A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Siem Reap for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bangkok or Siem Reap?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Siem Reap 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: Bangkok or Siem Reap?

Bangkok

Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

Siem Reap

Located in northern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the closest town to Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat. It is a comfortable and laid back town and most visitors use it as a base to explore the country's most visited destination. Although Siem Reap was once a quaint village, it has continued to grow and change to meet the needs of the many tourists who visit every year. Siem Reap has become a very touristy town with easy access to restaurants, hotels, and shops. It also has a large expatriate community and the western influences are unavoidable. Although prices remain quite low, they are higher than you might find elsewhere in Cambodia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phnom Penh, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Siem Reap.


Which place is cheaper, Siem Reap or Bangkok?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, while the average daily cost in Siem Reap is $81. 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 Bangkok and Siem Reap in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangkok $41
    Siem Reap $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangkok $82
    Siem Reap $102
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Siem Reap

Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Siem Reap? 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 Bangkok


Hotels in Siem Reap


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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Siem Reap Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangkok $5.77
    Siem Reap $8.79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

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


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.18
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.36
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.87
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.71
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.82
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.45
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.36
  • Trains to airport
    $4.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • BKK Airport to Pattaya hotel 100% Electric Private Transfer: $80
  • 3 Temple Bangkok City Tour without Admission Ticket & Transfer: $45
  • Affordable Bangkok Airport Transfer: $22
  • Airport BKK||DMK : Private car Transfer to downtowns Bangkok: $12
  • Airport Transfer to​ or from Hotel in Bangkok (Private Transport): $50
  • Airport transfer to Bangkok downtown: $22
  • Ancient City (Mueang Boran) Entrance Tickets With Hotel Transfer: $44
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City Business MPV: $19
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City Luxury Car: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City by Sedan Car: $17
  • Ayothaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer(Optional): $8.31
  • BKK Airport - Hua Hin/Cha-am 100% Electric Private Transfer : $94

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Siem Reap

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Siem Reap:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $13
  • Bike Rentals
    $1.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siem Reap

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siem Reap:

  • Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium with Private Transfer: $45
  • Border Transfer (Siem Reap to Laos or Laos to Siem Reap ): $400
  • Intercity Transfer(Siem Reap-Sihanouk/Sihanouk-Siem Reap): $300
  • Phnom Penh: Private Taxi Transfer to Siem Reap: $121
  • Private One-Way Arrival/Departure Transfer: $30
  • Private Round Trip Siem Reap Airport Transfer In AC Minivan: $76
  • Private Siem Reap Angkor Airport Transfers: $37
  • Private Taxi Transfer Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $121
  • Private Taxi transfer from Bangkok to Siem Reap: $299
  • Private Taxi transfer from Koh Chang to Siem Reap: $368
  • Private Taxi transfer from Pattaya to Siem Reap: $330
  • Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Bangkok: $258

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Siem Reap?

Prices for flights to both Siem Reap and Bangkok 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
    Bangkok $18
    Siem Reap $16
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $25
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.46
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.23
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.82
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pad Thai
    $1.91
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

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

  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $16
  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
  • Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
  • Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
  • Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
  • Nopparat Thai Dinner with Classical Dance: $28
  • Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $28
  • Bangkok Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruised Tour On Chao Phraya: $28

Typical Food Prices in Siem Reap

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Siem Reap:


  • Breakfast for Two
    $5.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siem Reap

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

  • Apsara Dance Show with Dinner by Tuk-Tuk Roundtrip Transfer: $17
  • Apsara Dinner Show with Free transfer from to your hotel: $20
  • Apsara Performance Including Buffet Dinner & Hotel Pick up: $26
  • Apsara Dance Show & Dinner with Tuk-Tuk Transfers: $27
  • Cooking Class and Market Shopping: $29
  • Khmer Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $29
  • Morning Cooking Class & Market Tour: $29
  • Half-Day Cambodian Cooking Class: $32
  • Cambodian Cooking Class from Siem Reap: $32
  • Cambodian Desserts Cooking Lesson with Tastings: $32
  • Cambodian Cooking Class: $35
  • Afternoon Cooking Class & Village Tour: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangkok $16
    Siem Reap $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok

Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.36
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $9.55
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.36
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Club Cover Charge
    $10
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $65
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.09
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.73
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

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

  • Thailand's Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.99
  • Skip the Line Admission Ticket: Ayutthaya Floating Market: $5.33
  • Skip the Line: Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket: $5.33
  • Chinatown and Wat Traimit Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Skip the Line Admission Ticket of Ayothaya Floating Market: $8.31
  • Pororo Aqua Park Entry Ticket: $9.50
  • Skip the Line: Patpong Museum Guided Tour : $9.70
  • Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $10
  • Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $10
  • Hua Hin Featured Day Tour (Sunday) by akGO! Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Siem Reap

Here are a few typical costs in Siem Reap for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Angkor Tour Guide
    $8.24

Tours and Activities in Siem Reap

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

  • City Walking Tour: $6.00
  • Angkor Wat Tour by Tuk-Tuk with English Speaking Driver: $9.00
  • Angkor Eye Standard Ride Ticket: $12
  • Angkor Temples Sunrise Tour with tours guide at only 9$/pax: $12
  • Angkor Temples Tour - Shared Tours tours guide: $12
  • Angkor Wat Sunrise Small Tour: $13
  • Small Tour Group + Sun Rise 12$ / 1pax: $13
  • Angkor Wat Sunrise Small-Groups with Guide tour: $13
  • Angkor Sunrise Temple Tour with Angkor Wat, Bayon & Ta Prohm: $13
  • Sunset Small Groups with Massive Temples & Guide tour: $14
  • Mad Monkey Siem Reap Sunrise Angkor Wat Temple Tour: $15
  • Angkor Wat one Day Private Tour for All Highlight Temples: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangkok $5.97
    Siem Reap $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Siem Reap

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Siem Reap:

  • Mad Monkey Siem Reap Pub Crawl: $10


When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Siem Reap, we can see that Siem Reap 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Siem Reap Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Siem Reap?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Siem Reap. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Siem Reap, 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.