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).