Cambodia travel cost: Everything you need to budget like a pro!

Cambodia, nestled in Southeast Asia, is a treasure trove of experiences. The majestic temples of Angkor, the idyllic beaches of Sihanoukville, and the vibrant energy of Phnom Penh make Cambodia a captivating destination for every traveler.

But how much does it really cost to explore this enchanting country? In this article, we provide a detailed breakdown of Cambodia travel costs, covering everything you need to know to budget for your journey, whether you're staying for a week or longer.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 26-10-2024

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Table of contents

1. How to Properly Plan Your Travel Budget in Cambodia?
2. Essential rates and costs for a trip to Cambodia
3. Budget Forecasts for Different Travelers
4. Sample Itinerary for a week in Cambodia, with cost
4. Practical tips for managing your Cambodia travel budget

Currency Tip: Cambodia uses both the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD), with most major purchases done in USD. Having USD on hand is useful for larger expenses, while small denominations of KHR are helpful for street vendors and small items. Bank-operated centers may not offer the best exchange rates.
Instead, consider using reputable money exchange services like Ly Hour or Wing, which are available at major locations and shopping malls in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

1. How to Properly Plan Your Travel Budget in Cambodia?

1.1 Understanding Daily Expenses

Your daily budget in Cambodia will depend on your choices of accommodation, dining, and activities. Opting for high-end hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants will increase your expenses. Activities such as temple tours, especially in Angkor Wat, or guided excursions can also add up.

Nightlife, though not as extensive as in Thailand, is still vibrant in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and can impact your budget if not planned carefully. Fortunately, street food and local eateries are affordable.

*Sora Rooftop Bar at Rosewood, Phom Penh*

1.2 Choosing Your Destination

Popular tourist areas, such as Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat) or islands like Koh Rong, tend to be more expensive due to higher operating costs. Many items must be transported, leading to inflated prices passed on to visitors.

On the other hand, destinations like Battambang or Kampot offer a more affordable experience without sacrificing cultural value. Even within larger cities, venturing away from tourist hotspots can help you stretch your budget.

kampot pepper — *Kampot pepper is considered one of the best spices in the world*

>>> Good to know: Imported alcohol in Cambodia can be costly due to taxes, but local options like Angkor beer or Khmer rice wine are much more affordable. You’re allowed to bring up to 1 liter of alcohol per person into Cambodia.

1.3 Choosing the Timing of Your Trip

The best time to visit Cambodia, weather-wise, is from November to March, when the climate is cool and dry, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, this is also the high season, meaning prices are typically higher. The very high season falls from late March to mid-April, especially in 2025, as it coincides with Khmer New Year, also known as "Chaul Chnam Thmey."

khmer new year — *Families gather at temples to build sand mounds representing stupas for Buddha and his disciples*

If you’re considering travel between June and October, you'll enjoy lush, green landscapes and more budget-friendly accommodations. However, this period also brings Cambodia’s rainy season, which may limit certain activities, particularly in more rural or island destinations.

Some activities, like boat tours on Tonle Sap Lake, may be unavailable during this time.

cambodia new year — *Cambodians enjoy traditional folk games for Khmer New Year*

Friendly reminder: The peak season is from late March to mid-April, especially in 2025, as the Khmer New Year festivities, a joyful three-day holiday beginning around April 13 or 14, coincide with the end of the harvest season.

Did you know Khmer New Year 2025 is right around the corner? Dive into the heart of Cambodia’s most vibrant celebration!

2. Essential rates and costs for a trip to Cambodia

2.1 Plane Tickets

Before you venture out to explore this fascinating country, it’s essential to know that there are no direct flights to Cambodia from America, Europe, Australia, or Africa. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit, you’ll need a flight with a stopover in another Southeast or East Asian destination. Direct flights to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia's main cities, are available from a growing number of regional hubs, including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Vientiane, Ho Chi Minh City, and several Chinese cities.

phnom penh international airport

Various airlines, such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, and Vietnam Airlines, offer flights with stopovers to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The cost of airfare varies depending on the season, airline, travel class, departure airport, and flight duration. (For more information, please read: Cambodia Airports)

Average airfare estimates to Cambodia

From the U.S.: Prices start at $736; typical round-trip fares range from $938 to $1,041.
From the U.K.: Starting around £600, prices vary with season and airline.
From Australia: AUD 800 to AUD 1,500, depending on city and time of year.
From Canada: CAD 900 to CAD 1,600, influenced by demand and season.

And here are seasonal price variations

High season (Dec-April): Prices peak with higher demand.
Low season (May-Oct): Up to 30% discounts, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

(Explore: Best Time to Visit Cambodia)

Explore Cambodia Tours

2.2 The accommodations

Luxury Hotels: If you’re treating yourself, luxury stays cost between $200-$1,000 per night, with beautiful spots in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
For example, upscale options include high-end properties like the Rosewood Phnom Penh, starting around $250 per night for standard rooms, with premium suites reaching $1,000 per night. Other prestigious options include Raffles Hotel Le Royal, known for its heritage and elegance, also in the range of $250-$1,000 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable rooms in the heart of Cambodia’s main cities are typically $30-$100 per night.
Guesthouses: For a budget-friendly, local experience, guesthouses range from $10-$30 per night. Many are run by local families, adding a cultural touch to your stay!

*Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap Hotel is one of the best 4-star hotels just steps from Pub Street*

2.3 Getting Around

Tuk-Tuks: A short tuk-tuk ride (1-3 km) within cities typically costs $1-$2.
For medium-distance rides (up to 15 km), expect to pay $3-$6.
Full-day rentals around popular tourist areas, like Angkor Wat, range from $12-$20.
Moto-Taxis: Ideal for city commutes, these typically cost $2-$4 for quick trips and offer a budget-friendly alternative to taxis.
Buses: For intercity travel, buses are a great option, with fares ranging from $4-$15 depending on the distance.
Private Cars: Private car rentals provide comfort for longer trips, with costs from $20-$100, depending on the journey and vehicle type.

2.4 Food & Drink

Local Meals: Dining at local eateries usually costs $3-$10 per meal, with mid-range restaurants offering more options at $5-$15 per person.
High-End Dining: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have fine dining options ranging from $35-$200 for an elevated experience.
Street Food: For quick, local bites, street food like noodles and skewers cost between $1-$4 — a great way to sample Cambodian cuisine without spending much.
Water: Bottled water is essential and widely available for $0.50-$2 per liter, as tap water is not safe for drinking.

>> Explore: Top 10 restaurants in Phnom Penh

friends restaurants phnom penh — *Friends the Restaurant in Phnom Penh*

2.5 Fun Activities & Sightseeing

Angkor Temples: Entrance fees are $35 for a single-day pass, $60 for 3 days, and $70 for 7 days, giving you flexibility based on your itinerary.
Tonle Sap Lake: A half-day boat tour typically costs $25-$40.
You can also explore floating villages with a guided tour for about $20 per person. (Read more: Visit Tonlé Sap Lake)
Phnom Penh City Tours: Guided city tours generally cost $20-$30.
Visits to historical sites, such as the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, are around $10 each for entry.

3. Budget Forecasts for Different Travelers

Your Cambodia travel cost will vary based on travel style:

Budget Travelers: Expect to spend around $30-$50 per day, which totals $210-$350 for one week or roughly $900-$1,500 for three weeks.
Mid-Range Travelers: Typically budget $50-$100 per day, amounting to about $350-$700 for one week or $1,500-$2,100 for three weeks. This includes comfortable accommodation, meals, and popular tours.
Luxury Travelers: For upscale experiences, plan for $200+ per day, with costs starting around $1,000 for a week and reaching $3,000+ for three weeks, covering luxury hotels, fine dining, and private tours.

Luxury travel in cambodia

4. Sample Itinerary for a week in Cambodia, with cost

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Siem Reap, estimated at $30-$60 per night per room; for 2 rooms: $120-$240.
Transport: Tuk-tuk from the airport to the hotel at approximately $4-$7.
Food: Local meals, approximately $3-$10 per person, totaling $12-$40.

Days 2-3: Angkor Wat and Surrounding Temples

Accommodation: Continuing stay in Siem Reap, $120-$240 for 2 nights.
Entrance Fees: Angkor Temple Pass for one day at $35 per person, totaling $140.
Transport: Daily tuk-tuk hire for temple visits at approximately $19-$24 per day, totaling $38-$48 for two days.
Food: Local meals, $3-$10 per person per day, totaling $24-$80 for two days.

map of Angkor Wat and surrounding places — *Our Angkor Map contains the most important Angkor temples and a description.*

Day 4: Tonle Sap Lake and Roluos

Transport to Tonle Sap: Estimated bus fare at $5-$10 per person, totaling $20-$40.
Boat Tour: Half-day boat tour at $25-$40 per person, totaling $100-$160.
Food: Local meals, $3-$10 per person, totaling $12-$40.

Day 5: Travel to Sihanoukville and Koh Rong

Flight Cost: Domestic flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, $50-$100 per person, totaling $200-$400.
Ferry to Koh Rong: Approximately $20 per person round trip, totaling $80.
Accommodation on Koh Rong: Mid-range hotel at $30-$60 per night for 2 rooms, totaling $120-$240.

Days 6-7: Relaxing on Koh Rong’s Beaches

Accommodation: Continuing stay on Koh Rong, $120-$240 for two nights.
Food & Activities: Meals and beach activities estimated at $20 per day per person, totaling $160 over two days.

sok san beach

Estimated Cost Per Person: For a group of four, the total estimated cost ranges between $1,290 - $2,725, translating to approximately $322 - $681 per person, depending on your choices for accommodation, meals, and activities.

Or, explore a stress-free experience and tailor-made tour options at our Cambodia tours to plan your journey!

cambodia prices estimate

4. Practical tips for managing your Cambodia travel budget

Set a Budget: Plan your budget based on your length of stay, preferred activities, and expected costs for accommodation, food, and transport.
Travel During Low Season: If possible, avoid peak tourist seasons to enjoy lower prices.
Eat Local: Opt for local restaurants over touristy spots to save on food.
Beware of Scams: Stay cautious and avoid offers that seem too good to be true.

Conclusion

Cambodia offers something for every traveler, whether you're looking for an affordable backpacking adventure or a luxurious retreat. With proper planning and budgeting, you can make the most of your trip without overspending. This captivating destination is waiting to be explored, and with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything Cambodia has to offer.

>>>>🏔️ Continue your Cambodian trip with us 🏔️: