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

Should you visit Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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: Surat Thani or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Surat Thani

The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."

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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, 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 Surat Thani and Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $206
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Nadi (Port Denarau)

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani


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: Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
  • Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Suva City: $184
  • Zip line Fiji ex Fiji Marriot w/private transfer dropoff Nadi Airport or resort : $169
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Volivoli or Wananavu Rst: $135
  • Treetops Zipline Tour with Drop off Transfer to Nadi Airport: $128
  • Fiji Cultural Full Day Island Cruise With Lunch & Transfers : $103
  • Private Transfers Nadi Airport-Outrigger Resorts/Crow's Nest Resort/ Bedarra Inn: $83
  • 100% CFC APPROVED Private Transfer - Nadi Airport to Intercontinental Resort : $81
  • Private Transfer-Nadi Airport to Nanuku /Pearl/Uprising Resort : $77
  • From Nadi Airport Private Transfers To Shangrila Fijian Resort: $76
  • Private Transfer: Nadi Int Airport - The Pearl Resort/Fiji Palms PAC Harbour: $71
  • Airport Transfers: $70
  • Private Transfer: Intercontinental Resort and Spa to Nadi Airport: $65

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

Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) and Surat Thani 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
    Surat Thani $14
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $39
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • Dinner
    $4.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani

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

  • Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, Cooking Class, & Bamboo Raft: $71

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.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $32

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.

  • Pick up and drop off tourists around Koh Samui: $14
  • The one and only Zipline Experience of Lamai Viewpoint: $38
  • Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
  • Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
  • Koh Samui: Unique Iocal Tour & Elephant Sanctuary with lunch: $65
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
  • X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (1 Driver): $76
  • Koh Samui: Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary Half-Day Tour: $81
  • Samui Dolphins Tour by Catamaran Yacht: $87
  • Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
  • From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
  • Samui X Quad ATV Tour (1 Driver) with lunch: $122

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Nadi (Port Denarau) has a larger population, and is about 42280 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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.