Cambodia Travel Cost: 10 Budget Tips & Prices

How to Travel Cambodia on a Budget: Costs, Tips & Affordable Itineraries

Have you ever dreamed of exploring Cambodia but worried about the costs? Whether you’re a backpacker on a tight budget or a mid-range traveler looking for value, this guide will help you plan an affordable and unforgettable trip.

Cambodia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. With daily expenses as low as $30, you can experience stunning temples, delicious street food, and vibrant culture without breaking the bank. This article covers real travel costs, money-saving tips, and budget itineraries to help you make the most of your trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel Cambodia?

Average Daily Budget Breakdown

Expense Type	Budget Traveler ($)	Mid-Range Traveler ($)	Luxury Traveler ($)
Accommodation	5-15	20-50	80+
Food & Drinks	3-10	15-30	50+
Transportation	2-8	10-20	40+
Attractions & Activities	5-15	20-40	60+
Total Daily Cost	15-50	65-140	200+

Cambodia remains one of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia. Whether you’re staying in hostels or luxury resorts, you’ll find excellent value for your money.

10 Budget Tips to Save Money in Cambodia

1. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or homestays for as low as $5 per night.
Use booking apps like Agoda and Hostelworld for discounts.
Consider Couchsurfing for free stays with locals.
Look for weekly or monthly rental discounts to save even more.
Avoid hotels in tourist-heavy areas; opt for places a little farther out.

2. Eat Local Street Food

Street food meals cost as little as $1-3.
Must-try dishes: Amok curry, Bai Sach Chrouk (pork with rice), and Lok Lak beef stir-fry.
Avoid touristy restaurants and eat where the locals do.
Visit local wet markets in the morning for fresh and cheap meals.
Order set meals at local eateries to save on costs.

Tuk-tuks are convenient but always negotiate the price.
Grab and PassApp offer cheaper, fixed-rate rides.
Rent a bicycle in Siem Reap for only $2-5 per day.
Long-distance buses are available for as little as $6-12.
Night buses allow you to save on accommodation while traveling.

4. Travel in the Off-Season for Cheaper Prices

Best months for budget travel: May – October.
Rainy season discounts: Get 30-50% off hotels and tours.
Fewer tourists mean a more authentic experience.
Local businesses offer special promotions to attract travelers.

5. Avoid Overpriced Tourist Attractions

Visit free attractions like markets and countryside temples.
Book group tours for better rates.
Hire a local guide instead of expensive tour companies.
Take advantage of temple passes for multiple-day visits.

6. Use a Local SIM Card for Cheaper Internet

Smart and Metfone offer $5 SIM cards with affordable data plans.
Avoid expensive international roaming fees.
Many hostels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
Download offline maps to save on data usage.

7. Bargain at Markets & With Tuk-Tuk Drivers

Always negotiate in markets and transportation.
A fair price is usually 30-50% lower than the first offer.
Learn a few Khmer phrases to build rapport and get better prices.
Walk away if the price is too high—vendors often call you back with a lower offer.

8. Choose Budget-Friendly Activities

Angkor Wat pass: $37 for 1 day, $62 for 3 days.
Free activities: Walk around Phnom Penh, explore floating villages, and visit local festivals.
Visit Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem for affordable island experiences.
Take free walking tours in cities to learn about history and culture.

9. Refill Your Water Bottle Instead of Buying New Ones

Use water refill stations to save money and reduce plastic waste.
Bring a filtered water bottle.
Many hotels and hostels provide free drinking water.
Look for eco-friendly refill stations in major cities.

10. Book Buses & Flights in Advance for Cheaper Rates

12Go Asia and BookMeBus offer the best discounts on transport.
Buy tickets early to save 20-30%.
Consider taking overnight buses to save on accommodation.
Avoid last-minute bookings to prevent surge pricing.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

ATM fees: $4-6 per withdrawal.
Tourist scams: Be wary of overpricing and unofficial guides.
Visa fees: $30 for most nationalities.
Temple entrance fees: Some lesser-known sites have unexpected charges.
Departure tax at airports: Some airlines include it in ticket prices, but others don’t.

Budget Itineraries for Different Travelers

3-Day Budget Travel Plan ($100 Total)

Day 1: Explore Phnom Penh, visit Royal Palace ($10), and eat street food.
Day 2: Travel to Siem Reap, visit night markets, and rent a bicycle.
Day 3: Visit Angkor Wat, explore temples, and enjoy local cuisine.

7-Day Backpacker Budget Plan ($250 Total)

Includes Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampot.
Stay in hostels, eat street food, and use buses.
Rent a scooter in Kampot for a cheap countryside tour.

2-Week Mid-Range Traveler Plan ($700 Total)

Mix of cultural experiences, adventure, and relaxation at an affordable cost.
Visit the floating villages and Tonle Sap Lake.
Enjoy a budget-friendly beach stay at Koh Ta Kiev.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Cambodia Cheaper Than Thailand?

Yes! Cambodia is cheaper than Thailand, especially for accommodation and food.

How Much Should I Budget for a Month in Cambodia?

Backpackers: $500-700.
Mid-range travelers: $1,200-1,500.
Luxury travelers: $3,000+.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted?

Mostly cash-based economy; bring US dollars and Cambodian Riel.
Credit cards are accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants.

What’s the Best Way to Exchange Money in Cambodia?

Use ATMs for fair exchange rates (but watch for fees!).
USD is widely accepted, so no need to exchange small amounts.
Local banks often offer better exchange rates than airport kiosks.

Conclusion

Cambodia is an amazing destination for budget-conscious travelers. With affordable accommodation, delicious street food, and cheap transportation, you can explore this beautiful country without overspending.

Are you ready to visit Cambodia on a budget? Share your travel tips and experiences in the comments below!

Cambodia Travel Cost: 10 Budget Tips & Prices

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How to Travel Cambodia on a Budget: Costs, Tips & Affordable Itineraries