Cambodia Backpacking Budget 2026
How much does it actually cost to travel Cambodia? Full daily budget breakdown covering Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, the islands and every type of traveller.
Daily Budget Tiers
Dorm hostels, local food stalls, tuk tuks, budget guesthouses
Guesthouses with AC, restaurants, guided temple tours, island ferries
Boutique hotels, fine dining, private guides, boat charters
Cambodia Price Guide 2026
| Item | USD | GBP approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Dorm bed (Siem Reap/Phnom Penh) | $4-8 USD | £3-6 |
| Budget private room (AC) | $10-20 USD | £8-16 |
| Khmer rice dish (local restaurant) | $1.50-3 USD | £1.20-2.40 |
| Restaurant meal (tourist area) | $4-8 USD | £3.15-6.30 |
| Angkor Craft Beer (bar) | $1.50-2.50 USD | £1.20-2 |
| Fresh fruit smoothie | $1.50-2 USD | £1.20-1.60 |
| Tuk tuk (short ride) | $1-3 USD | £0.80-2.40 |
| Tuk tuk for the day (Angkor temples) | $15-20 USD | £12-16 |
| Bus: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | $7-12 USD | £5.50-9.50 |
| Bus: Phnom Penh to Kampot | $5-8 USD | £4-6.30 |
| Angkor Wat 1-day pass | $37 USD | £29 |
| Angkor Wat 3-day pass | $62 USD | £49 |
| Ferry: Sihanoukville to Koh Rong | $10-15 USD | £8-12 |
| Motorbike hire (per day) | $8-15 USD | £6.30-12 |
| Tourist SIM (30 days) | $3-5 USD | £2.40-4 |
| Khmer cooking class | $20-30 USD | £16-24 |
Cost Breakdown by Category
Visa
E-visa required for most nationalities, $36 USD online at evisa.gov.kh, valid 30 days single entry. Visa on arrival also available at borders.
SIM Card
Smart or Metfone tourist SIM, around $3-5 USD for 30 days data. Buy at the airport or any phone shop.
Top Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to backpack Cambodia for a month?
A budget backpacker can travel Cambodia for around £400-600 per month ($500-750 USD). This includes dorm beds or cheap private rooms, local food, tuk tuk transport and the Angkor Wat entry fee. Cambodia remains one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. Mid-range travellers should budget £800-1,200 per month.
Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
Yes, most nationalities need a visa for Cambodia. An e-visa costs $36 USD and can be applied for online at evisa.gov.kh. It allows 30 days single entry. A visa on arrival is also available at international airports and major land borders for the same fee. The e-visa is recommended to avoid queues.
What currency is used in Cambodia?
Cambodia uses both the US Dollar and the Cambodian Riel (KHR). USD is accepted almost everywhere for payments, and change is often given in a mix of USD and Riel. ATMs dispense USD. It is easiest to carry USD, bring small bills as $100 notes can be refused.
How much does Angkor Wat cost to visit?
Angkor Wat entry passes are purchased at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket centre. A 1-day pass costs $37 USD (£29), a 3-day pass is $62 USD (£49) and a 7-day pass is $72 USD (£57). Tickets are non-transferable and require a passport photo taken on-site. The temples open at 5am for sunrise viewing.
What is the best app for tracking a Cambodia travel budget?
BudgetBro lets you track expenses in US Dollars (the currency used throughout Cambodia) as well as your home currency, so you always know your true spend. Set a daily budget, log expenses instantly and ask the AI companion how your trip is tracking. Free on iOS and Android.
Track Your Cambodia Budget with BudgetBro
Log expenses in USD and your home currency, set a daily limit, and ask the AI companion how you are tracking. Free on iOS and Android.