Cambodia Travel Budget 2025
Plan your Cambodia trip budget with our comprehensive cost breakdown.
Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Daily Budget Overview
Average daily costs for travelers in Cambodia.
- Basic guesthouse or hostel
- Street food and local eateries
- Public transportation
- Free attractions
- 3-star hotel with amenities
- Mix of local and international restaurants
- Taxis and some tours
- Major attractions
- 4-5 star hotels
- Fine dining experiences
- Private transport and guides
- Premium experiences
Cost Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of typical travel expenses.
🏨 Accommodation
🍽️ Food
🚗 Transportation
🎫 Activities
Budget Planning Spreadsheet
Download our complete budget calculator with cost tracker and saving tips.
Sample Trip Budgets
What to expect at different budget levels for a 7-day trip.
Budget Trip (7 days)
- Hostels/basic guesthouses
- Street food and local eateries
- Public transport only
- Free attractions and walking tours
- Limited souvenirs
Mid-Range Trip (7 days)
- 3-star hotels with breakfast
- Mix of dining options
- Taxis and some tours
- Major paid attractions
- Some shopping and souvenirs
Luxury Trip (7 days)
- 4-5 star hotels
- Fine dining experiences
- Private drivers and guides
- Premium tours and access
- Shopping without limits
Money-Saving Tips
Stretch your budget further with these insider tips.
Buy a 3-day Angkor Pass ($62) rather than consecutive 1-day passes ($37 each) if visiting more than two days
Eat where Cambodians eat — rice and curry plates at local restaurants cost $2-4 vs $8-15 at tourist restaurants
Use Grab or PassApp apps for tuk-tuks and taxis to get fixed prices and avoid overcharging
Travel by Giant Ibis or Mekong Express buses between cities — comfortable and far cheaper than private taxis
Visit in low season (May-October) when accommodation prices drop 30-50% and crowds thin dramatically
Free & Cheap Activities
Experience Cambodia without spending a fortune.
Royal Palace Grounds
Walk the beautiful riverside gardens and riverfront promenade along Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh. The Tonlé Sap River view at sunset is spectacular.
Wat Phnom Temple
Phnom Penh's founding hilltop temple is free to approach and the surrounding park is popular with locals. Small entry fee to reach the hilltop.
Phnom Penh Riverfront
Stroll the Sisowath Quay riverside promenade at any hour — free public space with views of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap junction.
Siem Reap Old Market Browse
Explore the atmospheric covered Old Market (Psar Chas) with no obligation to buy — the sights, smells, and local color are free.
Pub Street Evening Stroll
Walk Siem Reap's famous neon-lit Pub Street and Night Market area in the evening — the atmosphere and people watching are free.
Bamboo Train Countryside Cycle
Rent a bicycle ($2-3/day) and cycle through Battambang's rice paddies and villages independently — no guide needed on flat rural roads.
Angkor Outer Temple Views
Some minor outer temples in the Angkor area can be viewed from outside the park boundary for free — viewable from the access road.
Mekong Islands at Kampong Cham
A short ferry ride ($0.50) reaches the Mekong River islands with free cycling paths, rural villages, and bamboo bridge crossing.
Kampot Riverside Evening
Kampot's riverfront is beautiful at sunset — free walking along the river promenade past French colonial buildings and fishing boats.
Buddhist Temple Morning Visit
Local pagodas across Cambodia welcome respectful visitors for free outside of major festivals. Morning prayers from 5-7AM are an authentic cultural experience.
Currency & Payment Tips
Essential information about money matters.
Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD)
US dollars are the de facto currency throughout Cambodia and are accepted everywhere. Riel is used for small change — $1 = approximately 4,100 Riel. Avoid changing money at airports.
ATMs
ATMs widely available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. ACLEDA Bank and Canadia Bank ATMs have the lowest fees. $5 fee common on foreign withdrawals.
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Small markets and street food are cash only. Carry small USD bills.
Tipping
Not mandatory but appreciated: $1-2 at restaurants, $1 for tuk-tuk drivers, $1-2/day for hotel staff. Angkor guides and spa therapists appreciate $3-5 tips.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Angkor Pass ($37-72) is the largest single expense — budget this in advance
- Island ferry transfers ($25-35 each way) add up for coastal travel
- Tourist visas on arrival cost $30 for 30 days — get an e-visa online beforehand at the same price to avoid queues
- Overstaying a visa incurs $10/day fine payable at the airport
- SIM card and data plan $5-15 for a month of decent data coverage
Plan Your Cambodia Budget
Get our complete budget guide with detailed cost breakdown, budget calculator, and 50+ money-saving tips.
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