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

Should you visit Sapa or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Sapa travel costs.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a colorful, under-rated, and laid-back city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Yokohama travel costs.

Sapa and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapa or Yokohama?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yokohama than Sapa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Yokohama is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Sapa is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sapa is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets. Yokohama is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Sapa different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama is great for its historical sights. However, Sapa is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Yokohama specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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 Yokohama? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sapa and Yokohama both to be excellent destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Yokohama. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Is Sapa or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is great for nightlife. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Yokohama for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sapa. 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.

Is Sapa or Yokohama Better for Hiking?

Sapa is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Sapa draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapa or Yokohama?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sapa and Yokohama both offer plenty of excellent 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.

Yokohama is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Is Sapa or Yokohama More Beautiful?

Sapa is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapa or Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Yokohama is one of the most popular family destinations. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Sapa is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Sapa or Yokohama Better for Couples?

Both Sapa and Yokohama are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Sapa is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Yokohama is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Is Sapa or Yokohama Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapa is well known for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapa. 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.

Yokohama is a good town to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Sapa or Yokohama Better for Students?

Yokohama is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Sapa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Sapa is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama can move around easily with public transportation. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

Sapa and Yokohama are excellent 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.

Yokohama is a very walkable town. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Sapa?

How long in Sapa or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sapa or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sapa than Yokohama 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 Yokohama.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapa than Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

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 museums and nightlife around the bright big city of Yokohama. 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 Yokohama?

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 diverse city of Yokohama 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 Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapa or Yokohama?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sapa. When comparing the sizes of Sapa and Yokohama, 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.