Between the stunning ancient temples, tropical beaches, and delicious food, Cambodia seems like an exotic paradise that would break the bank. Not so fast. Cambodia can actually be quite budget-friendly. With some insider tips, you can experience the highlights of Cambodia for less than you might expect. This guide will walk you through how to visit Cambodia on a budget, discussing the major costs like transportation, accommodation, food, and activities so you can start planning your own affordable adventure in Cambodia. By the end of this, you’ll know how to experience the beauty of Cambodia for less than $30-50 per day. Time to start packing your bags!
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Cambodia for 7 Days?
A 7-day trip to Cambodia won’t break the bank if you’re strategic. Expect to budget $30-$50 USD per day for accommodation, $5-$10 per meal, and $20-$30 for activities.
For lodging, you have options from budget guesthouses for $10/night to luxury resorts over $200. A decent mid-range hotel will cost around $30-$40 per night. Many places include air conditioning, WiFi and breakfast.
Food is very affordable, around $2-$3 for a local meal of rice and curry. You can eat for $5-$8 at casual restaurants. For $10-$15, you’ll get a high-quality meal at an upscale place. Don’t miss trying fresh tropical fruit, noodles, spring rolls, and fish amok – a curry dish.
As for activities, you can tour Angkor Wat for $20-$40, see cultural shows for $15-$30 or take a cooking class for $10-$30. Getting around is easy via tuk-tuk ($2-$5 per ride) or bicycle ($2/day). Domestic flights are around $30-$100.
With some planning, you can experience the natural and cultural wonders of Cambodia on a budget. Stay in a comfortable hotel, eat delicious and authentic food, see the temples of Angkor, and take in a cultural show – all for around $500 to $700 for an amazing week-long trip. This beautiful country is worth every penny.
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Itemized Daily Cost Breakdown: Accommodation, Food, Activities
Now that you’ve booked your tickets, it’s time to budget for your daily expenses in Cambodia. Here’s an idea of what you can expect to pay:
Accommodation
You can find basic guesthouses for around $10-15/night, midrange hotels for $30-50, and luxury resorts from $100 and up. I’d recommend budgeting $15-30/night.
Food
Khmer cuisine is delicious and inexpensive. You can get a bowl of noodle soup for $1-2, a full meal at a local restaurant for $3-5, and a nicer sit-down dinner for $6-10. Budget $5-10/day.
Activities
Entrance fees to temples like Angkor Wat are $37 for a 1-day pass and $62 for a 3-day pass. Other activities like visiting museums, cultural villages, and national parks typically cost $5-20. Tours range from $15-50/day. Budget at least $20-30/day for sightseeing.
![kompongphlukkompongtourboatpeoplestockpackpixabay arisecambodiacom kompong phluk kompong tour boat peopleHow Much Does It Cost to Visit Cambodia](https://arisecambodia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/kompong-phluk-kompong-tour-boat-people-stockpack-pixabay-300x200.jpg)
Transport
Tuk tuks, taxis, and bus fares within towns usually cost $1-5. Longer bus/boat trips to other cities are $5-15. Bicycle rentals are around $2/day. Budget $5-10/day for getting around.
All said, you can comfortably get by in Cambodia for $30-50/day if you’re budget-conscious, $50-70 for midrange travel, and $100/day and up for luxury. The total cost for a 1-2 week trip would be $400-700 or more, depending on your style of travel. Have a great trip and enjoy all the natural and cultural wonders Cambodia has to offer!
Hidden Fees and Additional Expenses to Factor In
While the cost of living in Cambodia is generally budget-friendly, there are some hidden fees and additional expenses you’ll want to account for in your trip budget.
Visas
Most nationalities can enter Cambodia for up to 30 days without a visa, but if you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa. Visa fees range from $30 to $50 depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. You’ll also want to budget for passport photos and any mailing fees if applying by mail.
Bribes
Low-level corruption is common in Cambodia, and you may encounter requests for small bribes from officials or police. While it’s best to avoid paying bribes when possible, in some cases it may be easier to pay the requested $1-$5. Budget about $20-$50 total for potential bribes on a 2-3 week trip.
Transportation
Tuk tuks, motos, and taxis are readily available for getting around cities and between destinations. While rides within town are usually only $2-$5, longer intercity trips can cost $15-$30 or more. If doing a lot of travel, budget at least $200 for transportation.
Activities
Entrance fees for Cambodia’s temples, museums and national parks typically range from $3 to $20 per site. Multi-site passes like the Angkor Pass for the Siem Reap temples start around $37 for one day up to $72 for 7 days. Other activities like cooking classes, cultural village tours or Mekong Delta cruises will cost $10-$50 per person. Budget $200-$500 for activities, depending on how many sites and tours you want to do.
With some advanced planning, you can experience the exciting culture and natural beauty of Cambodia on a budget. But by anticipating these additional fees and potential costs, you’ll be able to craft a realistic budget for your trip to this captivating country.
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Tips for Sticking to Your Cambodia Travel Budget
Tips for Sticking to Your Cambodia Travel Budget
Cambodia can be an affordable country to visit if you’re on a budget. Here are some tips to keep your costs low:
Stick to street food and local restaurants. Some of the best food in Cambodia is found at street stalls and small local restaurants, called “phnom penh”. Meals here cost between $1 to $3. Opt for noodle soups, curry over rice, or fresh spring rolls.
Avoid high-end hotels. Cambodia has budget-friendly accommodations like guesthouses, hostels, and homestays for under $20 a night. Look for places outside of the tourist areas. If air conditioning and hot water are must-haves, you can still find decent mid-range hotels for $30 to $50 a night.
Use public transit. Cambodia’s bus and boat networks are extensive, cheap, and a great way to experience local life. A bus ride in Phnom Penh starts around 50 cents. Long-distance busses between cities cost a few dollars. Boat rides on the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake offer scenic views for a couple of dollars.
Buy a SIM card. Get a Cambodia SIM card for your unlocked phone as soon as you arrive. Data and calling plans start around $5 for several gigabytes of data and a few hours of calling time. Use your phone to navigate, look up transportation options, find places to eat, and more without racking up international roaming charges.
Visit free attractions. Some of Cambodia’s best attractions like the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh are free to explore. You can also spend hours wandering through colorful local markets, walking along river promenades, and relaxing in city parks at no cost.
With some budget-savvy planning, you can experience the beauty of Cambodia without breaking the bank. By eating at local spots, choosing budget-friendly places to stay, using public transit, getting a SIM card, and visiting free attractions, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip while still saving money. Have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions on Budgeting for a Cambodia Trip
So you’ve decided to fulfill your dream of visiting the majestic temples of Angkor Wat and exploring the natural beauty of Cambodia. Excellent choice! Cambodia is an affordable destination, but how much exactly should you budget for your trip? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan.
How much does accommodation cost?
You can find basic guesthouses for as little as $5-10 per night, especially if traveling in the low season from May to October. Mid-range hotels will cost $20-50 per night. For a bit more luxury, you’re looking at $60-100 or more in the high season. Many hotels and hostels offer dorms or shared rooms for budget travelers.
How much should I budget for food?
You can eat for $2-5 per meal at local restaurants and food stalls. A medium-range meal at a sit-down restaurant will cost $5-10. If you want to splurge on gourmet Khmer or international fare, budget $10-15 or more per dish. Don’t forget to try Khmer cuisine and fresh tropical fruits!
How much do activities and transportation cost?
Many of the main attractions like Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples cost $20-40 for a multi-day pass. Other activities range from $5 to $30. Tuk-tuks and taxis around town will cost a few dollars. Intercity bus or minibus rides are just a few dollars. Domestic flights start around $30 one-way.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is not customary in Cambodia but always appreciated. For good service at restaurants, you can leave $1-2 or 5-10% of the bill. Round up the fare for tuk-tuk and taxi drivers. Hotel staff and tour guides also appreciate small tips of a dollar or two.
How much should I budget per day?
You can comfortably travel Cambodia for $30-50 per day or less, especially if visiting in the low season, staying in budget accommodation and eating cheap local food. For a mid-range trip, budget $50-100 per day. And you can easily spend $100-150 per day or more on a luxury getaway.
Have a great trip to Cambodia! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a comprehensive budget breakdown for visiting Cambodia. Between the stunning temples, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals, Cambodia offers an amazing experience that doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. With some smart planning, you can experience the wonders of Cambodia for around $30-$50 a day. The secret is to travel in the off-season, stick to street food and budget hotels, and take local transport between places. If you want to splurge on an island bungalow or gourmet meal, you’ll still find Cambodia is much more affordable than other destinations in Southeast Asia. What are you waiting for? Start planning your budget-friendly Cambodian getaway today! The ancient ruins and culture are calling your name. Happy travels!
You might also want to read: Cambodia Ecotourism: Top Places to Visit and guide, The Best Cambodian Food to Try (And What to Avoid): guide for visitor
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