A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Sendai for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hanoi or Sendai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Sendai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a colorful, cultural, and historical city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Sendai

Sendai is a high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Sendai travel costs.

Hanoi and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Sendai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Sendai. Hanoi is bigger than Sendai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sendai is more popular for its beaches. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Hanoi different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hanoi or Sendai?

Hanoi is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hanoi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Sendai.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Many people head to Sendai for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a city with good options for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

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.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is renowned for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Sendai?

Hanoi is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its stores. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for Families?

Sendai is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sendai is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Sendai are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

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.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi 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, Hanoi is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for Students?

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Sendai is not popular with students.

Is Hanoi or Sendai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sendai is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sendai can get you around 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 mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Sendai a more walkable city?

Sendai is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Sendai. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

One day in Hanoi or Sendai?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sendai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cosmopolitan destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Sendai?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sendai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sendai. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Sendai?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Sendai, 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.

When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Sendai?

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

Should I visit Hanoi or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Sendai. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Hanoi is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Hanoi