapa is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Surabaya to enjoy the beach. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Sapa is not a beach destination.

Is Sapa or Surabaya Better for Hiking?

Sapa is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Sapa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapa or Surabaya?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sapa and Surabaya both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sapa. 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.

Surabaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Is Sapa or Surabaya More Beautiful?

Sapa is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Sapa is one of the main draws. The region is filled with dramatic mountains and rice paddies that give it a truly Vietnamese beauty.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapa or Surabaya Better for Families?

Sapa is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Sapa is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Sapa or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Sapa is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Couples visit Sapa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Sapa or Surabaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapa is a great destination for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sapa is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

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

Sapa is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Sapa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Sapa or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Sapa and Surabaya are great 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.

Surabaya is a very walkable town. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

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

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Sapa?

How long in Sapa or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sapa or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sapa than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Sapa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.

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

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

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

One day in Sapa or Surabaya?

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.

Surabaya is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Sapa or Surabaya?

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.

Surabaya 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 Surabaya?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the local big city of Surabaya. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sapa or Surabaya?

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 local city of Surabaya offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapa and Surabaya, we can see that Surabaya 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 Surabaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surabaya 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 Surabaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapa or Surabaya?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sapa. When comparing the sizes of Sapa and Surabaya, 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.