Cambodia is one of the best countries in Southeast Asia for travelers who want unforgettable cultural experiences on a limited budget. It offers ancient temples, tropical islands, historic cities and a relaxed backpacker atmosphere while remaining one of the cheapest countries in the region.
Many travelers group Cambodia together with Thailand and Vietnam, but daily spending here is usually lower. Accommodation, food and transport are especially affordable, and long trips are possible without spending a lot of money.
The biggest cost surprises in Cambodia are usually flights and the Angkor Wat temple pass, which is the country’s most famous attraction and the highlight of most trips.
If you already read our how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost guide, this article breaks down Cambodia specifically so you can plan a realistic budget for 2026.
Cambodia is especially attractive for backpackers, long-term travelers and anyone trying to stretch a travel budget as far as possible.
Quick answer: daily travel budget in Cambodia
| Travel style | Daily budget per person |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | $25–$35 |
| Budget traveler | $35–$55 |
| Mid-range traveler | $55–$95 |
| Luxury traveler | $150+ |
Travelers staying in hostels and eating local food can spend very little per day. Even mid-range travelers staying in boutique hotels usually spend far less than they would in Europe.
Cambodia is typically cheaper than Thailand and Malaysia, and similar to Vietnam or Laos.
Flight cost to Cambodia
Flights are the largest expense for most travelers visiting Cambodia.
| Departure region | Typical round-trip price |
|---|---|
| Europe | $700–$1100 |
| UK | $700–$1000 |
| USA West Coast | $800–$1300 |
| USA East Coast | $950–$1400 |
| Australia | $400–$700 |
Most travelers fly into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Flights to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City are sometimes cheaper, and many travelers combine Cambodia with neighboring countries to reduce airfare costs.
Booking flights 3–5 months in advance often gives the best prices.
Visa and travel insurance costs
Cambodia offers one of the simplest visa processes in Southeast Asia.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa | $30 |
| Travel insurance (2 weeks) | $30–$60 |
Tourist visas are easy to obtain online or on arrival.
Accommodation cost breakdown
Accommodation is one of Cambodia’s biggest budget advantages.
| Accommodation type | Average price per night |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | $6–$12 |
| Guesthouse | $15–$25 |
| Budget hotel | $25–$40 |
| Mid-range hotel | $40–$80 |
| Luxury hotel | $120–$200 |
Cambodia offers some of the best hotel value in Southeast Asia. Boutique hotels and small resorts are especially affordable compared to Western countries.
Food cost breakdown
Food is cheap, filling and widely available.
| Food type | Average price |
|---|---|
| Street food meal | $2–$3 |
| Local restaurant | $3–$5 |
| Western restaurant | $6–$10 |
| Coffee | $2–$3 |
Eating local food is one of the easiest ways to keep daily costs low.
Cash, USD and budgeting tip
Cambodia operates largely on US dollars. Most prices are quoted in USD, and ATMs dispense dollars.
This makes budgeting easier for travelers but means cash is still essential. Card payments are becoming more common in cities, but smaller towns and islands rely heavily on cash.
Transport cost breakdown
Travel between cities is simple and affordable.
| Transport type | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk ride | $2–$5 |
| Bus between cities | $10–$18 |
| Domestic flight | $40–$80 |
Tuk-tuks are the main local transport option and are very affordable.
Attraction and activity prices
The Angkor Wat temple complex is Cambodia’s biggest travel highlight and one of the most famous attractions in the world.
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| Angkor Wat 1-day pass | $37 |
| Angkor Wat 3-day pass | $62 |
| Angkor Wat 7-day pass | $72 |
| Killing Fields tour | $15–$25 |
| Island snorkeling | $20–$35 |
The Angkor pass is the single biggest activity cost for most travelers.
Angkor Wat value tip
The 3-day pass is usually the best value. It allows time to explore major temples without rushing and is the option most travelers choose.
1-week Cambodia trip cost breakdown
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $850 |
| Accommodation | $250 |
| Food | $140 |
| Transport | $140 |
| Activities | $180 |
| Total | $1560 |
A one-week trip usually focuses on Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
2-week Cambodia trip cost breakdown
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $850 |
| Accommodation | $500 |
| Food | $280 |
| Transport | $240 |
| Activities | $280 |
| Total | $2150 |
Two weeks allows time to visit the islands and countryside.
Cost of popular destinations in Cambodia
| Destination | Daily budget |
|---|---|
| Siem Reap | $30–$60 |
| Phnom Penh | $35–$65 |
| Kampot | $30–$55 |
| Koh Rong | $45–$90 |
Island destinations are slightly more expensive but still affordable.
Backpacking vs mid-range vs luxury budgets
| Style | 2 weeks total |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | $1300–$1600 |
| Budget | $1600–$2000 |
| Mid-range | $2100–$2700 |
| Luxury | $4000+ |
Cambodia is one of the best destinations in Asia for long-term travel.
Sample 10-day itinerary budget
Phnom Penh → Siem Reap → Koh Rong
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $850 |
| Hotels | $450 |
| Food | $200 |
| Transport | $200 |
| Activities | $220 |
| Total | $1920 |
Sample 2-week backpacker itinerary budget
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $700 |
| Hostels | $180 |
| Food | $250 |
| Transport | $220 |
| Activities | $180 |
| Total | $1530 |
Best time to visit for cheap travel
Cheapest months:
May–June
September–November
Peak season:
December–February
Traveling outside peak season can reduce accommodation prices significantly.
Cambodia vs nearby countries cost comparison
| Country | Daily budget |
|---|---|
| Cambodia | $35–$65 |
| Thailand | $55–$95 |
| Vietnam | $40–$75 |
| Malaysia | $50–$90 |
See is Thailand expensive to visit and is Vietnam expensive to visit.
Decision table
| Traveler type | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Backpackers | Excellent value |
| Couples | Great budget destination |
| Families | Affordable cultural trip |
| Luxury travelers | High value luxury |
Expanded money-saving tips
Travel slowly between cities to save money.
Buy the 3-day Angkor pass instead of single day tickets.
Eat local food daily.
Use buses instead of flights when possible.
FAQ
Is Cambodia cheap to visit?
Yes, one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia.
What is the biggest cost in Cambodia?
Flights and Angkor Wat entrance fees.
How much spending money per day?
Most travelers spend $35–$65 per day.
Is Cambodia cheaper than Thailand?
Yes, usually significantly cheaper.
Do you need cash?
Yes, US dollars are widely used.
