Planning on traveling around Cambodia? Then come check the cost to travel Cambodia on a budget backpacker style. Let’s talk about the price of accommodation, transportation, food, and more before I let you know my EXACT Cambodia trip cost!
One thing I always do on my travels is keeping a budget as it allows me to make sure I don’t overspend. As a bonus it also allows me to write super informative posts where I can share the true cost for me to travel Cambodia, and create an exact Cambodia travel budget.
When you check out Cambodia online and its travel costs you will generally see it in the lower half of Southeast Asian countries. though I must say proceed with caution as it is super easy to overspend here. Also as they use US Dollars, if your home currency isn’t that strong, you may feel like you are actually spending quite a bit. Overall most websites seem to recommend somewhere from $20.00 to $50.00 per day. Though as this is a huge range it’ll entirely come down to what type of traveler you are. For me, this post is for the budget-conscious traveler, who will book accommodation on the cheaper side, but not the cheapest, and eat at restaurants over street food.
Surprisingly even in Asia traveling can be expensive. It’s easy to find yourself craving a taste of home and sitting down in a British-style pub. Perhaps you want to book a hotel room in Siem Reap with an infinity pool and air conditioning. Once you get a small taste of luxury it can be hard to go back to sitting on the curb with a meal or sharing a room with 12 other strangers.
Nevertheless, budget travel and backpacking is a great way to explore a country. You’ll meet some great people, taste delicious food and discover the beauty of varied landscapes.
So, enough chatter, let’s get into my Cambodia budget and how much does it cost to travel Cambodia!
Cambodia Budget and How Much Does It Cost To Travel Cambodia
- Accommodation Costs In Cambodia
- Food Prices In Cambodia
- Transportation Costs In Cambodia
- How Cheap Is Cambodia and My Daily Cost To Travel
- My Total Cambodia Trip Cost
- Budgeted VS Actual Cambodia Travel Budget
- Money Saving Tips To Decrease Your Cost To Travel Cambodia
How I Book Cheap Cambodia In Cambodia: 12.Go Asia
My partner, James joined me on this backpacking Cambodia trip. This allows us to split certain costs such as private rooms, taxis, hiring a motorbike, etc. Where this is true I will state that the cost is ‘shared’ or ‘split’. Now time to get on to find the cost to travel in Cambodia…
Accommodation Costs In Cambodia
Like any country accommodation costs can fluctuate quite a bit. Though I must say Cambodia has some of the best value-for-money hotels I have ever experienced. In places like Siem Reap it is quite easy to find a private room full of creature comforts from $20.00 per night. Though you can’t let the air conditioning get the better of you and forget you are actually on a budget. I may or may not have found myself in this position numerous times throughout my travels.
Personally, I like using Booking.com to book accommodation everywhere I travel. This is due to the fact that they offer free cancellation allowing me to change my plan relatively last minute. You will also find in Southeast Asia many of the places you will still need to pay at the property as they prefer cash and are not set up to accept credit cards online or in person.
Cost of Hostels In Cambodia
If you are truly on a budget you will no doubt be staying in hostels while traveling in Cambodia. These range from super modern pod style to your typical metal childhood bunk beds and everything in between. Though one of my favorite things about hostels in Cambodia is the social atmosphere and events they put on. It is also great value for money as most hostels will have air conditioning and a pool as well!
I have stayed in a handful of hostels in Cambodia, and often times when I haven’t, I have wished I had. Even though you can split a private room for about the same price as a hostel, you will be forgoing a lot of comforts such as air conditioning, which in my opinion is much needed here.
Cost of Guesthouses In Cambodia
I have stayed in plenty of guesthouses in Cambodia, honestly probably too many to count over my numerous trips there. In my opinion, they are the perfect mid-budget option, a little bit nicer than a hostel since you have privacy, but you aren’t paying the price tag of a hotel. Just be aware that even though you will get your own private room, this is to more local standards than Western standards.
For example, the bed may be hard, your shower might be located straight over the toilet, and don’t expect an onsite restaurant. Typically they are in a large house and run by the family who owns it. You will get a private bathroom and a clean room. Though the furniture might be a bit dated.
I find guesthouses the perfect option if traveling as part of a couple. Generally, prices are around the same as booking 2 dorm beds but be aware the cheaper ones won’t have air conditioning, so always make sure to double check when booking.
Cost of Hotels In Cambodia
I honestly may be the wrong person to talk about hotels in Cambodia. I have stayed in a couple, though this has only happened when I have been sick and were needing some creature comforts, or don’t have cash and only have access to a credit card for payment.
I will say though, if you enjoy a bit of luxury, though cannot often afford it in Western countries. Then you will absolutely love hotels in Cambodia. You can find plenty of affordable hotels here starting from $30.00 per night. Brand name hotels will be a bit pricier, though it is much cheaper than you can find elsewhere in the world. The service is often second to none and you will be living in uttermost luxury.
Food Prices in Cambodia
Now Cambodia may not be as well known as its neighboring countries Thailand and Vietnam in terms of being a foodie destination. Though you can still find some delicious dishes and restaurants.
Luckily you will find both street food and meals in restaurants are both pretty damn affordable. I would rarely spend more than $5.00 on a meal out with a drink. You will find street food more affordable than that again, though in all honesty personally, I didn’t fall in love with any street food in Cambodia. But I will say I am a pretty fussy vegetarian so that is normal for me.
If I am being honest, when I travel in Cambodia, and Southeast Asia generally, I never buy my own food to cook. This is because eating out is so affordable. You will also find the same thing happening with local people who will often head to one of the many street food vendors for a meal.
Streetfood in Cambodia
Now I am not going to lie I honestly haven’t eaten that much street food in Cambodia. Though I have eaten food from street food vendors in the touristy spots in Siem Reap, but not in the likes of a more local experience. From my experience, the street food scene here isn’t as common as you would find in the neighboring countries of Vietnam and Thailand.
On our Stray tour, we did stop off on the side of the road to try bbq’d rats and frogs. Though times like these I am lucky I am a vegetarian so I have an excuse to politely decline.
Restaurants in Cambodia
Now for the most part we mainly eat at restaurants during our travels in Cambodia. Whether you are wanting an amok curry or a wood-fired pizza. You will be able to find both options in the main tourist hubs without having to look far.
There is plenty of places that cater to vegetarians and vegans, so it was so easy for me to find a delicious spot to eat. Tofu is a common ingredient in many places around the country for vegetarians. The prices here are insanely affordable and there is always a variety of choices available. I was always able to eat at a restaurant for whatever I was craving and even splurged on fancier options a couple of times.
One thing I also enjoyed about Siem Reap is that many restaurants are commonly social enterprises where they support local villages and communities, provide learning opportunities, and train local workers.
Transportation Costs in Cambodia
No doubt there are some amazing places in Cambodia and you will be needing some sort of transport to get around. Though luckily because this is such a popular country to travel, there are numerous ways you can choose to travel around. Whether you are needing a shuttle bus, train, bus, boat, or perhaps even a flight. As long as you stick to the typical tourist route I promise you will have no issues figuring out how to get from A to point B.
One thing that Cambodia doesn’t have, that you will often find in Vietnam or Thailand is overnight journeys. Most popular routes around the country max out at around 6 or 8 hours so doing an overnight trip isn’t popular here. Your longer days will be getting down to the islands. Definitely check out 12.Go Asia to book your transport for easy and comfortable options with reviews so you can know what to expect.
Trains in Cambodia
Now trains are definitely not as popular of a transportation method as in other countries. The main reason for this is the lack of usable railway lines in the country. Up until 2009, there was actually only one train service in the entire country, running from Battambang to Phnom Penh. Though this was stopped in 2009 when it was no longer viable. Thankfully due to increased tourism and demand for trains Toll Royal Railway was given a 30-year contract to repair and operate the railway lines in the country.
Nowadays you can travel by train from Phnom Penh to Battambang, Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, and Phnom Penh to Kampot. As you can see this does cover a lot of the country. Though because it was unavailable for such a long period of time it is still not a popular method of travel.
Buses In Cambodia
Taking a bus is no doubt the most popular way to travel around Cambodia and as the country is relatively flat with plenty of highways the journeys are rather straightforward and uneventful. This is also one of the cheapest ways to travel so it will definitely help your Cambodia travel budget.
I for sure have taken my fair share of buses in Cambodia, and thankfully all have been a positive experience. Though I would recommend checking out reviews before booking, especially on those longer journeys. I always book with the Giant ibis where possible when traveling Cambodia as I know they are a reliable company that will provide a safe and comfortable service. You can book them through 12.Go Asia.
Shuttle Buses In Cambodia
Now, this is another form of transport I have taken in Cambodia. Though in my opinion, my experiences were for sure mixed. Sometimes, we had a decent van and decent driver, and other times we were squished into the back of a random local van. Though those latter experiences were booked through travel agents, not by booking online with reputable companies.
Once again I would recommend checking out reviews before booking, so you know exactly what to expect. You can also find some nice limo buses operating in the country with lazy boy-style seats, now that is traveling in luxury. You can book shuttle bus tickets in Cambodia online at 12.Go Asia.
Flying in Cambodia
I actually may not be overly qualified to talk about this simply because I have actually never taken a domestic flight in Cambodia. The country has pretty good ground transport which is a lot more affordable. As a result, this doesn’t make flying an appealing option to me.
Though you will find airports in all major cities around the country. This would be a good option for longer distances like Siem Reap to Sihanoukville.
Boats In Cambodia
Now you will need to take some sort of boat if you are planning to check out the incredible islands, which I highly recommend you do. They have some of the best beaches I have ever experienced, anywhere.
Luckily once you are in Sihanoukville it is super easy to catch a boat to either Koh Rong or Kong Rong Samloem from the ferry terminal. Prices will differ depending on what type of service you book but you can expect to pay around $20.00 for a one-way journey. Once you are also on your desired island it is easy to catch the local boat to the neighboring island for $5.00.
I have had both a chill relaxing experience on the boat and others that have been blasting loud dubstep. It’s completely a mystery until you are onboard as to what to expect so just come with an open mind.
How Cheap Is Cambodia and My Daily Cost To Travel
Below you will find what exactly I spent my money on while in Cambodia, day by day, city by city.
Cambodia Travel Budget In Phnom Penh
Day One: Phnom Penh
I took the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh with The Giant Ibis which cost $18.00.
My visa on arrival at the border cost $35.00.
As we have been traveling all day it is time for an early dinner at an Indian restaurant which costs $7.25
I split a super cheap private room in a guesthouse which worked out to $3.50 each.
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $63.75
Day Two: Phnom Penh
It is a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast and a tea that costs $3.50
We took a tuk-tuk tour of the Killing Fields and S21 Prison which works out to $7.00 each
The entry fee to the Killing Fields is $6.00 which includes the audio guide.
The entry at S21 Prison is $3.00 and we decide not to do the audio guide here.
I grab a quick lunch and a cold drink after the tour for $4.00
We split a wood-fired pizza and a couple of drinks that cost $4.50
I grab a big bottle of water on the way back to our accommodation for $0.75
I split a super cheap private room in a guesthouse which worked out to $3.50 each.
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $32.25
Cambodia Trip Cost In Sihanoukville
Day Three: Phnom Penh To Sihanoukville
Its another quick scrambled egg breakfast for $3.50
We then take a minivan from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for $9.00
Lunch is had on the road at a small toilet stop for $2.60
We buy some bread and water for cheap snacks that cost $1.25
Next, we split a tuk-tuk from the minivan stop to Otres Beach. This costs $2.50 each.
We finish the day with some delicious pizza and cake that comes to $3.50 each.
Tonight we are staying at a small guesthouse in Otres Beach in a private fan room for $4.00 each.
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $26.35
Day Four: Sihanoukville
I have breakfast at a small locally run cafe for $3.25
Then I have a stir fry tofu lunch for $3.15
We decide to split the cost of a snorkel and also buy a drink for $6.25
Dinner is the delicious stir-fry tofu and a drink for $3.50
Tonight we are staying at a small guesthouse in Otres Beach in a private fan room for $4.00 each.
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $20.15
Day Five: Sihanoukville
I have a cheap pancake for breakfast that costs $2.50
Lunch is at another locally run restaurant and costs $3.25
I buy a bottle of water to keep hydrated, peanut butter, and a coke for $3.00
For dinner, we split the cost of a pizza which works out to $2.00 each
Tonight we are staying at a small guesthouse in Otres Beach in a private fan room for $4.00 each.
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $14.75
Cambodia Trip Cost In Koh Rong
Day Six: Sihanoukville To Koh Rong
We grab a quick breakfast and some snacks for on the island which costs $7.00
Our ferry ticket includes the transfer to the port and it costs $10.00
At Koh Rong, we grab lunch for $5.00
I also buy a delicious fruit salad and bottle of water from a beach vendor for $2.00
We then need to get to another beach where our accommodation is. This ends up costing $3.00 each after splitting it with another couple.
Dinner is at the hostel as there is nothing else around and costs $4.50
We stay in a basic bamboo bungalow with no power for $10.00 each per night.
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $41.50
Day Six: Koh Rong
After having bread and peanut butter for breakfast we grab lunch at the hostel for $4.00
In the evening we grab dinner at the hostel and a bottle of water for $5.00
We stay in a basic bamboo bungalow with no power for $10.00 each per night.
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $19.00
Day Seven: Koh Rong
We have a quick breakfast for $4.00 before deciding to trek back across the island to the main village.
Lunch is had back at the main village and costs $5.00
In the evening we grab dinner and a little late-night crepe for $5.00
We also purchase some snacks and water for $2.00
Tonight we are staying in a basic private room at a locally run guesthouse for $7.00 each
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $23.00
Cambodia Travel Budget In Koh Rong Samloem
Day Eight: Koh Rong To Koh Rong Samloem
We have some snacks for breakfast before buying a boat ticket across to Koh Rong Samloem for $5.00 per person
We also split the cost of some mosquito repellent to keep the bugs away for $2.00 each
Lunch is had once we arrive in Koh Rong Samloem for $7.00 before trekking across the island to our accommodation
We have dinner at the hostel next door to our accommodation as it is slightly cheaper at $4.50
We stay in a glamping tent at Sleeping Trees on Sunset Beach for $14.50 per person
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $33.00
Day Nine: Koh Rong Samloem
We have breakfast next door at the hostel for $3.50 per person
Next, we decide to split the cost of a mask and snorkel hire so we can go snorkeling together. This comes to $2.00 each
Lunch is had again at the hostel with a tofu stir fry and drink that costs $6.50
Unfortunately, the hostel is having a bbq night with no veggie options so we have dinner at the hotel which costs $8.00, and also buy a bottle of water for $0.50.
We stay in a glamping tent at Sleeping Trees on Sunset Beach for $14.50 per person
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $35.00
Cambodia Travel Budget In Phnom Penh
Day Ten: Koh Rong Samloem To Phnom Penh
Before heading back to the mainland we have a big breakfast for $4.25
After that, I catch a ferry from Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville $10.00
It is a short wait before boarding our minibus to Phnom Penh $10.00
We split a basic private room with a fan for $5.00 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $29.25
Cambodia Trip Cost In Battambang
Day Eleven: Phnom Penh To Battambang
I have a quick breakfast for $4.50 before getting on the minivan to Battambang for $9.00
The van stops at a random roadside restaurant for lunch which costs $1.75, we also buy some snacks here for $1.50
Once in Battambang, we grab a simple dinner for $4.75
We split a fan private room for $2.50 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $24.00
Day Twelve: Battambang
We decide to walk to a nice cafe across town and grab breakfast for $4.50
After that, we continue walking to the bamboo train and purchase a ride for $5.00 per person
We purchase a drink and bracelet from sellers at the other end of the bamboo train for $2.50
Because it is now way too hot to walk back to the hotel we split the cost of a tuk-tuk for $2.00 each
We grab dinner, but we end up spending $4.50 for a pretty bad meal, so grab a second dinner for $2.75
We split a fan private room for $2.50 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $19.25
Cambodia Trip Cost In Siem Reap
Day Thirteen: Battambang To Siem Reap
We have a quick breakfast before today’s journey for $3.75
Our minivan from Battambang to Siem Reap costs $7.00 each
Once arriving in the city I have dinner at a burger spot for $7.00
We stay at a local guesthouse a quick 5-minute walk out of the city center in a private fan room for $4.00 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $21.75
Day Fourteen: Siem Reap
A delicious breakfast at a local cafe costs $5.50
We stop in at the supermarket and grab some snacks for $3.00
Dinner is had in town at a small local restaurant for $4.50
We also check out the markets and end up buying fried ice cream for $1.25 and a fish massage for $0.50
We stay at a local guesthouse a quick 5-minute walk out of the city center in a private fan room for $4.00 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $18.75
Day Fifteen: Siem Reap
It back to the same delicious cafe for breakfast which costs $6.00
Lunch is at a little cafe with butterflies for $4.50
We have a simple dinner and my portion costs $2.50
Before going to bed we grab some snacks from the supermarket for $6.00 each
We stay at a local guesthouse a quick 5-minute walk out of the city center in a private fan room for $4.00 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $23.00
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Day Sixteen: Siem Reap
It’s back for another delicious breakfast at the same cafe costing $5.00
I also buy a bottle of water for $2.00
Since today is too hot we find a pool bar and grab some drinks spending $5.00 each
We take a tuk-tuk tour of one of the temples in Angkor Archeogical Park by sunset costing $5.00 each and also purchase the tickets to Angkor for $37.00
After sunset, we grab dinner back in town for $3.00 each
We stay at a local guesthouse a quick 5-minute walk out of the city center in a private fan room for $4.00 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $61.00
Day Seventeen: Siem Reap
It’s straight for the sunrise tour of Angkor Wat which costs an additional $1.50 each to the tuk-tuk tour of the Angkor Wat Small Circuit costing $7.50 each
After sunrise, we grab breakfast at a cafe near Angkor Wat which costs $2.50
We grab some more snacks and a couple of bottles of water throughout the day for $2.00 each
After the tour, we grab lunch back in town for $7.00
After a late lunch, we have a basic dinner of a streetside crepe for $1.00
We stay at a local guesthouse a quick 5-minute walk out of the city center. Though the heat has become too much so we upgrade to an air-con room for $6.00 each per night
Daily Cost In Cambodia: $27.50
My Total Cambodia Trip Cost
| Cost To Travel Thailand | USD |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $107.00 |
| Food | $220.00 |
| Bus Ho Chi Minh City To Phnom Penh | $18.00 |
| Visa On Arrival | $35.00 |
| Tuk Tuk Tour In Phnom Penh | $7.00 |
| Entry To The Killing Fields & Audio Guide | $6.00 |
| S21 Prison Entry Fee | $3.00 |
| Mini Van From Phnom Penh To Sihanoukville | $9.00 |
| Shared Tuk Tuk To Otres Beach | $2.50 |
| Purchase Snorkel and Head Phones | $8.00 |
| Ferry From Sihanoukville To Koh Rong | $10.00 |
| Shared Boat From Koh Rong To Hostel | $3.00 |
| Ferry From Koh Rong To Koh Rong Samloem | $5.00 |
| Purchase Insect Repellent | $2.00 |
| Hire A Snorkel On Koh Rong Samloem | $2.00 |
| Ferry Koh Rong Samloem To Sihnoukville | $10.00 |
| Minivan From Sihanoukville To Phnom Penh | $10.00 |
| Minivan From Phnom Penh To Battambang | $9.00 |
| Ride On The Bamboo Train | $5.00 |
| Split Tuk Tuk From Bamboo Train To Hotel | $2.00 |
| Purchase A Braclet | $0.50 |
| Mini Van Battambang To Siem Reap | $7.00 |
| Angkor Wat Entry | $37.00 |
| Tuk Tuk Tours Around Angkor Wat | $14.00 |
| Total Costs | $532.00 |
| Cost Per Day | $29.56 |
Budgeted VS Actual Cambodia Travel Budget
| Budgeted | Actual | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Spend | $540.00 | $532.00 | $8.00 |
| Cost per day | $30.00 | $29.56 | -$0.44 |
Surprisingly my budget was actually pretty decent for Cambodia. Originally I budgeted I would spend $30.00 per day and I ended up pretty close at $29.56 per day. Though in saying this, I could have easily overspent. This Cambodia travel budget is honestly the bare minimum I would recommend traveling with.
I know it may seem like we pigged out with plenty of restaurant meals, though this was mainly at locally run places that were quite affordable. Also if I were to travel it again I would splurge and book rooms with air conditioning as we quite struggled with only having a fan. It only costs a couple of dollars more to wake up fresh and not covered in sweat.
No doubt there were two big experiences in Cambodia which were the visa on arrival, and the entry fee for Angkor Archeological Park. Well, the visa on arrival is kind of unavoidable, and the same with Angkor Archeological Park as it is one of the best things to do here.
I was surprised by the relatively affordable cost of minivans and transport in the country. It felt pretty affordable compared to neighboring Thailand where you can spend up to $30.00 on just one ferry trip.
Though, all in all, my cost per day of $29.56 was pretty damn good and I had a fantastic time exploring Cambodia.
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How I Book Cheap Transport In Cambodia: 12.Go Asia
Money Saving Tips To Decrease Your Cost To Travel Cambodia
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- Book hostels and hotels with free breakfast.
- Check out whether your accommodation also includes free water.
- Share transport with other people, waiting ten minutes to see if anyone else is going to the airport/bus station could save you money.
- Haggle with tuk tuk prices when traveling between locations to ensure you get a decent price
- Put on those walking shoes and venture out early to beat the heat!
- Bring snacks to the island to save some money on eating out!
How I Book Cheap Transport In Cambodia: 12.Go Asia
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