Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Sendai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Koh Tao, 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.
Sendai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sendai travel costs.
Koh Tao is a popular, laid back, and mellow island. Koh Tao is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Tao travel costs.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Sendai than Koh Tao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sendai is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tao is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. Also, Sendai is famous for the statue of Lord Masamune. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Tao and Sendai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Sendai is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.
Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Koh Tao has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. 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.
Both Sendai and Koh Tao have superb vibes after the sun sets.
Sendai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
The people in Koh Tao know how to have a good time. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.
Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.
Koh Tao is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.
Sendai is not a resort destination.
Koh Tao is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
People travel to Koh Tao specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.
Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Koh Tao is renowned for the beach. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.
The beaches in Koh Tao are among the best in the world. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.
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.
Koh Tao 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 Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.
Sendai is not a hiking destination.
Sendai is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.
Sendai is well-known for its shopping. 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.
Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.
Koh Tao is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.
Koh Tao is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.
Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.
Sendai is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sendai is very family-friendly. 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.
Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.
Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Koh Tao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.
Sendai is a good city 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.
Koh Tao is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Tao is extremely popular for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.
Sendai is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.
Sendai is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.
Public transit in Sendai can get you to some 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 Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.
Sendai and Koh Tao are superb when it comes to walkability.
Sendai is a very walkable city. 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 Tao is a very walkable destination. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.
For even more information, also check out Is Sendai Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.
Both Sendai and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Sendai. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sendai, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.
Families should spend more time in Sendai than Koh Tao. 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 Tao than Sendai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Tao that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Sendai 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 Koh Tao.
In Sendai, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. 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.
In Sendai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sendai has to offer.
Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Sendai is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sendai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the mellow destination of Koh Tao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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 Sendai is $133, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $50. 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 Sendai and Koh Tao in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Sendai or Koh Tao? 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.
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.
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao and Sendai 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.
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sendai and Koh Tao, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai than you might in Koh Tao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sendai Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and Koh Tao, 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.
Sendai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Koh Tao. The summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sendai is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sendai usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Koh Tao. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
In the autumn, Sendai is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sendai in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
In the autumn, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sendai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season.
Both Koh Tao and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In January, Sendai is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 2°C (35°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Sendai usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.
Both Koh Tao and Sendai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
Sendai is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.
Sendai usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.
Sendai | Koh Tao | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
May | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
Sep | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |