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

Should you visit Luang Prabang or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Nadi (Port Denarau), 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: Luang Prabang or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Luang Prabang

Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


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

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

  • Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
    Nadi (Port Denarau) Prices
    Fiji Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luang Prabang $17
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $204

The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $204. 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 Luang Prabang and Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luang Prabang $5.38
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luang Prabang $11
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $218
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Nadi (Port Denarau)

Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang


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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luang Prabang $1.99
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $9.05
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang

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

  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)

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

  • Zip line ex Intercontinental Fiji with return private transfers: $216
  • Zip line Fiji ex Fiji Marriot w/private return transfer: $188
  • Private One Way Transfer Between Nadi Intl Airport and Denarau: $188
  • Outrigger Resort to Nadi Airport - Private vehicle transfer 1 - 3 Pax: $158
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Volivoli or Wananavu Rst: $140
  • Private Transfer: Nadi Airport to Pacific Harbour - 1 to 4 Seat Vehicle: $134
  • Treetops Fiji Zipline Tour with Drop off Transfer to Nadi Airport: $131
  • Private vehicle transfer Fiji Marriot Momi Bay to Nadi Airport: $120
  • 100% CFC APPROVED PRIVATE Transfer - Denarau to Nadi & Coral Coast Hotels: $115
  • Fiji Cultural Full Day Island Cruise With Lunch & Transfers: $115
  • Crusoe's Retreat Fiji Transfers and Taxi Service: $99
  • Private Transfer from Nadi Airport (NAN) to Lautoka Cruise Port: $99

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

Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) and Luang Prabang 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
    Luang Prabang $8.90
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang

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

  • The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
  • Luang Prabang Essentials Food Tour: $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luang Prabang $2.56
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $33

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.

  • Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
  • Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
  • Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
  • Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
  • Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $12
  • Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
  • Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
  • Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
  • Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35

Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)

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

  • "Coral Coast Adventure: Pottery, Kava, Meke, Dunes & Temple'': $122
  • "Half Day Nadi Highlights Tour”: $150
  • 16 Lines Zipline, Cave and Mud Spa Combo Tour with Lunch in Fiji: $169
  • Colo-i-Suva Waterfall Tour (Suva): $94
  • Coral Coast Heritage Tour: $102
  • Coral Coast Tour Sand Dune to Momi Gunsite History Walk: $202
  • Cultural Day Tour: $68
  • Cultural Night Tour: $82
  • Day Tour Exploration of Fiji Culture and Nature: $230
  • Discover Coral Coast & Natadola Beach Tour: $117
  • Discover Coral Coast & Natadola Beach Tour: $101
  • Discover Nadi Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luang Prabang $1.71
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Nadi (Port Denarau). When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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.