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

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

1.1 Understanding Daily Expenses

How you travel in Cambodia will determine how much you spend each day. Costs can increase if you plan excursions like Angkor Wat, eat at tourist eateries, or stay in upscale hotels. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have vibrant nightlife that may get overwhelming.

Stick to local restaurants and street cuisine if you want to save money.

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 provide a more cost-effective experience without compromising cultural significance. You can save money by avoiding popular tourist destinations, even in larger cities.

1.3 Choosing the Timing of Your Trip

November through March are the ideal months to visit Cambodia because of the cold, dry weather that is ideal for exploration. Price increases are to be expected because this is also peak season. Because of the Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), late March to mid-April will be very crowded in 2025.

Although it's also Cambodia's rainy season, visiting between June and October offers more affordable lodging and greener surroundings. Certain activities, like boat excursions of Tonle Sap, could not be available or be restricted.

 ☀️ Did you know Khmer New Year is right around the corner?☀️ 

2. Essential rates and costs for a trip to Cambodia

2.1 Plane Tickets

From the US, Europe, Australia, and Africa, there are no direct flights to Cambodia. A Southeast or East Asian city, such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, or Ho Chi Minh City, will be your point of contact. Direct flights to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are available from these hubs.

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 $500; typical round-trip fares range from $938 to $1,241.
• From the U.K.: Starting around £710 for the round-trip, prices vary with season and airline.
• From Australia: AUD 500 to AUD 1,500, depending on city and time of year.
• From Canada: CAD 700 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: $200–$1,000 per night. Top picks are Rosewood Phnom Penh and Raffles Le Royal. 
• Mid-Range Hotels: $30–$100 per night in central areas.
• Guesthouses: $10–$30 per night, often family-run with a local vibe.

>>>> Explore: Hotels in Siem Reap

2.3 Getting Around

• Tuk-tuks: $1–$2 for short city rides, $3–$6 for longer ones, $12–$20 for a full day (e.g., Angkor Wat)
• Moto-taxis: $2–$4 for quick, cheap city trips
• Buses: $4–$15 for intercity routes
• Private cars: $20–$100 depending on distance and vehicle type

2.4 Food & Drink

• Local meals: $3–$10 at casual spots
• Mid-range restaurants: $5–$15 per person
• Fine dining: $35–$200 in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
• Street food: $1–$4 for noodles, skewers, and snacks
• Water: Bottled water costs $0.50–$2 (tap water is not safe to drink)

 📸 >> Explore: Top 10 restaurants in Phnom Penh 🍜

2.5 Fun Activities & Sightseeing

• Angkor Temples: $35 (1 day), $60 (3 days), $70 (7 days)
• Tonle Sap Lake: $25–$40 for a boat tour, ~$20 for floating village tours (Read more: Visit Tonlé Sap Lake)
• Phnom Penh City Tours: $20–$30 for guided tours
• Tuol Sleng & Killing Fields: ~$10 entry each

3. Budget Forecasts for Different Travelers

Your Cambodia travel cost will vary based on travel style:

• Budget Travelers: $30–$50/day ($210–$350/week, $900–$1,500 for 3 weeks)
• Mid-Range Travelers: $50–$100/day ($350–$700/week, $1,500–$2,100 for 3 weeks)
• Luxury Travelers: $200+/day ($1,000+/week, $3,000+ for 3 weeks)

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

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

• Accommodation: $120–$240 (2 rooms, 1 night)
• Airport Tuk-Tuk: $4–$7
• Food: $12–$40 (local meals for 4 people)

Total Estimated Cost: $136–$287

Days 2-3: Angkor Wat and Surrounding Temples

• Accommodation: $120–$240 (2 nights)
• Angkor Pass: $140 total ($35 per person)
• Tuk-Tuk Transport: $38–$48 (2 days)
• Food: $24–$80 (local meals for 2 days)

Total Estimated Cost: $322–$508 for two people

Day 4: Tonle Sap Lake and Roluos

• Transport: $20–$40 (bus fare)
• Boat Tour: $100–$160
• Food: $12–$40

Total Estimated Cost: $132–$240

Day 5: Travel to Sihanoukville and Koh Rong

• Flight (Siem Reap to Sihanoukville): $200–$400
• Ferry (round trip): $80
• Accommodation (2 rooms, 1 night): $120–$240

Total Estimated Cost: $400–$720

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

Koh Rong 2-Day Stay – Estimated Costs (for 4 people):

• Accommodation: $120–$240 (2 nights, 2 rooms)
• Food & Activities: $160 (4 people, 2 days at $20/day each)

Total Estimated Cost: $280–$400

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!

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 🏔️:

• The 10 Stunning Waterfalls You Should Not Miss in Laos
• Top 7 Things to Know About Cambodia’s Water Festival
• Cambodian Cuisine: Top 15 Unmissable Dishes!!!
• What to Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia? 
• Family Holiday in Cambodia
• Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Cambodia: From Jungles to Islands