Which place is cheaper, Nadi (Port Denarau) or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands 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: Similan Islands or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park – Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size – including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $164Nadi (Port Denarau) $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $164, 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 Similan Islands and Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $68Nadi (Port Denarau) $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $136Nadi (Port Denarau) $206
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Nadi (Port Denarau)
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands 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.
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: Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $98Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):
- Zip line Fiji ex Fiji Marriot w/private transfer dropoff Nadi Airport or resort : $169
- Treetops Zipline Tour with Drop off Transfer to Nadi Airport: $128
- Shuttle transfer to Nadi Airport : $49
- Shared Transfer To Nadi Airport from Denarau Resorts: $9.01
- Shared Shuttle Departure Transfers - Denarau,Wailoaloa & Nadi to Nadi Airport: $11
- Roundtrip Transfer Nadi Int Airport -Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay(CFC APPROVED): $57
- Round-trip Nadi Int Airport - Denarau Hotels (Private Transfer): $27
- Round-Trip Transfer -Nadi Airport - Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay: $54
- Round trip Transfer Airport to Coral Coast /Denarau Hotels : $55
- Round Trip Transfer -Nadi Airport to Intercontinental Resort : $61
- Round Trip Private Transfer From Nadi Airport To Your Resort : $21
- Private Transfers Nadi Airport-Outrigger Resorts/Crow's Nest Resort/ Bedarra Inn: $83
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) and Similan Islands 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
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Food Meals for one daySimilan Islands $36Nadi (Port Denarau) $39
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $44Nadi (Port Denarau) $32
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: Biausevu Waterfall & Natadola Beach !'': $144
- "Coral Coast Cultural Tour: Pottery, Kava, Meke, Dunes & Temple'': $105
- 16 Lines Zipline, Cave and Mud Spa Combo Tour with Lunch in Fiji: $164
- 6 Hours Giant Zipline Adventure Park in Fiji: $90
- Authentic Fijian Day Tour: $83
- Barefoot Kuata Day Cruise from Denarau: $130
- Biausevu Waterfall Tour (Sigatoka) : $100
- Biausevu Waterfall with New Dawn Tours Fiji: $82
- CFC Hot Spring Mud Pool,Garden Of Sleeping Giant And Village Visit Half Day Tour: $104
- Colo-i-Suva Waterfall Tour (Suva): $99
- Coral Coast Heritage Tour: $157
- Coral Coast Sightseeing & Pottery Village Tour: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $9.35Nadi (Port Denarau) $11
When comparing the travel costs between Similan Islands and Nadi (Port Denarau), we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Similan Islands is in Asia and Nadi (Port Denarau) is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Similan Islands Expensive? and Is Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.