Travelers Guide

Cambodia is one of my all time favorite destinations. It may be a flawed, corrupt, barren country, but it is filled with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever encountered, rich history, delicious food, beautiful coastline, and a lively nightlife. Cambodia is a country still trying to find its way. Development hasn’t been great, as corrupt officials have hindered growth by selling off most of the country to investors. But in all my visits here, I always fall more madly in love with the place and can’t recommend it enough to everyone I meet.

Typical Costs

Accommodation – Dorm rooms in hostels start at around 17, 000-21, 000 KHR. Private rooms generally go for 20, 000-40, 000 KHR per night. You can get comfortable hotels for 60, 000-80, 000 KHR with air con, tv, and other amenities. Beyond that, the sky is the limit but I’ve never needed to spend more than 100, 000 KHR per night for luxury in this country.

Food – Food is very cheap in Cambodia. Local street vendors will cost you about 4, 000-8, 000 KHR per meal, and basic restaurant meals will cost between 12, 000-20, 000 KHR. Western meals at nice restaurants go between 20, 000-40, 000 KHR. You can get some really world class food in Phnom Phen these days for around 32, 000-40, 000 KHR.

Transportation – Local city transportation is cheap, costing only a few dollars. You can get a bus anywhere in the country for under 40, 000 KHR and renting a driver for the day will set you back between 60, 000-80, 000 KHR.

Activities – You can find a little bit of everything here, from free to relatively expensive. Those planning on visiting Angkor (most are) should factor in the cost of entrance fees, about 80, 000 KHR per day, as well as the cost to travel there. Other tours, hikes, and entrance fees are between 40, 000-80, 000 KHR depending on the length and popularity of the activity.

Money Saving Tips

Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. There really aren’t any big money saving tips here because just by being here, you are saving money. Food, accommodation, and transportation are all dirt cheap.

Minimize your drinks – Drinks, though, really add up. Every drink is a dollar and before you know it, you’ve spent more money on beer than on food and accommodation. There’s no reason this country should cost you more than 80, 000 KHR per day but if you drink a lot, you’ll need a slightly higher budget.