I was chatting with a reader of mine when she asked me whether it’s better to take a package tour of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat or to arrange everything herself. I remembered I had the same dilemma last year when I was planning my trip. To help me decide, I took to my spreadsheet and let the numbers decide for me. Like her, I was considering availing of the Angkor tour packages offered by The Villa Siem Reap. It really does seem like a great value, and back then, I remember I was all set to take that package. Until of course, I did the comparison with my spreadsheet.
Actually, I did the spreadsheet to convince a friend to join me in Seam Reap. Ever since I started planning to go to Cambodia, I’ve been wanting to stay at The Villa. Their tour package seemed reasonable, specially if there was two of us. However, the spreadsheets reveal that it’s still cheaper to do it on your own:
| Siem Reap Tour Package vs. DIY | ||
| US$ 1 = PHP 44.50 | ||
| Cost | Cost per Person | |
| (in USD) | (in PHP) | |
| The Villa Siem Reap Package | ||
| 3 Night Super Value Package ($142 per person) | US$ 284.00 | PHP 6,319.00 |
| Angkor Wat pass (3 days, US$40) | US$ 40.00 | PHP 1,780.00 |
| Meals (US$5 per meal for 1, 6 meals in four days) | US$ 30.00 | PHP 1,335.00 |
| Total | US$ 354.00 | PHP 9,434.00 |
| DIY Tour | ||
| Mandalay Inn guesthouse (3 night, US$16 per night) | US$ 48.00 | PHP 1,068.00 |
| Angkor Wat pass (3 days, US$40) | US$ 40.00 | PHP 1,780.00 |
| Tuktuk (3 days, US$12 per day) | US$ 36.00 | PHP 801.00 |
| Guide (1 day, US$30 per day) | US$ 30.00 | PHP 667.50 |
| Meals (US$5 per meal for 1, 12 meals in four days) | US$ 60.00 | PHP 2,670.00 |
| Total | US$ 214.00 | PHP 6,986.50 |
Download: SiemReapTourPackage.xls (8kb)
Although, even with the 3K difference, you’d have to understand a couple of things:
1. The Villa Siem Reap and the Mandalay Inn is an unfair comparison. The Mandalay Inn is a budget accommodation, and you’re most likely getting better rooms and facilities at The Villa.
2. The food that will be provided at The Villa may or may not be the same quality of food you’ll be getting for US$5.00 in the DIY option.
3. The Villa tour package comes with a bottle of wine, olives and cheese.
4. Hiring a tuktuk to go to the outlying temples may cost more than $12 per day.
The verdict: If you have extra cash to spend (or looking forward to a romantic getaway), go ahead and book that tour at The Villa. But if you’re watching every peso (or in this case, dollar), it’s best to organize everything yourself. You can further lessen the cost by going for a one-day pass instead of 3, but do not scrimp on getting a guide for a tour of the Angkor Wat.
This post was last modified on Tuesday, 22 March 2011 02:34
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