Although Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest countries, costs are rising and you’ll need to set aside a reasonable budget to see the best of the country and have a comfortable trip.
$1.50 Angkor Beer in Cambodia – “My Country, My Beer” © [email protected]
Whether you’re just visiting for a few days to see Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples or exploring all of Cambodia over the course of several weeks, you’ll have the best experience by working out a rough travel budget ahead of time.
Below, we’ve broken down the costs of travelling in Cambodia, covering everything from visas and transportation to accommodation, food and nightlife. We’ve also touched on the currency and ATM situation in Cambodia, as well as topics like credit card acceptance.
If you haven’t planned your trip yet, you can use our One Week in Cambodia and Two Weeks in Cambodia itineraries to work out which areas you should visit and what you should see.
Jump straight to what you need:
Daily Budget Tiers for Cambodia (2026)
Cambodia operates almost entirely in US dollars in tourist areas — there’s no need to source local currency before you arrive. The exchange rate is around 4,100 riel to $1 USD and has been stable for years. Cambodia is broadly comparable in cost to Vietnam, and slightly more expensive than the myth of its backpacker past suggests — especially in Siem Reap, where prices for accommodation, Western food and organised tours have climbed considerably.
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (USD) | What It Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $30–$50 | Hostel dorm or basic guesthouse, local food, tuk-tuks, free or cheap sights |
| Comfortable Backpacker | $50–$80 | Budget private hotel, mix of local and Western food, tuk-tuks, occasional tour |
| Mid-Range | $75–$130 | 3–4 star boutique hotel, eat where you like, private car transfers, tours |
| Luxury | $150–$300+ | 5-star resort, fine dining, private guides, no compromises |
Note: These figures cover in-country daily spending. International flights, your Cambodia visa ($30–$36) and the Angkor Wat temple pass (if applicable) are on top of this.
FCC Angkor hotel and garden, Siem Reap, Cambodia © chris @travelhappy.info
Accommodation Costs in Cambodia
Cambodia has a surprisingly diverse range of hotels, guesthouses, hostels and resorts. Because tourism here is relatively recent, much of the mid-range and luxury stock is only a few years old, with new rooms and modern facilities. Prices vary significantly between cities — Siem Reap commands a premium during high season (November–February), while Phnom Penh and smaller destinations are noticeably more affordable.
Budget Hotels in Cambodia (under $20/night)
Hostel dorm beds start from around $5–12 per night. Private rooms in a clean guesthouse with air conditioning typically run $12–20. The mid-range boutique bracket — $30–50 — is where Cambodia really excels, with stylish small hotels offering pools and great service at prices that would buy a basic room in Europe.
Affordable Hotels in Phnom Penh
- Sla Boutique Hostel — Booking.com | Agoda — Located close to the Royal Palace and a short tuk-tuk from Sisowath Quay. Clean mixed and segregated dorms — one of Phnom Penh’s best ultra-budget options.
- The Mou Hotel — Booking.com | Agoda — Close to the Olympic Stadium and 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from most sightseeing. Clean, simple rooms at modest rates.
- Home Chic Hotel — Booking.com | Agoda — Boutique hotel luxuries at surprisingly affordable rates, with an outdoor pool and nicely decorated rooms.
Affordable Hotels in Siem Reap
- Bou Savy Guesthouse — Booking.com | Agoda — A few minutes from the centre by tuk-tuk, with fan and air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pool and a relaxing garden setting.
- Parklane Hotel — Booking.com | Agoda — An affordable three-star hotel less than five minutes from the centre. Air conditioning, comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi.
- Angkor Secret Garden Inn — Booking.com | Agoda — Budget option close to the centre with large rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mid-Range Hotels in Cambodia ($30–$70/night)
Cambodia’s mid-range bracket is where the country really excels — small, comfortable boutique hotels with pools, good breakfast and charming settings for $30–50 per night. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap both have a great selection of these.
Mid-Range Hotels in Phnom Penh
- Secret Villa — Agoda — A small boutique hotel near the Royal Palace with a beautiful garden, outdoor pool and restaurant. Very pleasant place to stay.
- Villa Sovanna Boutique Hotel — Booking.com | Agoda — Upmarket boutique hotel in the leafy BKK1 neighbourhood with spacious rooms and a small outdoor pool.
- Villa Langka Boutique Hotel — Booking.com | Agoda — Beautiful pool surrounded by trees and gardens, with rooms ranging from cosy singles to spacious triples.
Mid-Range Hotels in Siem Reap
- Vilada Angkor Boutique — Booking.com | Agoda — A small boutique hotel just outside the centre with a pool, restaurant and bar and friendly personal service.
- Villa Medamrei — Booking.com | Agoda — Beside the river and a short walk from the night market, a great mid-priced base for exploring Siem Reap’s restaurants and nightlife.
- Golden Butterfly Villa — Booking.com | Agoda — Five minutes from most of Siem Reap’s popular bars and restaurants, with simple and comfortable rooms.
Luxury Hotels in Cambodia ($100–$300+/night)
Cambodia has some genuinely outstanding luxury hotels, particularly in Siem Reap where several world-class resort properties have opened in recent years. Phnom Penh has established international names including Raffles and Sofitel. Budget at least $100–150 for a solid luxury room — top resort properties start from $200+.
Luxury Hotels in Phnom Penh
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal — Booking.com | Agoda — One of Phnom Penh’s most luxurious hotels, set inside a beautiful colonial building with a large pool, gym and outdoor movie area.
- Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra — Booking.com | Agoda — International five-star with relaxing outdoor pool, fitness centre, lounge bar and several restaurants.
- Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel — Booking.com | Agoda — Cambodian-operated five-star across the Tonle Sap River from central Phnom Penh. Excellent rooms and facilities, though the location is more remote.
Luxury Hotels in Siem Reap
- Lotus Blanc Resort — Booking.com | Agoda — A five-star resort hotel 10 minutes from the centre with spacious rooms, large outdoor pool, garden and fitness centre.
- Palace Residence & Villa Siem Reap — Booking.com | Agoda — A five-star resort with private pool villas, classic furnishings and a tranquil setting.
- Borei Angkor Resort & Spa — Booking.com | Agoda — Close to the centre of Siem Reap, with large rooms and suites, a great outdoor pool and one of the city’s best spas.
Things To Do in Cambodia: Costs and Activities
The Angkor Archaeological Park is the main attraction for most visitors, and the temple pass is the biggest single expense you’ll plan for. Beyond Angkor, Cambodia has a growing range of tours, day trips and activities — most of which are very reasonably priced.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Angkor Wat temple pass — 1 day | $37 |
| Angkor Wat temple pass — 3 days | $62 |
| Angkor Wat temple pass — 7 days | $72 |
| Angkor Wat sunrise guided tour | $25–60 (excludes temple pass) |
| Tuk-tuk hire for Angkor temples (full day) | $15–25 |
| Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum + Killing Fields tour | $15–35 |
| Mekong River sunset cruise, Phnom Penh | $15–30 |
| Cambodian cooking class, Siem Reap | $20–40 |
| Royal Palace entry, Phnom Penh | $10 |
| Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum entry | $5 |
🎟️ Browse and book Cambodia tours and activities — Angkor Wat tours, Phnom Penh day trips, cooking classes and more:
Food in Cambodia
Khmer dishes at Chanrey Tree restaurant, Siem Reap © [email protected]
Cambodian food is tasty, affordable and underrated. Eating local food is one of the easiest ways to keep your daily costs down. Popular Khmer dishes include fish amok (a coconut-based fish curry), lok lak (wok-tossed beef), k’tieu (noodle soup) and bai sach chrouk (pork and rice). Local dishes cost as little as $1–3 at street stalls and small restaurants, and rarely more than $5–8 even in a decent sit-down restaurant.
What food actually costs in Cambodia in 2026
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Local Khmer dish at a street stall | $1–3 |
| Sit-down local restaurant meal | $3–8 |
| Western café or restaurant meal | $5–15 |
| Pizza or pasta (tourist restaurant) | $5–10 |
| Local beer (Angkor, Anchor — can/bottle) | $1–2 (shop) / $2–5 (bar) |
| Cocktail at a mid-range bar | $4–8 |
| Glass of wine (Western restaurant) | $3–6 |
| Cigarettes (imported brand, pack) | $1.50–2.50 |
Wine is notably cheaper in Cambodia than in its more heavily-taxed neighbours Thailand and Vietnam — imported bottles are available from $3 a glass in many Western restaurants. Nightlife in Cambodia is very affordable overall: provided you stick to local bars and popular tourist strips, a night out including several rounds of drinks typically costs $10–20 per person.
Cambodia Restaurants worth knowing about
Street food and cafés in Phnom Penh: L’Irresistible Coffee near the Russian Market is a great small coffee shop training disabled Cambodians. David’s Restaurant serves a good mix of Khmer and Western dishes at low prices. ST 63 near Tuol Sleng serves tasty, simple Khmer food at fair prices.
Fine dining in Phnom Penh: La Residence is a small French restaurant great for dates and special occasions. Malis Cambodian Restaurant serves classic Khmer dishes in a beautiful garden courtyard near Norodom Boulevard. Topaz is a high-end French restaurant famous for its excellent steaks — expensive by Phnom Penh standards but very reasonable compared to the West.
Street food and cafés in Siem Reap: Sinn SisaMouth Cafe near Angkor Night Market serves good local Khmer dishes at affordable prices. Khmer Grill Restaurant does exactly what it says — cheap and hearty grilled meat dishes. The Missing Socks Laundry Cafe is a great spot for coffee and breakfast before heading out to the temples.
Fine dining in Siem Reap: Cuisine Wat Damnak serves expertly prepared Khmer food with an extensive vegetarian menu. The Elephant Bar inside the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is a beautiful step back to Cambodia’s French colonial era — perfect for a cocktail after a day at the temples.
Getting Around Cambodia
Walking to the plane at the old Siem Reap airport © [email protected]
There are three main ways to get around Cambodia — by air, by road and (within Phnom Penh only) by bus. Road travel has improved enormously in recent years but can still be slow. For longer legs between major cities, flying is worth the extra cost.
🔍 Compare bus, minibus and flight options for specific Cambodia routes — prices and journey times side by side:
Domestic flights
Cambodia has three international airports — Phnom Penh, Siem Reap-Angkor and Sihanoukville. The domestic airline sector is small and there isn’t much competition, so prices are generally higher than equivalent flights in Vietnam or Thailand. Expect to pay $80–120 or more to fly one way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Check Skyscanner for current prices. There are also numerous daily flights from Bangkok — check Skyscanner for Bangkok to Phnom Penh and Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Buses and minibuses
Buses are by far the cheapest way to get around Cambodia. The well-established tourist bus network connects all major destinations. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takes around 6 hours and costs $10–14 on quality operators like Mekong Express. Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is 5 hours from $9. Siem Reap to Bangkok is around 9 hours for about $20. Bus travel can be slow and uncomfortable — loud movies and aggressive driving are par for the course, though VIP buses on popular routes are considerably more civilised. Compare prices and buy tickets on 12Go.
Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing
Tuk-tuks are the default way to get around within Cambodian cities. A short hop through town costs $2–3. Use PassApp or Grab for fixed upfront pricing in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap — much better than haggling with tuk-tuk drivers on the street. A full day of tuk-tuk hire for Angkor temple exploration typically runs $15–25.
Getting to Siem Reap from Bangkok
Overall transport budget for a 1–2 week Cambodia trip: allow $100–250 depending on how many domestic flights you take and how far you travel.
Cambodia Visas and Entry Requirements (2026)
Most visitors to Cambodia — including those from the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia — require a visa. The good news is that obtaining one is straightforward, with options both online and on arrival.
Cambodia e-Visa (recommended)
- Cost: $30 USD + $6 processing fee = $36 total
- Stay: 30 days, single entry (extendable once for a further 30 days)
- Processing time: 3 business days
- Apply at: evisa.gov.kh — the official government portal only
Apply at least a week before travel. You’ll need a passport photo and your bio-data page. The approved e-visa arrives by email as a PDF — print a copy to show at immigration. The e-visa is accepted at major airports and most main land borders.
Cambodia Visa on arrival
Available at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap-Angkor and Sihanoukville airports, and at most major land border crossings. Cost is $30 USD cash — bring a passport photo or pay $2–3 for on-site photography. Processing takes 10–20 minutes. The e-visa is generally preferable as it saves time at immigration queues.
The overstay fine in Cambodia is $10 per day — always check your visa stamp and departure date carefully.
SIM Cards and Mobile Data
Getting a Cambodian SIM on arrival is straightforward and cheap. Data is reliable in cities and tourist areas, and you’ll need it for Grab/PassApp, Google Maps and general navigation.
Option 1: Buy a local SIM on arrival (around $5–10)
SIM cards are available from kiosks at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and from shops throughout both cities. The major networks are Smart, Metfone and Cellcard. Tourist packages with unlimited data for 7–30 days typically cost $5–10. Smart has the best coverage across the country. You’ll need your passport to register.
Option 2: Buy an eSIM before you fly (around $8–18)
If your phone supports eSIM, activating data before you land means you’re online immediately for Grab and navigation on arrival. Providers like Airalo offer Cambodia eSIMs from around $8–12 for 5GB.
Cash, ATMs and Credit Cards
Cambodia is one of the most heavily dollarised economies in the world — US dollars are used for almost all transactions above a dollar or two. There’s no need to convert into riel before you arrive. ATMs dispense USD and are easy to find in all major cities.
ATMs
ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus and UnionPay cards. Most machines dispense large denomination bills — if you withdraw $200, you may receive two $100 notes. To force smaller bills, withdraw an amount that can’t be rounded to $100s (e.g. $190 or $230). ATM fees run $4–6 per transaction for foreign cards — withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise these. Keep a mix of bill sizes: $1 and $5 notes are very useful for tuk-tuks, street food and small purchases.
Credit cards
Accepted at mid-size and large hotels, international chain businesses, upmarket restaurants and most tour operators. Local restaurants, street stalls, markets, tuk-tuks and most small businesses are cash-only.
Cambodian Riel and US Dollars
The official currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), pegged at around 4,100 riel to $1 USD. In practice, almost all tourist transactions happen in US dollars. Riel is used for small change — if you pay $2 for something costing $1.50, you’ll often receive 2,000 riel (about 50 cents) as change rather than US coins.
- In western Cambodia near the Thai border, Thai baht is often accepted. In areas near Vietnam, Vietnamese dong may also be used.
- Riel is essentially a non-convertible currency outside Cambodia — spend or exchange any leftover riel before you leave. If crossing to Thailand or Vietnam by land, exchange ladies at the border can usually swap riel for baht or dong.
- US dollars are the practical currency for all tourist spending — bring enough cash for your first day or two, and top up from ATMs as needed.
Travel Insurance for Cambodia
Medical care in Cambodia is limited outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap — rural areas have very basic facilities. Medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore in a serious emergency can cost $30,000–80,000 without insurance. A solid travel insurance policy covering medical, evacuation, trip cancellation and lost baggage is genuinely essential here. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
🛡️ World Nomads travel insurance — essential for Cambodia given limited medical infrastructure outside major cities:
Sample Total Trip Budgets for Cambodia
Here’s what a complete 10-night Cambodia trip actually costs in 2026, including international flights from Europe or the US:
| Budget Type | Daily (in-country) | 10 nights | + Flights | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $40 | $400 | $600–1,000 | ~$1,100 |
| Comfortable | $65 | $650 | $600–1,000 | ~$1,500 |
| Mid-Range | $100 | $1,000 | $700–1,100 | ~$2,000 |
| Luxury | $200+ | $2,000+ | $900–1,500+ | $3,500+ |
Figures cover in-country spending. Add your Cambodia visa ($36 e-visa), Angkor Wat temple pass ($37–72 depending on days), and travel insurance on top of this.
✈️ Find the cheapest flights to Cambodia:
When You Go To Cambodia Matters Too
Peak season (November–February): The best weather — dry, cooler and ideal for temple exploration. Hotel prices in Siem Reap in particular are at their highest, popular guesthouses sell out quickly, and the Angkor temples are busy. Book accommodation well in advance if visiting December–January.
Shoulder seasons (March–May and September–October): March and April are extremely hot. The Khmer New Year in mid-April brings domestic tourism peaks — book ahead if visiting then. October offers improving conditions after the wet season and reasonable prices before high-season rates kick in.
Wet season (May–September): Accommodation prices drop noticeably and Cambodia is far less crowded. Rain comes in intense afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours. The Angkor temples take on a lush, atmospheric quality and many visitors find this their favourite time. Budget travellers get the best value in these months.
