Which place is cheaper, Siem Reap or Zhengzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhengzhou or Siem Reap?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Siem Reap can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Siem Reap?
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phnom Penh, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Siem Reap.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $98Siem Reap $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, 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 Zhengzhou and Siem Reap in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $36Siem Reap $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $72Siem Reap $102
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Siem Reap
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhengzhou $63Siem Reap $8.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Siem Reap
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Siem Reap:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$13
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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 Zhengzhou or Siem Reap?
Prices for flights to both Siem Reap and Zhengzhou 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 dayZhengzhou $28Siem Reap $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Typical Food Prices in Siem Reap
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Siem Reap:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $8.18Siem Reap $30
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Zhengzhou Private Half-Day Tour: Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show: $222
- Private Tour to Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Full-Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Mt.Song from Zhengzhou: $238
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:
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $6.31Siem 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Siem Reap, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Siem Reap much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siem Reap would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siem Reap 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in Siem Reap.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Siem Reap Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Siem Reap?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Siem Reap. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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.