A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan, 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

Sendai is a high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sendai travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a party-oriented, high energy, and funky party island. The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Sendai and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Sendai and Koh Pha Ngan are popular destinations, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Pha Ngan is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sendai attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Sendai and is popular for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also well known for the Full Moon Parties. Sendai is famous for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Sendai different from Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sendai is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Sendai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

Is the Food Better in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Sendai and Koh Pha Ngan.

Sendai has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Pha Ngan area. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Koh Pha Ngan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

The people in Sendai know how to have a good time. 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 Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Koh Pha Ngan makes a nice vacation spot. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for the beach. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Koh Pha Ngan are among the best in the world. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

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.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sendai is well known for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Sendai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Sendai is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Sendai is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Koh Pha Ngan is not always the best place to visit. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Sendai and Koh Pha Ngan are both nice to visit as a couple.

Sendai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Pha Ngan is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan is extremely popular for backpackers. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sendai. 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 Koh Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

Is Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Sendai is well known for its walkability. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Sendai is very walkable. 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 Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

For even more information, also check out Is Sendai Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Sendai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sendai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan.

One day in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Sendai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cosmopolitan city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

A weekend in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sendai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Pha Ngan 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.

Five days in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

A week in Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sendai is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Koh Pha Ngan. This party island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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 Pha Ngan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Should I visit Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Sendai during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In July, Sendai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Pha Ngan. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Koh Pha Ngan. The autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sendai is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sendai usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan.

Should I visit Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. In the winter, Sendai is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sendai in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Sendai usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season.

Should I visit Sendai or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Sendai is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 10°C (51°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In April, Sendai usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Sendai