Cambodia Travel Budget: How Much Money to Travel to Cambodia

Taking a trip to Cambodia is the opportunity of a lifetime, and for anyone planning this trip, one important factor to consider is the actual budget for the journey. You need to plan how much you are going to spend on your trip, so that you know what you can realistically afford, where you can afford to go, and what to see and ensure that your budget is enough to make your trip worthwhile. So, let’s take a look at how much money you need to travel to Cambodia.

How much Money do I Need to Travel to Cambodia

Generally, there are three levels for the cost of a Cambodia tour. For backpackers, there are many budget options to choose from in Cambodia. Since most tourists choose to travel to Cambodia at mid-range costs at general 3-star hotels, there are also someone chooses to have a high-end travel experience in Cambodia.

Cost of a Budget Travel to Cambodia

As the name suggests, budget-level travel consists of traveling and staying in Cambodia for as little money as possible. And with Cambodia being one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia, touring on a limited budget is easily possible. This can include everything from getting flights with budget airlines to get to Cambodia to stay in backpacker hostels for as little as US$5-6 per night, taking the long-distance bus between destinations for a couple of dollars, and eating the local foods from street vendors and local eateries for as little as 2-4 dollars each.

Cost of a Mid-level Budget Travel to Cambodia

Mid-level travel usually consists of traveling and staying in Cambodia more comfortably than on a budget trip. Hotel costs are usually higher for 3-star accommodation, and travel is done more by car than the bus, though buses for long distances are still useful for overnight travel. And dining is a mix of street foods and local vendors and decent restaurants that cater to a wider variety of dishes.

Cost of a Luxury Travel to Cambodia

Cambodia luxury tour is the upper end of the market, staying at 4-5 star hotels, eating in the hotel or top-end restaurants, and traveling between destinations by either private car or commercial flights. This is the luxury market and comes with all the expected trappings.

Accommodation Budget in Cambodia

Accommodation in Cambodia caters to every taste there is, from backpacker hostels to high-end luxury hotels, and everything in between.

From luxury 5-star hotels to simple backpacker hostels, Cambodia caters to all.

Budget Accommodations in Cambodia

In the budget end of the market, you can pay as little as US$ 5 per person per night for hostel beds, depending on the location, or go for a homestay for around US$4-6 per night. Not only is this suitable for backpackers, but it can be a great option for solo travelers, as you can make new friends in both hostels and on homestays.

Economic Accommodations in Cambodia

Mid-range hotels in Cambodia are comparably priced and range from around 10-25 dollars per person per night. Inclusive breakfast is not always guaranteed, and you should check before booking if that is a requirement. Good for solo travelers, and ideal for those with a family and kids.

Luxury Accommodations in Cambodia

High-end hotels in Cambodia can be booked for as little as 40-60 dollars, depending on the location, though you can pay up to 100 dollars per night in some hotels. However, there are fewer high-end hotels in Cambodia, so you should book early to avoid disappointment. But for couples or those with kids, this is the best option, as everything is catered for.

Tips for Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Cambodia Tour

There are also other factors involved in the cost of accommodation, which include things like the time of year, as it is cheaper in the rainy season than in the dry season, and inclusive breakfasts and additional extras in the mid-range and luxury hotels.

Transportation Budget in Cambodia

Budget Flights to Cambodia

Travel is always an important aspect of your trip to Cambodia, and the biggest cost is usually the flight to Cambodia. Flight costs do vary depending on your departure location, but with a little searching on the internet, you can sometimes find some great deals for budget flights to Cambodia. And multiple stops usually reduce the cost of the overall flight.

Cost of Transportation around Cambodia

Travel around Cambodia normally comes in three types: flights, cars/vans, or local buses. Local flights are not normally expensive, and even those visiting Cambodia on a budget could afford to splurge to save time flying between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which are currently around US$ 97 per person, but can be much cheaper if you shop around. Flight comparison websites can usually provide discounts on flights.

Cars and vans are a good way to get around but can be rather expensive for long-distance trips. However, if you are in a small group, it may be preferable to pay a few dollars extra each and split the cost of the car for a more comfortable ride.

Buses are a popular way of traveling long distances, as they run overnight so you can get a good night’s sleep before reaching your destination. An overnight bus trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to get to Angkor normally costs around 10 dollars.

Tips for Cut down the Transportation Cost in Cambodia

If you really want to cut down on travel costs in Cambodia, then the local bus is the way to go for long distances, and tuk-tuks are ideal for short rides, as the usual fare is less than two dollars. Or, for a few dollars a day, you can rent a bicycle, though some hotels and guesthouses provide free bikes for guests.

It's easy to find tuk-tuks around attractions in Cambodia.

Activities Budget in Cambodia

The cost of the Angkor Wat Pass

Activities in Cambodia are usually as cheap as everything else, though the cost of the entry to Angkor Temple Complex is a little more costly. A 1-day pass will cost US$ 37 per person, and a 3-day pass is US$ 62, with the seven-day pass costing just US$72 per person.

The Cost of More Activities in Cambodia

There are lots of other things to do in Cambodia too, and most of them cost very little to do. You can bike around Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or Sihanoukville for just a dollar or two a day, since bikes are cheap to rent, if your hotel does not provide a free one. Or you can go hiking on one of the many hiking trails that are available in Cambodia, and cost from US$ 0-40 per day, depending on the location and the cost of the guide for some of the more remote treks.

Kayaking in Cambodia is an awesome adventure, and there are various places to go kayaking around Siem Reap and Tonle Sap Lake. And with costs of around US$ 45 per day, it is well worth the extra.

Are there any recommended free things to do in Cambodia?

Aside from some of the easier trekking trails, there are plenty of things to do for free in Cambodia. Beaches are usually free, so you can spend the day relaxing on the beach. Or you can visit places like the Independence Monument and the Friendship Monument in the capital, take Meditation classes at Wat Langka and visit any of the many temples across the country, or take wander around the Royal Palace Parks. A trip to Battambang’s Bat Caves is free, though you will have to wait for night to fall, and if you are in Kep, visit Sothy’s Pepper Farm where you can taste the peppers.

Food and Drinks Budget in Cambodia

When it comes time to eat, Cambodia has such a wealth of foods to try that your mouth will be watering long before you can try anything. From the amazing street foods to awesome restaurants, both local and international, there is always something to eat in Cambodia.

Local Street Food

Street food is the cheapest way to eat in Cambodia, with fried sausage costing 50 cents and a bamboo stick of sticky rice costing a single dollar. Pork and rice are around $1, while fried noodles can cost as little as 75 cents. And the classic French baguettes that are famous in Indochina cost around $1.30 with plenty of fillings.

Fried sausage is a common street food in Cambodia.

Western Meal Restaurants

If you are looking for more western food, there are plenty of western and international restaurants catering to less adventurous travelers, though they are pricier than anywhere else. A plate of pasta will cost you around 6-8 dollars, while a single burger costs five bucks. And if you like an English breakfast, expect to pay around 3-4 dollars.

Drinks

Drinks vary depending on what your preference is. Bottled water in Cambodia usually costs around 20 cents for a 500ml bottle, though in restaurants it can cost up to 75 cents. Sodas are usually around 60-75 cents, and fresh fruit juice is around a dollar. And beer costs roughly a dollar a bottle but can be half-price at happy hour.

How to control the catering budget during a Cambodia Tour?

Controlling your budget when eating can be tough because the smells will have you hankering for trying everything. It is best to set a daily or per-meal budget for your food and make sure that you don’t go over it. You can always splurge at the end of the trip if you still have a food budget remaining.

Tip Budget in Cambodia

Tipping is not actually expected in Cambodia the way it is in the United States, but it is always appreciated when someone does tip. Cambodian service workers' wages are low, so any tips given can help supplement their income and help with their daily needs. So if you are happy with the service you received from waiters, drivers, guides, and anyone else who provided you with services, leaving a small tip based on the level of service is a great way to show your appreciation for their efforts.

On average, 10% is regarded as a fair tip, though some of the more upmarket establishments already add a seven percent surcharge to the bill. And how much actually goes to the worker varies greatly.

Conclusion

Traveling in Cambodia can be done on a budget. It can be done on a mid-range level, and it can be done extravagantly, depending on how much you have to spend on your trip. Your budget is set by you, so prepare the amount of money you need for your type of trip.