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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nadi (Port Denarau)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

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

Ayutthaya

Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.

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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.


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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $164. 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 Ayutthaya and Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $21
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $42
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $206
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Nadi (Port Denarau)

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya


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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.74
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)

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

  • Private Transfer-Nadi International Airport to Hotels : $6.76
  • Private Transfer Nadi Airport to or from Hotel or Resort: $8.22
  • Shared Shuttle Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport/ Port to Hotel: $9.01
  • Shared Transfer To Nadi Airport from Denarau Resorts: $9.01
  • Private Shuttle Transfer to Nadi International Airport: $9.01
  • Private Departure Transfer From Your Hotel To Nadi Airport (cfc approved): $9.14
  • Private Departure Transfer To Nadi Airport From Your Hotel: $9.14
  • Shared Shuttle Departure Transfers - Denarau,Wailoaloa & Nadi to Nadi Airport: $11
  • Private Transfer from Nadi Intl Airport to Sheraton Fiji Resort : $11
  • Private Departure Transfer to Nadi Airport from Your Hotel: $12
  • Denarau Hotels to Nadi Airport (Private Departure Transfer): $14
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to All Denarau Hotels: $14

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

Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) and Ayutthaya 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
    Ayutthaya $20
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $39
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $3.82
  • Ice Cream
    $0.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $3.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya

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

  • Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nadi (Port Denarau).

  • Robinson Crusoe Sunset Cruise Including Dinner, Cultural Show & Transfers: $121
  • Super Saver Combo: Tivua Island Day Cruise + Sunset Dinner Cruise in Fiji: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $5.46
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.36

Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:

  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632

Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)

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

  • Nadi Tour- Garden of the Sleeping Giant , Temple & Mud Pool Combo: $46
  • The Amazing Highlights of Nadi and Veseisei ( Private Tour ) : $50
  • Skip the Line: Big Bula Waterpark Full Day Ticket: $51
  • Island Adventurers Kid's Show Tickets: $52
  • Sabeto Waterfall Tour (Nadi): $58
  • Finding Nemo - Half Day Cruise to South Sea Island: $58
  • Nadi Must Do Sights Tour Combo: $59
  • Fijian Secret Tour: $63
  • Nadi Sightseeing Including Viseisei Lookout, Village Tour, Garden & Temple Tour: $69
  • Great Taste of Fiji Sightseeing Adventure: $70
  • Half Day Sightseeing - Wonders of Nadi Tour: $72
  • Nadi Sightseeing & Mud Pool Tour: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Nadi (Port Denarau), we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya.

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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Nadi (Port Denarau). When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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.