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Cambodia Travel Cost Guide: How Much to Visit in 2026?

Daily budget guide for Cambodia (prices in USD)Updated

  • Budget$20–$55 / day
  • Mid-range$55–$200 / day
  • Luxury$200–$300 / day
Budget
Format
Daily budget

What a day in Cambodia costs

Budget

$20–$55 / day

Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.

Mid-range

$55–$200 / day

Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.

Luxury

$200–$300 / day

Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.

Estimates are per person, per day, in USD.

THE KMER tuk tuk is the famous vehicle for tourist visite ANGKOR WAT to see the world heritage
Breakdown

Where the money goes

Daily cost by category and budget tier, in USD
CategoryBudgetMid-rangeLuxury
Do$5$20$60

Category figures are typical daily spends; the tier totals above them include everyday extras, so the two need not match to the unit.

Seasonal pricing

Prices through the year

  • Low×0.6
  • High×1.2
  • Shoulder×0.8

Overview

Cambodia is defined by the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, but the country offers far more — the frenetic energy of Phnom Penh, the colonial charm of Battambang, the beaches and islands of Sihanoukville and Koh Rong, and the sobering Khmer Rouge history at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields. Despite a tragic recent past, Cambodians are among the friendliest people in Southeast Asia, and the country’s tourism infrastructure has improved dramatically.

The US dollar is used alongside the Cambodian riel (KHR) — most transactions are in dollars, with riel used for small change. Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest destinations. The best time to visit is November through March (dry season). April-May is extremely hot; June-October is wet season with lower prices and dramatic green landscapes around the temples.

Daily Budget Breakdown

Budget ($20-$40/day): Stay in guesthouses or hostels ($5-$15/night), eat street food and at market stalls ($2-$6/day), use tuk-tuks and local buses ($1-$10), and explore free temples and markets beyond the main Angkor complex.

Mid-Range ($45-$90/day): Book mid-range hotels ($20-$60/night), dine at restaurants ($8-$18/day), hire a tuk-tuk driver for full-day Angkor exploration ($15-$25), and add cooking classes, boat trips, and cultural experiences ($10-$30).

Luxury ($150-$300+/day): Reserve luxury hotels like Raffles or Shinta Mani ($80-$300+/night), enjoy fine dining ($25-$60/day), book private temple guides ($40-$80), and arrange exclusive sunrise experiences and helicopter tours ($100-$300).

How to Save Money in Cambodia

  • Eat at street stalls and local markets where a bowl of noodle soup or fried rice costs $1-$2.
  • Buy the 3-day Angkor pass ($62) rather than the 1-day pass ($37) — it offers much better value for the vast temple complex.
  • Negotiate tuk-tuk prices before getting in — agree on the fare upfront to avoid surprises.
  • Stay in Siem Reap town rather than temple-adjacent luxury resorts for 70-80% savings on accommodation.
  • Visit during shoulder months (November or March-April) for good weather and moderate prices.

Worth the Splurge

  • Sunrise at Angkor Wat — watching dawn illuminate the world’s largest religious monument ($37-$62 temple pass).
  • A Khmer cooking class learning to make amok (coconut curry steamed in banana leaf) and other Cambodian dishes ($15-$25).
  • The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh — essential, sobering history ($6-$8 combined).
  • A sunset boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake past floating villages ($15-$25).
Tips

Stretch your budget

Ways to save
  • Buy 3-day Angkor pass ($62) instead of single days ($37 each) if visiting 2+ days
  • Use Grab app for tuk-tuks — 20-30% cheaper than negotiating
  • Visit May-October (low season) for 40-50% off accommodation
  • Eat at local markets and street stalls for $2-3 instead of tourist restaurants at $5-10
Budget tips
  • Cambodia uses USD alongside the riel. Street food meals cost $1-$2. Tuk-tuks are cheap for getting around. Angkor Wat 3-day pass ($62) offers the best value. Stay in Siem Reap rather than temple-adjacent hotels. Eat at local markets and street stalls. Negotiate tuk-tuk prices before riding. Visit during shoulder season (November, March-April).
Worth the splurge
  • Stay at Shinta Mani Angkor for boutique luxury near the temples
  • Private sunrise tour of Angkor Wat with photographer guide
  • Song Saa Private Island in Koh Rong Archipelago
Local discounts
  • Angkor 1-day $37, 3-day $62. Siem Reap to Phnom Penh bus $10. Tuk-tuks $2-3 short rides. Most temples outside Angkor complex are free.
Budget stays
  • Siem Reap hostels from $5-8/night
  • Phnom Penh guesthouses from $8-12/night
  • Kampot budget rooms from $6/night
Luxury options
  • Shinta Mani Angkor Siem Reap
  • Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh
  • Song Saa Private Island
Free things to do
  • Walking Phnom Penh riverfront promenade
  • Sunset from Phnom Bakheng (with Angkor pass)
  • Exploring Siem Reap Pub Street atmosphere
  • Walking Kampot riverside
  • Night market browsing
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is Angkor Wat entry?

1-day pass $37, 3-day pass $62 (best value for 2+ days), 7-day pass $72. Passes include all temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is included — no extra fee.

What currency is used in Cambodia?

US Dollar is the primary currency. Local riel is used for change under $1. ATMs dispense USD. No need to exchange money — bring USD directly.

Planning the trip? Read the full Cambodia guide.

Last reviewed Data: Editorial research · Published daily-cost surveys