A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Nadi (Port Denarau) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Khao Lak or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Nadi (Port Denarau) 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.

Where Should I go: Khao Lak or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Khao Lak

Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.

Nadi (Port Denarau)

Nadi, pronounced "Nandi", is a city and transportation hub in the Fijian islands. It is on one of the main islands, Viti Levu, and has a population of about 42,000. Many inhabitants are Indian as well as Fijian, and the largest temple in the Southern hemisphere is located in the city center. It must be noted that Nadi and surrounding areas aren't known for the beaches. This is more of a cultural destination or starting point for your trip to Fiji. For the best beaches, you will want to venture out to the other, smaller, islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Nadi (Port Denarau) or Khao Lak?

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

  • Khao Lak Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Nadi (Port Denarau) Prices
    Fiji Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Khao Lak $155
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $198

The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $198. 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 Khao Lak and Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Khao Lak $59
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Khao Lak $118
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $212
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Nadi (Port Denarau)

Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Nadi (Port Denarau)? 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 Khao Lak


Hotels in Nadi (Port Denarau)


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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Khao Lak $60
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
  • Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
  • Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
  • Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
  • Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
  • Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):

  • Shared Shuttle Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport/ Port to Hotel: $9.15
  • Arrival Shared Transfer : Airport to Hotel: $35
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to All Denarau Hotels: $14
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Intercontinental Resort: $34
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Port Denarau Marina: $15
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Shangri-La Fijian Resort: $37
  • CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer - Fiji Marriott Resort, to Nadi Airport: $30
  • CFC APPROVED Private Roundtrip Transfer -Nadi Airport to All Maui Bay Properties: $71
  • CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Doubletree Resort : $23
  • CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Fiji Marriott Resort: $27
  • CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Maui Bay Properties: $44
  • CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Outrigger & Bedarra Inn: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) and Khao Lak 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
    Khao Lak $61
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.

  • Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
  • Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
  • Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
  • Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
  • Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
  • ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Khao Lak $22
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $32

Tours and Activities in Khao Lak

Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
  • Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
  • 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
  • Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
  • Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
  • Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
  • James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
  • Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
  • Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
  • 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
  • Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80

Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nadi (Port Denarau) are as follows:

  • Nadi Sightseeing Including Viseisei Lookout, Village Tour, Garden & Temple Tour: $70
  • Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool Tour: $73
  • Shore Excursion-Wonders of Nadi Sightseeing Tour-Temple,Gardens,Markets&Shopping: $77
  • Coral Coast Sightseeing & Pottery Village Tour: $80
  • Cultural Night Tour: $80
  • Nadi Therapeutic Mud Pools and Garden Tour - Shore Excursions EX PORT DENARAU: $82
  • Nadi Heritage Tour : $82
  • Authentic Fijian Day Tour: $83
  • Fiji Lautoka Shore Excursions Tour : $92
  • Coral Coast Heritage Tour : $99
  • Nadi Sightseeing & Mud Pool Tour - Ex Fiji Marriott, Momi Bay: $100
  • Biausevu Waterfall Tour (Sigatoka) : $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Khao Lak $15
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Nadi (Port Denarau), we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) is more expensive. And not only is Khao Lak much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Khao Lak is in Asia and Nadi (Port Denarau) is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Khao Lak would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Lak 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nadi (Port Denarau) than you might in Khao Lak.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Nadi (Port Denarau) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Nadi (Port Denarau), 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.