A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. Khao Yai National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sendai or Khao Yai National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Khao Yai National Park, 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.

Where Should I go: Sendai or Khao Yai National Park?

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

Khao Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai National Park or Sendai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Sendai Prices
    Japan Prices
    Khao Yai National Park Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sendai $133
    Khao Yai National Park $85

The average daily cost (per person) in Sendai is $133, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $85. 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 Khao Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sendai $61
    Khao Yai National Park $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sendai $122
    Khao Yai National Park $82
Compare Hotels in Sendai and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Sendai or Khao Yai National Park? 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.

Hotels in Sendai


Hotels in Khao Yai National Park


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sendai $18
    Khao Yai National Park $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103

Is it cheaper to fly into Sendai or Khao Yai National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai National Park 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sendai $58
    Khao Yai National Park $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
  • Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sendai $19
    Khao Yai National Park $10

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sendai $11
    Khao Yai National Park $13


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

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



When is the best time to visit Sendai or Khao Yai National Park?

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

Should I visit Sendai or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Sendai is generally cooler than Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 23°C (73°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during summer. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. It's quite rainy in Sendai. In July, Sendai usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Park. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sendai 23°C (73°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Sendai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Yai National Park year-round.

Sendai is much colder than Khao Yai National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Khao Yai National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 206 hours of full sun.

Khao Yai National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets less rain in October than Khao Yai National Park. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sendai 15°C (59°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Khao Yai National Park. Many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In the winter, Sendai is much colder than Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sendai in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Yai National Park this time of the year. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during winter. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sendai usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sendai 2°C (35°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Khao Yai National Park. Many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Yai National Park throughout the year.

In April, Sendai is generally much colder than Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 10°C (51°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. In the spring, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Sendai usually gets less rain in April than Khao Yai National Park. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sendai 10°C (51°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Sendai

Sendai Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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