Southeast Asia is renowned for being one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the world. Cambodia is the perfect example of this, with cheap accommodation and restaurants found all over the country. Prices will increase near tourist attractions such as Angkor Wat, so if you’re on a budget, avoid eating very close to these places. Many of the best activities in Cambodia can be enjoyed on the cheap or even for free, such as riding a bike through the countryside and towns, relaxing on the stunning beaches, and exploring temples.
If we haven’t been in a country ourselves recently, we use the Cost of Living site, Numbeo, to offer guidelines for costs. We have found this reliable when visiting to compare prices.Â
One of the best things about travelling on a Tucan Travel group tour in Cambodia is that all accommodation and transport are pre-booked and covered, meaning all you need to worry about is your daily spending money. Entrance to most sites in Cambodia is cheap, as are museums. The average amount you will need per day will vary depending on your travel habits; however, $50 or its equivalent should be enough for activities and food. If you stick to street food, you can get by with much less!
Food and drink in Cambodia is incredibly cheap, especially if you check out where the locals tend to eat. Around major tourist attractions such as Angkor Wat or the Royal Palace, prices will be inflated. Street food is of course the cheapest way to eat in Cambodia, and is one of the best ways to sample local cuisine. The main rule of thumb is to ensure it is made on the spot, try to avoid meat or fruit that has been sitting in the sun for hours. A meal at a street food vendor can be anything from 3 – 6,000 KHR (0.75 to $1.50) but will be more in a sit down restaurant, anything from 10,000 to 20,000 KHR.
Bottled water and juice are cheap – anything around 2,000 KHR (0.50$) is normal. The best places for drinking are at smaller guesthouses, hostels, or local bars, where a beer will be anything from $1 to $1.50.
Fees can vary from place to place. Most temples are free of charge but donations are welcome. Museums are usually $1 to $2.
There will be no price tags on items in markets in Cambodia and for good reason; haggling is the norm here! Prices are inflated for tourists, so the rule of thumb is to offer 50% of what they tell you the cost is, if it is a stern no then slowly up the cost. Never take the first price they give you.
Transport in Cambodia is generally cheap. Tuk-tuks are the most common form of getting around the cities for tourists. Always agree a price before getting in – a short ride (around 5 minutes) should be around $1. Going across town will be around $3 and getting from Phnom Penh to the airport can be around $5 or $6. Pass is a common app used in Cambodia and shows you the upfront cost, you can then pay with card via the app or in cash. It is also one of the cheapest ways to get around as drivers cannot simply inflate the price just for tourists.
Other costs you may incur on your travels in Cambodia include donations to temples and sacred sites, souvenirs and incidental items such as medicine or phone SIM cards.
We are passionate adventure travelers who want to share the world and our travel experiences with everyone…
