Cambodia has a reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest destinations, a place where backpackers live on a few dollars a day and sunsets over Angkor Wat somehow feel like a bargain. But how cheap is Cambodia in 2026, really? With rising tourism, inflation, and a wave of new boutique hotels and cafés, prices have shifted.

This guide breaks down what you will actually spend on a modern budget trip to Cambodia, from street food and hostels to long-distance buses and temple passes, so you can plan with realistic numbers instead of outdated legends.

What “Budget” Really Means in Cambodia Today

Before looking at line-by-line costs, it is important to define what “budget” means in a country that still ranks among the most affordable in Asia but where tourism hotspots have seen sharp price increases.

A backpacker living off instant noodles will spend very differently than a flashpacker seeking private rooms, air conditioning, and daily cappuccinos. Cambodia can still be extremely cheap, but only if you travel in a way that matches local prices rather than imported expectations.

Backpacker Budget: The Bare Minimum

If you are willing to sleep in hostel dorms, eat mostly street food or basic local eateries, travel by bus, and limit nightlife and paid activities, Cambodia can still be remarkably affordable. In smaller cities and less touristed areas, beds and meals remain cheap compared with neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.

On this kind of low-end budget, many backpackers report daily costs in the range of 25 to 35 US dollars per person, excluding international flights.

That amount typically covers a dorm bed, three local meals, simple transport, drinking water, and a modest daily allowance for coffee, snacks, or the occasional beer. On days with bigger ticket items such as the Angkor Archaeological Park or island boat trips, your spending will spike.

Mid-Range Budget: Comfort Without Luxury

Travelers who want private en suite rooms, air conditioning, better restaurants, and more paid experiences will find Cambodia still competitively priced, but no longer dirt cheap. Boutique guesthouses and small hotels sit in the 30 to 60 dollar per night range in major destinations, and that alone doubles a backpacker budget.

On a mid-range budget, expect to spend around 60 to 100 dollars per person per day if you share a room, eat a mix of local and international food, and include some activities, massages, and moderate nightlife. Staying in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap city centers and booking last minute during high season will push you toward the upper end of that range.

Higher-End on a Budget Destination

Some visitors treat Cambodia as a place to “upgrade” their usual travel style, using the relatively low baseline prices to enjoy nicer hotels and dining at a fraction of what they would pay in Western cities.

A traveler staying in branded four-star hotels, eating at top-rated restaurants most nights and booking private tours can easily spend 150 to 250 dollars per person per day, even though the country itself is considered inexpensive.

This level of spending is no longer “budget” in absolute terms, but it illustrates an important point.

Cambodia is cheap relative to many destinations, yet tourist infrastructure in prime locations increasingly targets travelers with substantial disposable income. Understanding that split between local affordability and international pricing is key to planning a budget-conscious itinerary.

Accommodation Costs: Hostels to Boutique Hotels

Accommodation is where the gap between shoestring and comfortable travel becomes most obvious. In Cambodia, you can still find a bed for under 10 dollars, but you can also burn through your daily budget with a single night in a stylish riverside hotel.

Prices vary by city, by season, and by how close you stay to major sights like Angkor Wat or the beaches of Sihanoukville and the islands.

Dorm Beds and Basic Guesthouses

In 2026, hostel dorm beds in popular backpacker areas of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot often range from about 5 to 12 US dollars per night, depending on bed count, air conditioning, and facilities.

The cheapest beds sometimes rise during high season from November to February and drop slightly during the hottest pre-monsoon months.

Basic guesthouses and budget hotels with simple private rooms, usually with fan or basic air conditioning, start around 12 to 20 dollars in major destinations, and can be slightly cheaper in smaller towns.

These places are usually clean but plain and may not offer services like airport pickups or tour desks.

Mid-Range and Boutique Options

Small boutique hotels, stylish hostels with private rooms, and mid-range properties in central Siem Reap or along the rivers in Phnom Penh and Kampot generally fall between 30 and 60 dollars for a comfortable double room.

At this price point you can expect air conditioning, private bathrooms, hot showers, and often a small pool or decent breakfast.

In Siem Reap in particular, competition keeps quality high. Many family-run boutique hotels offer strong value, making it possible to enjoy a resort-like experience without a luxury price tag. Travelers upgrading from hostel life often find this the sweet spot between cost and comfort.

When Prices Jump: High Season and Hotspots

Accommodation prices rise significantly in peak tourist season, particularly around major holidays such as Christmas and New Year. The most popular riverside or near-temple neighborhoods in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh can sell out, pushing late bookers toward pricier options.

Beach destinations have also changed. Parts of Sihanoukville have shifted toward large-scale development and casinos, while offshore islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem have more limited inventory in the most desirable beachfront stretches.

On prime beaches, even simple bungalows may cost more than equivalent quality inland. Budget travelers who are flexible on exact location and book in advance will still find decent deals.

Food and Drink: From Street Stalls to Trendy Cafés

Food is where Cambodia can feel wonderfully cheap or surprisingly expensive, depending on where and what you choose to eat. The country’s traditional markets, street stalls, and family restaurants offer some of the best value meals in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, the café culture and international dining scenes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are increasingly priced for expats and upwardly mobile locals.

Street Food and Local Eateries

Simple local rice or noodle dishes at street stalls or market food courts often range from 1.50 to 3 dollars, with grilled meats, soups, and stir-fries falling into the same band. Breakfast dishes such as rice porridge or noodle soup tend to be at the lower end of that spectrum, especially outside tourist centers.

In small, family-run Cambodian restaurants frequented mostly by locals, main dishes are typically between 2 and 4 dollars. Portions are generous, and ordering shared plates with rice can keep individual costs very low.

Many travelers who stick largely to these venues find that their total food spending stays modest, even as broader economic changes push up wages and ingredient costs.

International Restaurants and Coffee Culture

Cambodia’s main cities now support a sophisticated network of Western-style cafés, bakeries, burger bars, and international restaurants. These places are convenient, often beautifully designed, and usually offer reliable Wi-Fi, but they come at a premium compared with local eateries.

A Western-style main course in a tourist-focused restaurant can cost 6 to 12 dollars, while artisanal coffee drinks are often priced similarly to those in Western cities.

A latte in a fashionable Siem Reap café may run 2.50 to 4 dollars, a price that quickly adds up for budget travelers who treat coffee breaks and brunch as daily rituals rather than occasional indulges.

Alcohol, Nightlife, and Hidden Drink Costs

Beer remains relatively inexpensive, especially local draught options. In backpacker bars, basic draft beer may be offered during happy hours for around 0.50 to 1 dollar per glass, while bottled beer in restaurants often costs 1.50 to 3 dollars. Wine and imported spirits are much more expensive, reflecting import taxes and distribution costs.

In nightlife districts of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, cocktail prices can rival those of mid-priced Western bars, often landing between 4 and 8 dollars.

Travelers who go out most nights and favor cocktails, wine, or craft beer will discover that alcohol quickly becomes one of their largest daily expenses, quietly undermining any notion of a rock-bottom budget trip.

Transport and Getting Around on a Budget

Transport is another area where Cambodia remains favorable for those watching their wallets. Local buses, ride-hailing platforms, and shared taxis make it straightforward to move between cities and around urban areas without renting a car.

However, poor roads in some regions and weather-related disruptions can lengthen travel times and add costs to rushed itineraries.

Tuk-tuks, Motos, and Urban Transport

In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, app-based ride services have made negotiating fares simpler, with transparent pricing and electronic payment options. Short rides within city centers often cost 1.50 to 3 dollars for a tuk-tuk, and motorbike rides are sometimes a bit cheaper.

Traditional street-hail tuk-tuks may quote higher initial prices to visitors, but polite bargaining usually brings fares down to a similar level.

Public buses are limited in some cities and less commonly used by short-term visitors. Where they exist, fares are extremely low, but schedules and routes can be confusing without local knowledge. For many travelers, a combination of walking and ride-hailing remains the most practical method of getting around urban areas.

Intercity Buses and Vans

Long-distance buses between major destinations such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, and Battambang typically cost 8 to 20 dollars, depending on distance, operator, and class of service.

Standard buses are cheaper, while “VIP” or “luxury” minibuses and coaches with more legroom, air conditioning, and fewer stops sit at the higher end of that range.

The condition of roads has improved on some key routes, but travel times can still be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season when flooding and potholes delay traffic.

This matters for budget travelers because attempting to cover too much ground in a short trip can mean more rushed connections, higher last-minute fares, and the occasional need for private transfers when schedules do not align.

Domestic Flights, Boats, and Island Transfers

Domestic flights exist between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, but they are rarely a true budget option compared with buses. Tickets often range from about 60 to 150 dollars one way, depending on date and demand.

For most travelers trying to keep costs down, flying within Cambodia makes sense only when time is very short or when overland routes are disrupted.

Boat transfers to islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem usually cost 15 to 30 dollars return, depending on operator and speed of the vessel. These fares add up quickly if you are visiting multiple islands. In some river towns, short boat trips and sunset cruises are an affordable treat, but not essential for those counting every dollar.

Sightseeing, Angkor Wat, and Activity Costs

Temple ruins, colonial-era architecture, riverside promenades, and countryside landscapes provide much of Cambodia’s appeal. Many smaller sights are free or very inexpensive, but some headline attractions, especially Angkor Archaeological Park, carry significant entrance fees. Understanding these costs ahead of time helps set realistic expectations for both your budget and your schedule.

Angkor Archaeological Park: The Big Ticket

The entrance pass for Angkor Archaeological Park is often the single largest expense on a Cambodia trip outside of accommodation.

Ticket prices for one-, three-, and seven-day passes are designed to encourage deeper exploration rather than a rushed visit. Many travelers now choose the multi-day options, not only for better value per day, but also to avoid fatigue from trying to see everything at once.

On top of the pass itself, you will pay for tuk-tuk or car transport to the temples, which commonly runs 15 to 30 dollars per day, depending on how far you go and the duration of your tour.

Hiring a licensed guide for at least one day of temple exploration can add another meaningful cost, but also greatly enriches the experience by providing historical context and navigating less crowded routes.

Museums, Killing Fields, and Historical Sites

In Phnom Penh, entry fees to major historical sites such as the former S-21 prison and the Killing Fields are modest compared with Western museums but still substantial within a tight budget. Audio guides or local guides add to the total but provide valuable context for places that are emotionally heavy and historically complex.

Other museums and cultural centers across the country often charge small entrance fees, typically a few dollars. While none of these will break your budget individually, a busy sightseeing schedule over several days can turn museum admissions into a noticeable line item.

Outdoor Activities and Day Trips

Beyond temples and museums, many visitors enjoy countryside bike tours, cooking classes, kayaking or paddleboarding, and visits to floating villages or pepper farms.

Group tours, especially those booked locally rather than through international agencies, are often fairly priced, but private tours and custom itineraries can rise steeply in cost.

A half-day group excursion might cost 20 to 35 dollars per person, including some transport and a guide. Full-day tours and more specialized experiences like diving or multi-day treks can easily exceed 60 dollars per person. Budget travelers may need to choose a few standout activities rather than doing everything available.

Money, Payments, and Saving Smart

How you handle money in Cambodia has a direct impact on how far your funds go. The country operates on a dual-currency system and is increasingly digital in larger cities, yet cash still dominates in markets and rural areas.

Avoiding unnecessary fees and understanding local pricing norms will help you keep your budget on track.

US Dollars, Riel, and Exchange Nuances

Cambodia commonly uses both US dollars and the local riel. Prices in tourist areas are often quoted in dollars, particularly for hotels, restaurants, and tours, while small purchases at local shops and markets may be in riel. Change from a dollar transaction is frequently given in riel, especially for amounts under one dollar.

Because this dual system is sensitive to exchange rate movements and rounding, visiting travelers sometimes lose small amounts when paying in large bills or accepting poor conversion rates.

Carrying a mix of smaller US dollar notes and being comfortable with approximate riel values helps avoid overpaying. Those on strict budgets will benefit from checking current exchange rates before arrival and periodically during their trip.

ATMs, Fees, and Safety

ATMs are widely available in cities and main tourist destinations, but many foreign cards incur both local withdrawal fees and charges from home banks. Over the course of a longer trip, these small hits add up. Withdrawing larger sums less often can help minimize fees, though it demands extra care in storing and carrying cash.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and upmarket shops in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other developed hubs.

However, smaller businesses remain cash-only. Budget travelers should plan a hybrid strategy, using cards where possible but always carrying enough cash for daily expenses and any unexpected disruptions.

Bargaining, Tipping, and Avoiding Tourist Traps

In markets and informal transport, bargaining is still common. Negotiations are generally good-natured, and a polite but firm approach can reduce initial “tourist prices” to more reasonable levels. Knowing approximate fair prices for tuk-tuk rides or souvenirs keeps you from overspending and also prevents underpaying local vendors.

Tipping is not obligatory in the way it is in some countries, but modest gratuities for good service are increasingly common in tourist restaurants and on guided tours.

A tip of 1 to 3 dollars for a meal in a mid-range restaurant or more for excellent guiding on a day tour is appreciated. Factoring these customary tips into your budget from the beginning prevents them from feeling like hidden costs.

Sample Daily Budgets for Different Travel Styles

To understand what “cheap” looks like in practice, it helps to translate prices into sample daily budgets. These rough estimates assume you are visiting popular areas such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the southern coast, and do not include international airfare or major shopping sprees. They presented in US dollars for clarity.

Ultra-Budget Backpacker

This category suits travelers who prioritize cost above comfort, are happy with dormitory beds, and mostly eat at street stalls or very basic local eateries. Alcohol consumption is limited and activities are chosen carefully.

  • Accommodation: 6 to 10 dollars for a hostel dorm bed
  • Food and drink: 8 to 12 dollars for three local meals, snacks, and water
  • Local transport: 3 to 6 dollars for tuk-tuks and short rides
  • Sightseeing and extras: 5 to 10 dollars averaged out over several days

A realistic total for this style is around 25 to 35 dollars per day. Days with major tickets like Angkor Wat will pull the average upward, but slower days spent exploring markets and neighborhoods on foot will bring it back down.

Comfortable Budget or Flashpacker

Here, the traveler wants private rooms, better dining options, and a few organized activities, but still keeps a close eye on value. This is probably the most common profile among independent visitors in their late twenties and beyond.

  • Accommodation: 25 to 45 dollars per person, assuming a mid-range room shared between two people
  • Food and drink: 15 to 25 dollars for a mix of local and Western meals and moderate alcohol
  • Transport: 5 to 10 dollars for tuk-tuks, ride-hailing, and occasional taxis
  • Sightseeing and activities: 10 to 25 dollars per day on average

This produces a daily total between roughly 60 and 100 dollars per person, depending on choices. Over a two-week trip, that difference adds up significantly, so being intentional about where you are willing to spend more makes sense.

Higher-End Traveler in a Budget Country

This traveler chooses Cambodia for its culture and scenery as much as its affordability, but is not actively trying to keep costs down. They select boutique or branded hotels, dine in highly rated restaurants, and hire private guides and cars for convenience.

  • Accommodation: 70 to 150 dollars per person, assuming an upscale hotel room shared between two people
  • Food and drink: 30 to 50 dollars for high-end dining and regular alcohol
  • Transport: 10 to 25 dollars, including private transfers and airport pickups
  • Sightseeing and activities: 25 to 60 dollars per day on tours and experiences

Total daily spending falls around 150 to 250 dollars per person. While this level of expense is far from “cheap,” it still buys more comfort and service than in many other parts of the world at similar price points.

The Takeaway

So, how cheap is Cambodia really? The answer depends less on the country and more on how you choose to travel. Cambodia in 2026 is no longer the near-mythical land of three-dollar guesthouses and one-dollar feasts for everyone, everywhere.

In the major tourist hubs, prices for accommodation, Western-style restaurants, and organized activities have climbed steadily. Yet at street level and in local neighborhoods, the country remains one of Southeast Asia’s best-value destinations.

If you embrace local food, use public and shared transport, and are selective about paid activities and alcohol, you can still travel comfortably on a modest daily budget. If you want international comfort and convenience at every step, Cambodia will feel less “cheap” but still competitive compared with Western destinations.

The key is to align your expectations, travel style, and daily spending, so that the country’s genuine affordability works in your favor rather than being overshadowed by rising tourist prices.

FAQ

Q1: Is Cambodia cheaper than Thailand and Vietnam for budget travelers?
For true shoestring travelers who mostly eat local food and stay in basic hostels or guesthouses, Cambodia can still be slightly cheaper than Thailand and comparable to or a bit lower than Vietnam. However, mid-range hotels, Western restaurants, and organized tours in Cambodian hotspots can cost as much as or more than similar offerings in neighboring countries.

Q2: How much should I budget per day for a basic but comfortable trip?
If you want a private room with air conditioning, mostly local food with some Western meals, and a few paid attractions or tours, a realistic target is around 60 to 100 US dollars per person per day, assuming you share accommodation with a partner or friend.

Q3: Is it still possible to travel Cambodia for under 30 dollars a day?
Yes, it is possible if you sleep in dorms, eat at the cheapest local spots, limit alcohol, and choose only occasional paid activities. You will need to be disciplined, avoid Western-style cafés and restaurants, and travel overland rather than fly domestically.

Q4: Are prices higher in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh compared with other areas?
In general, yes. Accommodation, Western food, and organized tours in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh tend to be more expensive than in smaller cities and rural areas. Tourist-oriented neighborhoods in these cities also price many goods and services in US dollars, which can push costs above local levels.

Q5: Do I need to carry a lot of cash in Cambodia?
You should carry enough cash for daily expenses, especially in markets, small shops, and rural areas where cards are not accepted. In major cities and tourist hubs, many hotels and larger restaurants accept cards, but it is unwise to rely on cards alone. A mix of US dollars and local riel works best.

Q6: How much will a visit to Angkor Wat add to my budget?
A visit to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complex is often one of the most substantial single costs in a Cambodia trip. You need to factor in the entrance pass plus daily transport to the temples and, if you choose, a licensed guide. Spread over several days of temple visits, this can raise your average daily cost by a noticeable amount.

Q7: Is street food safe enough for budget travelers trying to save money?
Street food in Cambodia is widely enjoyed by locals and many travelers. Focusing on busy stalls where food turnover is high and dishes are cooked fresh helps reduce risk. While no street food is risk-free, many visitors eat it without issues and appreciate the savings compared with tourist restaurants.

Q8: Are domestic flights in Cambodia worth it for budget travelers?
For most budget-conscious visitors, domestic flights are not worth the extra cost compared with buses or vans, unless time is very limited or road conditions are temporarily poor. Flights are significantly more expensive than overland options and can quickly inflate an otherwise modest budget.

Q9: How much should I plan to spend on tips and small service charges?
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In budget restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is common, while in mid-range places a tip of a few dollars is generous. For guides and drivers on day tours, it is courteous to budget extra to reward good service. These amounts are small individually but worth including in your overall planning.

Q10: What is the biggest factor that makes a Cambodia trip more or less expensive?
The biggest factor is usually your choice of accommodation and how often you eat and drink in Western-style venues. A private air-conditioned room in a boutique hotel and daily visits to international cafés and bars will raise your costs far more than local transport or basic sightseeing fees. Being deliberate about where you are willing to splurge makes the most difference to your overall budget.