Cambodia Travel Costs: A Budget Guide

How much does it cost to travel in Cambodia? In this guide, we'll help you understand the travel costs in Cambodia, share Cambodia accommodation prices for various budgets, give you our best tips for finding cheap places to stay, and help you choose the best budget for your style of travel.

Introduction to Cambodia Travel Costs

Cambodia is a thrilling Southeast Asian destination. Though the stunning Angkor Wat temple complex attracts most travelers, the Kingdom has much more to offer.

Interested in seeing more of Southeast Asia? An Indochina tour is a great way to explore two incredible countries in one trip. These guided experiences often start in Hanoi or Saigon and continue through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, offering a mix of history, culture, and cuisine.

Travel costs in Cambodia are toward the lower end of the budget spectrum. However, be careful; some may try to overcharge you by quoting US dollars for small things like food. For example, a coconut might cost 2,000 KHR ($0.50), but a vendor might charge a foreigner $1.

Cambodia uses the Riel (KHR), though US dollars are the preferred currency. It's wise to carry US money when visiting Cambodia.

1 US dollar = 4,107 Riel (KHR)

Getting a tourist eVisa to Cambodia is easy and can be done online for stays of up to 30 days.

Cost of Transportation

Motorcycle taxis

Throughout Cambodia's cities, random men on motorcycles will pull up and offer a ride for a fee. This method of transportation relies squarely on your judgment as to whether the price is worth it. It's not much money, but it's not as safe. I'd say around $1 for a 5-10 km ride and less for a tiny 1 km ride.

Motorcycle tuk-tuks

Motorcycle-pulled carts are the most common form of taxi around towns. A short ride costs less than a dollar.

Buses

Bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: The local bus's six- to seven-hour journey to a popular destination can cost $5-6. On the more tourist-oriented bus, the trip can cost around $10. The bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville (five hours) is $5 (20,500 KHR).

How to Get Cheap Flights in Cambodia

Cambodia has a few discount airlines that can get you from place to place quickly and comfortably.

Use Skyscanner to compare the best deals. Here are the average prices of domestic flights between major cities in Cambodia:

• Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: from $30
• Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: from $60
• Siem Reap to Sihanoukville: from $33
• Phnom Penh to Bangkok: from $51

Cost of Accommodation

When working out the cost of a trip to Cambodia, accommodation is one of the most important factors, with Siem Reap and Phnom Penh providing the greatest variety. However, you can also discover budget guesthouses and small hotels all over the country.

In Cambodia, private rooms sometimes offer better value than dorm beds, especially if two people are traveling together; basic rooms usually have a fan and a shared bathroom, while paying more often gets you air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a more central location.

Travelers planning a longer stay or seeking more privacy can also rent an apartment in Cambodia. This may offer better value than nightly accommodation, depending on the location and length of stay.

Cost depends greatly on the destination, season, location, and facilities offered; Siem Reap tends to see prices rise during peak months, and island and beach destinations may cost more due to limited availability and transportation costs.

How To Find Affordable Accommodation in Cambodia

If you're comparing hotels, consider more than the stated price per night, since things such as taxes, booking fees, breakfast, air conditioning, and transport to the town center can all affect the real cost.

Before booking, compare locally operated guesthouses, hostels, and small hotels. Travelers on the tightest budgets should look for dorm beds or simple rooms with fans. People who need more privacy can usually find private rooms at a reasonable price, especially if they share the cost with someone else.

If you are visiting during the peak season or around major holidays, it is advisable to book in advance. When you travel during quieter times, those with flexible itineraries may be able to secure good rates upon arrival, even though the most popular and highly reviewed properties can still fill up.

When planning a realistic budget for a trip to Cambodia, choose a nightly accommodation budget that matches your desired comfort level rather than basing it on the price of a specific hostel or hotel. Check current rates for your travel dates a few days before your trip.

Cost of Food

Around the major tourist attractions (namely Angkor Wat), prices for everything are inflated. You can still find local food relatively cheap if you eat where locals eat.

Food prices can be relatively high if you like to dine at restaurants with nice seating environments designed for foreigners. Street food is not as sanitary as in Thailand, but I ate it every meal and never had a problem.

Cambodian food is a delicious combination reminiscent of a Thai and Vietnamese fusion, and a few fantastic noodle dishes.

• I ate most of my meals in local markets: a plate of rice and a selection of tasty dishes: 6,000 KHR ($1 - $2)
• Single-plate dishes, including rice, should cost: $0.75 - $1.25 (3,000 - 5,000 KHR)
• Cambodian version of baguette sandwiches on the street: $0.50 (2,000 KHR) 
• I ate some decent Indian food in Phnom Penh for $2 (8,000 KHR)

For nicer sit-down restaurants, meals cost anywhere from $2-$5 (10,000 to 20,000 KHR). A big bottle of water: $0.50 (2,000 KHR)

Cost of Going Out / Drinking

Most drinking and partying happens at small guesthouse bars and hangouts around the area. There are plenty of clubs and nightlife options within Phnom Penh if you are up for it. A big bottle of Angkor beer is $1 (5,000 KHR), while some places will charge $1 for a beer or drink.

Cost of Activities & Attractions

Angkor Wat entrance (as of April 2019):

• $37 (152,000 KHR) for a 1-day pass
• $62 (254,500 KHR) for a 3-day pass
• $72 (295,600 KHR) for a 7-day pass

Hiring a tuk-tuk all day to visit the temples around Angkor: $13 (53,400 KHR) 

Killing Fields: $2 entrance + $13 tuk-tuk to get there (61,600 KHR total)

Museums in Phnom Penh: $2 entrance (8,200 KHR)

While Cambodia is famous for a few attractions, you can also enjoy the most interesting sites by walking around, spending time with Cambodians, and sampling the local cuisine.

Enhance the experience by going with a guide. Check out these fantastic tours:

Siem Reap: Full-Day Small-Group Temples Tour
4.8 / 5 from 50+ reviews
From $17 (70,000 KHR)

Siem Reap Jeep Tour to Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm
4.9 / 5 from 65+ reviews
From $48 (197,000 KHR)

Half-Day Tour of Tuol Sleng and Choeng Ek Killing Field
4.4 / 5 from 8+ reviews
From $29 (119,000 KHR)

Overall Cost of Travel in Cambodia

Cambodia's low food and accommodation costs make it a great budget travel destination. Except for Angkor Wat, I could get away with spending about $10-$12 per day on average.

If you do plenty of activities and drink, your travel costs in Cambodia may be between $15 and $30 per day. If you're paying by credit card, check the exchange rate before you pay. While the cost of living is low, entrance fees to tourist sites in tourist areas can quickly add up.

The growth in tourist-focused luxury hotels and tour companies in recent years has also made it harder for budget travelers on a mid-range budget to find a good deal.

Your overall costs can add up even if you're going off the beaten track in rural areas. But the good news is that following these tips is a great way to have a good time for a reasonable price.