Which place is cheaper, Siem Reap or Zhangye?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zhangye or Siem Reap?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zhangye and Siem Reap. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zhangye or Siem Reap?
Zhangye
Zhangye, China is a city in the Gansu Province in the central north part of the country, close to Mongolia. This ancient city has often been used as a military strong hold, having been the headquarters of General Huo among many others. Zhangye is a fabulous day trip city to visit when staying in larger nearby cities.
Zhangye is privy to beautiful summer weather, with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the high 70's Fahrenheit. The best times to visit are between July and September, when temperatures and sunshine are at their highest. Autumn, Winter, and Spring tend to be a little chillier and rainier.
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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phnom Penh, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Siem Reap.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangye $85Siem Reap $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangye is $85, 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 Zhangye and Siem Reap in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangye $38Siem Reap $51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangye $76Siem Reap $102
Compare Hotels in Zhangye and Siem Reap
Looking for a hotel in Zhangye 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.
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: Siem Reap Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangye $38Siem Reap $8.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangye
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhangye:
- Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Airport (YZY) to Zhangye Hotel: $59
- Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Hotel to Zhangye Airport (YZY): $59
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:
- Siem Reap Airport (SAI): Transfer to/from Siem Reap Hotel: $7.50
- Angkor Airport (SAI) Private or Shared Transfers: $9.00
- Angkor Airport (SAI) Private or Shared Transfers: $10
- Tonle Sap Sunset Boat Cruise with Transfers: $23
- Private Transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $24
- Siem Reap Angkor Airport Transfer or Pick-up: $25
- Private Transfers Siem Reap Angkor Airport (SAI): $26
- Phare, Cambodian Circus with Tuk-Tuk Transfers: $27
- Private Transfers Siem Reap New Airport/ Angkor Wat Tour: $29
- Private Transfers Siem Reap New Airport/ Angkor Wat Tour: $29
- Private One-Way Arrival/Departure Transfer: $30
- Siem Reap Angkor International Airport private transfer: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangye or Siem Reap?
Prices for flights to both Siem Reap and Zhangye 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 dayZhangye $25Siem Reap $16
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.
- Pupulars Apsara show Including Buffet Dinner & Hotel Pick up: $15
- Apsara Dance Show with Dinner by Tuk-Tuk Roundtrip Transfer: $17
- Apsara Performance Including Buffet Dinner & Hotel Pick up: $19
- Apsara Dinner Show with Hotel Transfer: $20
- Apsara Dance Show & Dinner with Tuk-Tuk Transfers: $26
- Apsara Performance Including Buffet Dinner & Hotel Pick up: $26
- Apsara Performance Including Buffet Dinner & Hotel Pick up: $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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangye $10Siem Reap $30
Tours and Activities in Zhangye
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zhangye are as follows:
- Zhangye One Day City Tour: $77
- Private day tour to Zhangye Danxia Landform the Rainbow Mountain: $150
- Private day tour to Zhangye Mati temple & Giant Buddha Temple start from Zhangye: $155
- Zhangye Danxia Half Day tour: $195
- Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Private Day Tour: $214
- Private Hiking Tour: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes: $235
- Private Day Tour: Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform: $299
- Private Hiking Tour: Binggou Danxia and Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Zhangye: $299
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: $9.00
- Angkor Temples Sunrise Tour with tours guide at only 9$/pax: $12
- Angkor Eye Standard Ride Ticket: $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
- Sunset Small Groups with Massive Temples & Guide tour: $14
- Angkor Wat Sunrise Small-Group Guided Day Tour: $15
- Angkor Eye Cocktail Experience: $15
- Angkor Sunrise Temple Tour with Angkor Wat, Bayon & Ta Prohm: $15
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangye $6.90Siem Reap $11
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 Zhangye and Siem Reap, we can see that Zhangye 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 Zhangye Expensive? and Is Siem Reap Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangye or Siem Reap?
Zhangye has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Siem Reap. When comparing the sizes of Zhangye 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.
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.