What budget to Plan for a Trip to Cambodia?

Planning a trip to Cambodia requires good financial planning. The cost varies depending on the length of stay, lifestyle, and planned activities. The average daily budget ranges between 24 and 122 euros, with the cost of living being lower than in France. For a two-week to one-month stay, the budget could range from 500 to 1360 euros per person. Keep in mind that the local purchasing power is much lower. So, how much should you budget for a trip to Cambodia?

Good to know about your Cambodia travel budget

Traveler Budget Comparison

Budget Traveler	Mid-Range Traveler	Luxury Traveler
Meals in local restaurants: 5 to 10 USD per day.	Meals in mid-range restaurants: 10 to 20 USD per day.	Meals in high-end restaurants: 20 USD and more per meal.
Tuk-tuk/Passap transport: 2 to 5 USD per trip in the city.	Taxi transport: 10 to 20 USD per trip.	Taxi or private car transport: 20 USD and more per trip.
Tourist visits and activities: 5 to 10 USD per day.	Tourist visits and activities: 10 to 20 USD per day.	High-end tourist activities: 20 USD and more per day.

Is life expensive in Cambodia?

The cost of living in Cambodia is generally low, making it an attractive destination for budget travelers. However, prices vary depending on the city, services, and chosen activities.

• For accommodation, for example, you can find hostels from 2 euros per night, while luxury hotels can cost up to 50 euros per night.
• Meals in local restaurants are generally cheap, with an average cost of around 3 euros per meal, while meals in high-end restaurants can cost up to 20 euros.
• Transportation costs also vary: a tuk-tuk ride costs about 1 to 2 euros, and renting a bike for a day typically costs less than 2 euros.

It’s also worth noting that Cambodia uses two currencies: The Cambodian Riel and the US Dollar, which can affect the cost of living.

What budget for a flight from France to Cambodia?

Flight from Paris to Phnom Penh

There are no direct flights to Cambodia from France, Belgium, or Switzerland. A minimum of one stopover is required. The country’s two main international airports are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Asian airlines such as Air China, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines primarily offer flights. The average price for a round-trip flight to Cambodia is about 890.00€.

When to book your flight to Cambodia?

The price of flights mainly depends on when you book. Ideally, you’ll save money by booking your ticket 4 to 6 months in advance of your planned trip. Booking 0 to 1 month before your trip will likely be the most expensive.

There are price fluctuations depending on when you book: March is the best month (-120€ compared to the average price), while August is the worst time (+260€ compared to the average price).

Month	Price Level
January	Good price
February	Good price
March	Very good price
April	Average price
May	Good price
June	Good price
July	High price
August	Very high price
September	Good price
October	Average price
November	Good price
December	Average price

Pre-departure budget for Cambodia

Cambodian Visa

There are two options for obtaining your visa:

- E-visa, which can be obtained online for $36 per person at [https://www.evisa.gov.kh/] (https://www.evisa.gov.kh/).

- Visa on arrival, which can be obtained upon landing by presenting your passport for $30 per person.

Travel insurance

Travel and repatriation insurance is strongly recommended for any trip. Before purchasing insurance, check with your credit card provider, as many offer comprehensive coverage for up to 90 days of travel.

Insurance for a 14-day stay in Cambodia or supplementary coverage should cost between 18€ and 35€.

Recommended vaccinations

 

While vaccinations are not mandatory for travel to Cambodia, it is recommended to follow the advice of the Pasteur Institute:

- Hepatitis A: around 25€ (65% reimbursed by social security).

- Japanese Encephalitis: around 105€.

- Hepatitis B: around 6.50€ for children and 12.60€ for adults.

- Rabies: around 60€.

- Typhoid: around 36€.

Average daily budget in Cambodia

Food expenses: How much to budget?

There is a wide range of choices in the city, both in terms of price and variety, from local restaurants to "Western" or "Asian" ones. For budget travelers, expect to spend around 7€ per person per meal, 15€ for mid-range budgets, and 21€ for high-end budgets.

How much do transportation costs in Cambodia?

Tuk-Tuks

The tuk-tuk is widely used in cities. Note that the traditional 4-seat "tuk-tuk trailer" is different from the Indian 3-wheeled model, also called a "rickshaw." The latter, which accommodates 3 people, is the most commonly used in cities and is the most affordable and fastest option. Expect to pay between 2 and 8 dollars per ride, depending on the duration and distance. Drivers are open to negotiation.

In recent years, apps like Passap, Grab, and Tada (equivalent to Uber in France) have been introduced, eliminating the need for bargaining by showing the fare in advance. Each of these platforms offers different tuk-tuk options, with Grab providing moto-taxis (or “motodops” in Cambodia), while others do not. Tada specializes in electric tuk-tuks.

Taxis

Sedan or SUV taxis are also available through these apps. Expect to pay around 0.50€ per kilometer. Private taxis are more expensive, with rates ranging from 20 to 50 euros depending on the distance.

Buses for short and long distances

For intercity travel, buses are the most economical option, starting at 5 euros for short trips, up to 15 euros for longer journeys. 

Domestic flights

For air travel, the cost of a domestic flight starts at $100. Prices may vary depending on the season and demand.

Motorbikes

Finally, renting a scooter or bicycle can be an interesting option for local travel, with prices ranging from 5 to 10 euros per day. It’s good to note that rates can fluctuate depending on the season and demand. Therefore, booking in advance, especially during the high tourist season, is advisable.

Cost of tourist activities: What to expect?

Tourist activities account for a significant portion of the budget for a trip to Cambodia. For example, entrance to the Angkor Wat temples costs about $20 for a one-day pass. For water activities like boat tours, expect to pay between 10 and 30 euros per day.

If you plan to visit multiple sites, it may be worthwhile to purchase multi-site or multi-day passes. For example, a pass for the Angkor temples is available for 1, 3, or 7 days.

For those interested in Cambodian cuisine, cooking workshops are also offered, with prices ranging from 15 to 25 euros per person.

For outdoor activities like trekking or cycling, costs vary depending on the length and difficulty of the itinerary. Some activities, such as visiting certain temples or monuments or exploring local markets, are free.

The cost of activities can vary depending on the season, site popularity, and the type of service (private guide, group tour, etc.). It’s recommended to gather information in advance and allocate a suitable budget.

Accommodation budget: What options to choose?

Accommodation plays a key part in your travel budget planning. In Cambodia, you have a range of options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

• Hostels are the most affordable option, often costing under 10€ per night.
• Mid-range hotels offer good value for money, with rates ranging from 15 to 50€ per night.
• Luxury hotels and resorts can cost significantly more but provide high-end services and amenities.

There are also more rustic and eco-friendly accommodation options outside major cities, such as beachside bungalows or jungle lodges. These can cost between 20 and 100€ per night.

The location can also influence accommodation costs. Hotels located in tourist areas may be more expensive, but you’ll save on transportation to major attractions. Accommodation outside tourist zones is generally cheaper but requires factoring in transport costs to the city center.

Be sure to consider your personal needs and preferences when choosing your accommodation.

Tips for optimizing your budget while traveling in Cambodia

To optimize your budget while traveling in Cambodia, consider these tips:

1. Prefer local food: Eating at local restaurants or street stalls can be much cheaper than dining at Western restaurants. Local dishes like Amok are not only delicious but also very affordable.
2. Use public transport: If staying in the city, opt for local buses or tuk-tuks to save on transportation costs.
3. Stay outside tourist areas: Accommodation outside tourist zones is usually cheaper, though you’ll need to account for transportation costs to reach major attractions.
4. Plan activities in advance: Booking your tourist activities ahead of time could save you money with discounts.
5. Choose the right season: Avoiding high season could allow you to enjoy lower accommodation and activity rates.
6. Watch out for bank fees: Some banks charge fees for foreign withdrawals or payments. It’s best to check before departure.

Traveler reviews on the required budget for Cambodia

Experience feedback from a 3-week trip

My three-week stay in Cambodia was incredible and managed on a reasonable budget. For a similar experience, expect an average budget of 22.5€ per day per person. This budget includes everything from meals to tourist activities, accommodation, and transportation.

• Food: Meals at local restaurants or street food stalls are very affordable and tasty. Street food costs around 2€ per meal.
• Transportation: Traveling by tuk-tuk or bus is inexpensive. Renting a scooter is another cost-effective option for local transportation, with an average cost of 10€ per day. 
• Activities: Entry to the Angkor temples is a must, with a pass costing between 30€ and 60€, depending on the chosen duration (1, 3, or 7 days). Other activities, such as cooking classes, cost around 15€ per person.
• Accommodation: Accommodation options in Cambodia are diverse and suitable for all budgets. I opted for mid-range accommodations, which cost between 20€ and 30€ per night

I recommend planning ahead and booking in advance to secure the best rates.

Cost of a family trip to Cambodia

Traveling to Cambodia with your family requires specific financial planning. The average daily budget for a family of four is around 96€, which includes meals, accommodation, transportation, and activities.

• Meals: For a family of four, expect to spend between 28€ and 84€ per day when eating at local restaurants.
• Accommodation: Depending on the desired level of comfort, the price of a hotel room for four people ranges from 20€ to 100€ per night.
• Transportation: Internal transportation costs range from 10€ to 50€ per day, depending on the mode of transport chosen (tuk-tuk, taxi, bus, domestic flight, or bike/scooter rental).
• Activities: The budget for site entry fees, activities, and guided tours depends on your interests.

Additionally, don’t forget to account for the cost of flights to Cambodia. For a family of four, expect a budget of around 2,000€ to 3,500€ for round-trip tickets.

What is the best month to visit Cambodia? Impact on budget

The choice of travel month can have a significant impact on your budget for Cambodia. The country experiences seasonal variations, with the high tourist season from November to February, during which the weather is more pleasant. 

However, this period also corresponds to higher prices for flights, accommodation, and some tourist activities. For instance, flight prices may increase by 10% to 20% compared to the low season. 

Conversely, the rainy season, from June to October, is generally less crowded by tourists. Prices are lower during this time, which can lead to savings, but the more unstable weather may limit access to some activities. 

It is therefore essential to plan ahead and consider these seasonal variations when planning your trip. 

FAQ - Your questions

1- Is Cambodia an expensive destination? 

Cambodia is generally considered an affordable destination for travelers. The cost of living is relatively low, allowing those on a tight budget to enjoy their stay fully. However, like in any country, expenses can vary significantly depending on the desired level of comfort.

• Meals at local restaurants are typically inexpensive, with main dishes rarely costing more than a few dollars. 
• Transportation is also affordable, especially if you use local transport such as tuk-tuks or buses. 
• Tourist activities, such as visiting the Angkor temples, can be a significant part of the budget but are usually still accessible. 
• Finally, accommodation varies greatly depending on comfort and location. Budget travelers can find hostels for just a few dollars per night, while luxury hotels can cost several hundred dollars.

It is entirely possible to travel in Cambodia on a limited budget, provided you plan carefully and make wise choices regarding accommodation, meals, and activities.

2- What budget for 2 weeks in Cambodia?

Planning a budget for a two-week stay in Cambodia depends on your travel habits and the level of comfort you desire. 

On average, for a budget-friendly trip, expect to spend around 510€ per person. This budget covers transportation, accommodation, food, and tourist activities. 

If you’re planning a more luxurious trip, the budget can go up to 1,500€ per person, including high-end accommodations, quality restaurant meals, and more expensive activities. 

Here’s an example of how the average budget for two weeks in Cambodia might break down:

• Accommodation: Expect to spend between 200€ and 700€, depending on the type of establishment chosen.
• Food: For meals, budget around 70€ to 210€.
• Transportation: On-the-ground transportation costs can range from 70€ to 350€.
• Activities: For visits and tourist activities, budget around 150€ to 240€.

These estimates are indicative and can vary based on personal choices and the time of year you travel. It’s advisable to allocate extra budget for unexpected expenses.

3- Cost of Living Comparison: Cambodia vs. Laos and Thailand

When comparing the cost of living in Cambodia with its neighbors, Laos and Thailand, there are significant differences. 

Thailand, a popular tourist destination, has a slightly higher cost of living than Cambodia. Hotel prices, meals, and tourist activities are generally more expensive there. 

In Laos, although it is less visited, the cost of living is higher than in Cambodia, particularly for accommodation and meals. 

These differences can impact your budget depending on which country you visit. Therefore, it’s recommended to research the cost of living in each country before planning your trip.