Best Cambodia Travel Cost 2025: Budget $30-100 Daily (Complete Breakdown)

Wondering about Cambodia travel cost before booking your Southeast Asian adventure? You’re asking the right question. Understanding exactly how much Cambodia costs helps you plan the perfect trip without budget surprises or unnecessary overspending.

The best news? Cambodia ranks among the world’s most affordable travel destinations. Whether you’re a backpacker surviving on $30 daily or preferring mid-range comfort at $75, Cambodia delivers incredible experiences without destroying your savings account.

After extensively researching prices, interviewing travelers, and analyzing hundreds of trip budgets, I’ve created this comprehensive Cambodia travel cost breakdown. By the end, you’ll know precisely how much to budget for flights, accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and those unexpected extras that catch travelers off-guard.

Let’s dive into the real numbers so you can plan your Cambodia adventure confidently.

Why Cambodia is Ridiculously Affordable

Cambodia’s affordability surprises first-time visitors who expect typical tourist prices.

What makes the cambodia travel cost so low?

Currency advantage: The US dollar serves as unofficial second currency alongside Cambodian Riel. Strong dollar value means Western travelers’ money stretches incredibly far. One dollar buys what costs $3-4 in Western countries.

Low cost of living: Cambodia remains a developing nation where local prices haven’t inflated to match tourist demand yet. Street food costs $1-2. Nice restaurants charge $5-8. Comfortable hotels run $25-35 nightly.

Competition benefits tourists: Hundreds of guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators compete fiercely for business. This competition keeps prices reasonable and quality high.

Less developed than neighbors: Unlike Thailand’s tourist machine, Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure is still emerging. You get authentic experiences at authentic prices before mass tourism drives costs up.

Government tourism push: Cambodia actively promotes affordable tourism to compete with neighbors. Reasonable entrance fees, accessible transportation, and tourist-friendly policies keep overall Cambodia travel cost manageable.

The result? Your daily budget in Cambodia covers what barely pays for one meal in Paris, London, or New York.

Daily Cambodia Travel Cost by Budget Level

Understanding daily Cambodia travel cost helps you plan realistically.

Budget Backpacker: $30-45 Per Day

Who this suits:

• Solo travelers
• Young adventurers (18-30)
• Those prioritizing experiences over comfort
• Extended travelers watching every dollar
• Social hostel atmosphere lovers

Daily breakdown:

Accommodation: $6-10/night

• Hostel dorm beds
• Fan rooms in basic guesthouses
• Shared bathrooms
• Free WiFi included
• Social common areas

Food: $8-15/day

• Street food all meals
• Local markets for snacks
• Occasional cheap restaurant
• No Western food
• Local beer instead of imports

Transportation: $3-7/day

• Local buses between cities
• Tuk-tuks for short trips
• Walking extensively
• Shared transportation
• No private vehicles

Activities: $5-15/day

• Mix of free and budget activities
• Angkor passes (amortized)
• Some paid tours
• Mostly self-guided exploration
• Temple hopping

Total: $30-45 daily excluding international flights

Reality check: This budget works but requires discipline. Constant street food, basic lodging, and careful spending. Possible for weeks or months but challenging to maintain enjoyment long-term.

Mid-Range Comfort: $60-90 Per Day

Who this suits:

• Couples and families
• Travelers 30-50 seeking balance
• Those wanting comfort without luxury
• Two-week vacation visitors
• People valuing good sleep and amenities

Daily breakdown:

Accommodation: $25-40/night

• Private rooms in 3-star hotels
• Air conditioning always
• Hot showers guaranteed
• Swimming pools often
• Breakfast usually included
• Central locations

Food: $18-30/day

• Mix of street food and restaurants
• Sit-down meals twice daily
• Western breakfast options
• Occasional splurge dining
• Local and imported drinks
• Coffee shop visits

Transportation: $10-18/day

• Private tuk-tuks and taxis
• Some domestic flights
• Comfortable buses
• Grab app rides
• Air-conditioned vehicles

Activities: $15-30/day

• All major attractions
• Professional guided tours
• Cooking classes
• Boat trips
• Premium temple experiences
• Photography tours

Total: $60-90 daily excluding flights

Sweet spot verdict: This range offers excellent value. Comfortable sleeping, varied dining, convenient transportation, and memorable activities without guilt. Most travelers find this Cambodia travel cost level perfect.

Luxury Experience: $150-300+ Per Day

Who this suits:

• Honeymooners
• Luxury travelers
• Special occasion visitors
• Time-limited professionals
• Those prioritizing comfort absolutely
• People seeking exclusive experiences

Daily breakdown:

Accommodation: $80-200/night

• 5-star resorts and hotels
• Boutique luxury properties
• Butler service
• Spa facilities
• Gourmet restaurants on-site
• Premium locations

Food: $40-80/day

• Fine dining experiences
• Hotel restaurants
• Wine with meals
• Western cuisine when desired
• Premium cocktails
• Room service

Transportation: $30-60/day

• Private drivers full-time
• Domestic flights between destinations
• Premium vehicles
• No waiting or inconvenience
• Helicopter tours available

Activities: $40-100/day

• VIP temple access
• Private guides with expertise
• Exclusive experiences
• Premium spa treatments
• Helicopter tours
• Private boat cruises
• Custom adventures

Total: $150-300+ daily excluding flights

Luxury perspective: Even at luxury level, Cambodia travel cost remains fraction of equivalent Western luxury. $200 daily in Cambodia equals $500-800 daily elsewhere.

Breaking Down Specific Cambodia Travel Costs

Let’s examine each expense category affecting overall Cambodia travel cost.

International Flights to Cambodia

Your biggest single expense before arrival.

From United States:

West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle):

• Economy: $500-850 round-trip
• Premium economy: $1,200-1,800
• Business class: $2,500-4,000
• Flight time: 16-20 hours (with connections)

East Coast (NYC, Boston, DC):

• Economy: $700-1,200 round-trip
• Premium economy: $1,500-2,200
• Business class: $3,000-5,500
• Flight time: 20-26 hours (with connections)

Money-saving flight strategies:

Book 8-12 weeks ahead for best economy prices. Last-minute bookings cost 40-60% more.

Fly midweek (Tuesday-Thursday). Weekend flights add $150-300 to Cambodia travel cost.

Use flight comparison tools religiously. Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak show price trends.

Consider positioning flights. Sometimes flying to Bangkok then budget airline to Cambodia saves $200-400.

Be flexible with dates. Shifting by 3-4 days often saves $150-250.

Check airline mistake fares. Occasionally airlines price errors create $400-600 deals. Act fast when spotted.

Budget estimate: $600-1,000 economy from US

Accommodation Costs in Cambodia

Where you sleep significantly impacts total Cambodia travel cost.

Budget Options: $5-15/night

Hostel dormitories: $5-8/night

• 6-12 bed dorms
• Lockers for valuables
• Shared bathrooms
• Common areas
• Kitchen access often
• Social atmosphere

Private rooms in hostels: $12-18/night

• Basic private space
• Shared bathroom usually
• Fan or basic AC
• Good for budget couples

Basic guesthouses: $8-15/night

• Simple private rooms
• Fan cooling
• Shared or private bathroom
• Local family-run often
• Authentic experience

Best budget areas:

• Siem Reap: Near Old Market, Wat Bo area
• Phnom Penh: Riverside, BKK1 neighborhood
• Islands: Beach bungalows

Mid-Range Options: $20-50/night

3-star hotels: $25-40/night

• Clean, comfortable rooms
• Air conditioning
• Private bathrooms with hot water
• WiFi included
• Often breakfast included
• Swimming pool frequently
• Central locations

What you actually get: These prices secure what equals 4-star Western standards. Spacious rooms, modern amenities, helpful staff, great locations.

Boutique guesthouses: $30-50/night

• Unique character
• Personal service
• Stylish design
• Sometimes breakfast included
• Smaller, intimate atmosphere

Best mid-range areas:

• Siem Reap: Near Pub Street, Old Market
• Phnom Penh: Riverside, Russian Market area
• Battambang: Riverside properties
• Islands: Beach resorts

Luxury Options: $60-200+/night

4-star hotels: $60-100/night

• International standards
• Multiple restaurants
• Spa facilities
• Concierge service
• Business facilities

5-star resorts: $100-250/night

• Ultimate comfort
• Multiple pools
• Premium dining
• Full spa
• Butler service sometimes
• Exclusive locations

Ultra-luxury: $250-500+/night

• Former royal properties
• Amansara level
• Complete exclusivity
• Personalized everything

Booking strategies reducing Cambodia travel cost:

Book directly with hotels for best rates (avoid commission fees).

Walk-in rates often beat online prices except high season.

Longer stays negotiate discounts (5+ nights = 10-20% off).

Low season discounts reach 40-50% (May-October).

Food and Dining Costs

Eating in Cambodia ranges from incredibly cheap to reasonably priced even at high end.

Street Food: $1-3 per meal

What you get:

Breakfast options:

• Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles): $1-1.50
• Bai sach chrouk (pork with rice): $1.50-2
• Fresh baguettes with pate: $0.75-1
• Fried noodles: $1.50-2.50

Lunch/Dinner options:

• Amok (coconut curry): $2-3
• Lok lak (stir-fried beef): $2.50-3.50
• Fried rice or noodles: $1.50-2.50
• Fresh spring rolls: $1-2
• Grilled meats on sticks: $0.50-1 each

Drinks:

• Iced coffee: $0.75-1.25
• Fresh fruit shakes: $1-1.50
• Local beer (Angkor, Cambodia): $0.50-1
• Bottled water: $0.25-0.50

Daily street food budget: $5-10 covers three filling meals plus snacks

Safety reality: Street food is generally very safe. Choose busy stalls with high turnover. Locals eating there signals quality. Avoid food sitting out for hours.

Local Restaurants: $3-8 per meal

Sit-down Khmer restaurants:

• Main dishes: $3-5
• Appetizers: $2-3
• Beer: $1-2
• Full meal: $5-8

These offer:

• Comfortable seating
• Menus with pictures
• English-speaking staff
• Clean bathrooms
• Still authentic food

Western Food: $6-15 per meal

Tourist restaurants:

• Pasta dishes: $5-8
• Burgers: $5-7
• Pizza: $6-10
• Western breakfast: $4-6

Why it costs more: Imported ingredients, tourist expectations, prime locations. Quality varies significantly.

Budget tip: Eat Western food strategically. One comfort meal weekly rather than defaulting to it. Embrace Khmer cuisine – it’s delicious and slashes Cambodia travel cost.

Fine Dining: $15-30+ per meal

Upscale restaurants:

• Appetizers: $5-8
• Main courses: $10-18
• Desserts: $4-6
• Wine by glass: $5-8
• Full meal with drinks: $25-40

What justifies cost: Chef-driven cuisine, beautiful settings, premium ingredients, excellent service. Still cheap compared to Western equivalents.

Alcohol Costs:

Local beer: $0.50-1 (street vendors), $1-2 (restaurants), $2-4 (bars) Imported beer: $2-4 (restaurants), $3-5 (bars) Cocktails: $3-6 (local bars), $6-10 (upscale) Wine: $15-30 bottle (restaurants)

Transportation Costs

Moving around affects daily Cambodia travel cost significantly.

Within Cities: $2-10 daily

Tuk-tuks (most common):

• Short trips (1-2km): $1-2
• Medium trips (3-5km): $2-3
• Longer trips: $3-5
• Full day hire: $15-25

Negotiation essential: Always agree price before departure. Starting offers are 2-3x fair price. Politely negotiate down. Walking away often gets best rate.

Grab app (like Uber): Available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

• Short rides: $1.50-3
• Medium rides: $3-5
• Transparent pricing
• No negotiation needed
• Safer late night

Motorbike taxis (xe om): Cheapest option

• Short trips: $0.75-1.50
• Medium trips: $1.50-2.50
• Only for solo travelers
• Less safe than tuk-tuks

Walking: Free and often best option in compact areas like Siem Reap Old Market, Phnom Penh Riverside.

Bicycle rentals: $2-4 daily

• Great for Siem Reap temple touring
• Flat terrain makes it easy
• Provides freedom and exercise

Motorbike rentals: $5-8 daily

• Requires international driving permit
• Insurance often not available
• Traffic can be chaotic
• Only for experienced riders

Between Cities: $5-60 per journey

Buses (most popular):

Budget buses: $5-12 for most routes

• Basic seats
• Air conditioning (usually)
• 4-8 hours typical

Premium buses (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express): $8-15

• Comfortable seats
• Strong AC
• English-speaking staff
• WiFi sometimes
• Bathrooms onboard

Sleeper buses: $12-20

• Overnight routes
• Reclining seats or flat beds
• Saves accommodation cost
• Arrives early morning

Common routes:

• Siem Reap ↔ Phnom Penh: 6 hours, $8-12
• Phnom Penh ↔ Sihanoukville: 4-5 hours, $6-10
• Siem Reap ↔ Battambang: 3-4 hours, $6-8

Trains: Limited but available

• Phnom Penh ↔ Sihanoukville: 7 hours, $7
• Basic but scenic
• Slow but comfortable

Boats:

• Siem Reap ↔ Battambang: 6-8 hours, $20-25 (dry season only)
• Sihanoukville ↔ Islands: 45 minutes, $18-25 return
• Scenic but sometimes uncomfortable

Domestic flights:

• Siem Reap ↔ Sihanoukville: $50-100
• Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap: $50-90
• Saves time on long routes
• Book ahead for best prices

Private taxis:

• Full day with driver: $40-80
• Great for groups of 3-4
• Flexibility and comfort
• Door-to-door service

Activities and Attraction Costs

Experiences and entertainment impact Cambodia travel cost but deliver value.

Angkor Archaeological Park (Essential):

Entrance passes:

• 1-day pass: $37
• 3-day pass: $62 (valid one week)
• 7-day pass: $72 (valid one month)

Guides:

• Group tours: $25-35 per person
• Private guides: $25-40 per day
• Audio guides: $10

Transportation around temples:

• Tuk-tuk: $15-20/day
• Car with driver: $35-50/day
• Bicycle: $2-4/day (adventurous!)

Total Angkor cost: $50-100 depending on choices

Other Popular Activities:

Cooking classes: $25-35 (Siem Reap, Battambang)

• Market visit included
• Learn 3-4 dishes
• Eat your creations
• Recipe book provided

Boat tours:

• Tonle Sap floating villages: $20-30
• Kampot river cruise: $8-12
• Island hopping: $15-25

Cycling tours: $25-40

• Countryside exploration
• Local village visits
• Lunch included
• 4-6 hours

Ziplining: $35-50 (Angkor Zipline, Flight of the Gibbon)

ATV adventures: $40-65 (countryside, remote temples)

Massage and spa:

• Street massage: $3-6/hour
• Spa massage: $10-20/hour
• Luxury spa: $30-60/hour

Apsara dance performances: $10-15 (traditional Khmer dance)

Museums:

• Most museums: $2-5
• Tuol Sleng (S-21): $5
• Killing Fields: $6
• National Museum: $10

Free activities:

• Temple exploring (outside Angkor)
• Beach days on islands
• Market wandering
• Riverside walks
• Sunset watching

Visa Costs

Cambodia travel cost includes visa fees for most nationalities.

US citizens visa options:

E-visa (recommended): $36

• Apply online 3-7 days before: evisa.gov.kh
• Upload passport photo
• Credit card payment
• Receive via email
• Print and present at arrival

Visa on arrival: $30

• Available at airports and land borders
• Bring passport photo
• US cash only (exact change helps)
• Sometimes $5-10 “processing fee” requested (often corruption but easier to pay than argue)

Processing time:

• E-visa: 3 business days
• Arrival: 10-30 minutes depending on queue

Extension: $30-50 for one month (available in Phnom Penh)

Travel Insurance

Essential coverage affecting total Cambodia travel cost:

Budget options: $35-50 for two weeks

• Basic medical coverage
• Emergency evacuation
• Lost baggage
• Trip cancellation

Recommended providers:

• SafetyWing: $40-45/month
• World Nomads: $60-100 for two weeks
• Allianz: $50-85 for two weeks

What to cover:

• Medical emergencies (hospitals affordable but serious issues costly)
• Evacuation to Bangkok or home if needed
• Lost/stolen belongings
• Trip cancellation for covered reasons

Skip only if: You have credit card coverage AND verify it applies to Cambodia AND understand gaps.

Total Cambodia Travel Cost: Sample Budgets

Putting it all together for complete trip Cambodia travel cost.

10-Day Budget Trip: $550-850 Total

Daily costs: $30-45 × 10 days = $300-450

One-time costs:

• International flights: $650 (average from US)
• Visa: $36 (e-visa)
• Travel insurance: $40
• SIM card: $10
• Miscellaneous: $50

Total without flights: $436-586 Total with flights: $1,086-1,236

What this includes:

• Hostel/basic guesthouse accommodation
• Three street food meals daily
• Local transportation
• Angkor passes and major activities
• Basic experiences

14-Day Mid-Range Trip: $1,650-2,100 Total

Daily costs: $65-85 × 14 days = $910-1,190

One-time costs:

• Flights: $750
• Visa: $36
• Insurance: $65
• SIM: $15
• Miscellaneous: $100

Total without flights: $1,126-1,406 Total with flights: $1,876-2,156

What this includes:

• 3-star hotel private rooms
• Mix of street food and restaurants
• Private tuk-tuks and comfortable buses
• All major attractions with guides
• Some premium experiences
• Occasional Western meals

14-Day Luxury Trip: $3,800-5,500 Total

Daily costs: $180-280 × 14 days = $2,520-3,920

One-time costs:

• Premium flights: $1,100
• Visa: $36
• Insurance: $90
• SIM: $20
• Miscellaneous: $200

Total without flights: $2,866-4,226 Total with flights: $3,966-5,326

What this includes:

• 5-star resort accommodations
• Fine dining experiences
• Private drivers and domestic flights
• VIP guided tours
• Premium spa treatments
• Exclusive experiences
• Complete comfort

Money-Saving Tips to Reduce Cambodia Travel Cost

Smart strategies slash Cambodia travel cost without sacrificing experience.

Accommodation hacks:

Book directly with hotels via email/phone (no commission = 10-15% savings).

Stay outside tourist centers. Hotels 1-2km away cost 30-40% less with same quality.

Travel low season (May-October) for 40-50% accommodation discounts.

Negotiate longer stays. Week bookings often get 10-20% discount.

Food strategies:

Eat street food for breakfast and lunch. Splurge on nice dinner. Saves $10-15 daily.

Buy snacks at local markets not convenience stores (60% cheaper).

Drink local beer exclusively ($1 vs $3-5 imports).

Avoid hotel restaurants (3x street prices for similar food).

Learn phrase “baan te” (can discount?) when ordering.

Transportation savings:

Walk whenever possible. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh centers are compact.

Use Grab app instead of negotiating tuk-tuks (saves 20-30%).

Travel overnight (sleeper buses) to save accommodation costs.

Rent bicycle instead of tuk-tuks for temple touring ($2 vs $15-20).

Share private taxis with other travelers (split $60 four ways = $15 each).

Activity discounts:

Book tours directly with operators not hotel concierge (15-25% markup).

Join group tours instead of private (half the cost).

Visit free temples outside Angkor complex.

Self-guided exploration costs nothing (bring guide book).

Skip tourist restaurants near attractions (double prices).

General wisdom:

Carry cash always. Cards incur 3-4% fees. ATMs charge $4-5 per withdrawal.

Negotiate everything except Grab rides. Polite haggling expected and respected.

Buy SIM card at airport immediately. Data helps find cheaper options constantly.

Avoid “special deal” gems, art, or merchandise (tourist traps).

Travel with others occasionally. Splitting tuk-tuks and rooms halves costs.

Comparison: Cambodia vs Other Southeast Asian Countries

Understanding relative Cambodia travel cost helps planning.

Daily mid-range budget comparison:

Cambodia: $60-85/day Thailand: $70-100/day
Vietnam: $55-80/day Laos: $50-75/day Myanmar: $60-90/day (when accessible)

Where Cambodia wins:

Accommodation (15-20% cheaper than Thailand) Guided tours (English-speaking guides more affordable) Domestic transportation (buses very reasonable) Museum and attraction entrance (except Angkor)

Where Cambodia costs more:

Angkor passes ($37+ vs $5-10 at other temple complexes) Islands less developed so fewer budget options than Thai islands

Overall verdict: Cambodia and Vietnam tie for best Southeast Asian value. Cambodia edges ahead for temple enthusiasts. Vietnam wins slightly for food variety and coastal destinations.

When to Visit for Best Cambodia Travel Cost

Timing dramatically affects prices.

High Season (November-February): Peak prices

Pros:

• Perfect weather (70-85°F, dry)
• All activities available
• Festivals and events
• Comfortable exploration

Cons:

• Accommodation 40-60% higher
• Crowded major sites
• Advance booking essential
• Flight prices peak

Mid-range daily cost: $70-100 (vs $55-75 low season)

Shoulder Season (March-April, September-October): Best value

Pros:

• Decent weather (hot but manageable)
• 25-35% cheaper accommodation
• Fewer crowds
• Easy booking

Cons:

• March-April very hot (95-100°F)
• September-October occasional rain
• Some tours reduced frequency

Mid-range daily cost: $55-75 (sweet spot!)

Low Season (May-August): Cheapest

Pros:

• Accommodation 50-70% off peak
• Empty temples and attractions
• Lush green landscapes
• Authentic local atmosphere

Cons:

• Daily afternoon rain (1-3 hours)
• High humidity
• Some activities unavailable
• Rough seas affect islands

Mid-range daily cost: $45-60 (incredible savings!)

Budget traveler verdict: Low season offers amazing value if you tolerate rain. Shoulder season balances weather and savings perfectly.

Your Cambodia Budget Journey Starts Now

You now understand complete Cambodia travel cost from every angle. Whether planning $30 daily backpacking or $200 luxury indulgence, Cambodia accommodates all budgets while delivering unforgettable experiences.

The ancient temples will amaze you. The tragic history will move you. The pristine beaches will relax you. The delicious food will surprise you. But most importantly, Cambodia’s incredible affordability means you can experience all this without financial stress.

Your budget doesn’t limit experiences in Cambodia – it simply shapes how you’ll live them.

Ready to start planning your affordable Cambodia adventure?

Next steps:

1. Decide your daily budget comfort level ($30, $65, or $150+)
2. Calculate trip length (10, 14, or 21 days)
3. Book flights 8-12 weeks ahead
4. Apply for e-visa 1-2 weeks before departure
5. Reserve high season accommodation 2-3 months ahead
6. Start packing light and preparing for adventure

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Plan Your Perfect Cambodia Adventure

📧 Have questions about planning your Cambodia trip? Drop a comment below or Contact us for personalized budget travel advice

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Need more Cambodia travel guidance?

Explore our other comprehensive guides:

• Best Places to Travel in Cambodia – Discover top destinations beyond Angkor
• Cambodia Travel Packages – Compare tour options and find the best deals
• Best Time to Visit Cambodia and Vietnam – Optimize your timing

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Cambodia is calling. Will you answer?

The temples are waiting. The islands are pristine. The adventures are endless. The best places to travel in Cambodia are ready to exceed your expectations.

Start planning your unforgettable Cambodian journey today!

💡 Pro tip: Bookmark this page and share it with fellow travelers planning their Cambodia adventure!

✈️ Ready to book? Check current flight deals to Cambodia and top-rated hostels.

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Have you visited Cambodia during different seasons? Share your experiences and timing recommendations in the comments below to help fellow travelers choose the best time for their adventures!

Last Updated: December 2025