In early 2023, I travelled to Cambodia for six days (read about my itinerary here). Even though Cambodia is still a very affordable destination, prices have increased significantly compared to pre-covid times. Unfortunately, covid-19 restrictions resulted in lots of business closures. Consequently, prices increased not only for tourism-related services but also for everyday-life necessities. That’s why I’m dedicating today’s blog post to an updated, post-covid Cambodia travel budget for 2023.
If you are planning to travel to Cambodia in 2023, it is important to consider the following costs for your trip:
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Cambodia varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Budget hotels and guesthouses can cost as little as €10 per night, while luxury hotels can cost upwards of €100 per night. I recommend you check out the many hostels, which are partly very beautiful and quality. Hostels in Cambodia are similarly priced to elsewhere in Southeast Asia. You can expect to spend around €5-10 a night for a dorm bed, and €15 for a private room. Accordingly, if you’re traveling as a couple like me, you may end up spending similar amounts for a private room, as opposed to going with two beds in a dorm.
Daily budget
Our daily budget in Cambodia amounted to €36 per person. That included food and drinks (€5-15), entrance fees for i.e. Angkor Wat (€58), local transportation (€2-25, excluding inter-city buses), spa activities (€3-30), souvenirs (€1-5), a local sim card with data (€10), health expenses and others. In my view, recommendations are great. However, sometimes comparison is better. Friends and family boost each other’s businesses in Cambodia, which is a lovely advantage of collectivist cultures. Unfortunately, tourists may be trapped into “expensive” massages while a significantly cheaper spa center next door may deliver much better service.
Intercity and intercontinental transportation
Transportation costs in Cambodia are similar to other Southeast-Asian countries. Buses for longer distances can cost between €5 and €30, depending on the distance and level of comfort. I would highly recommend the “luxury” version. You’ll get more space and comfort, food, snacks and other support like crossing the borders. As tall Europeans, we felt squeezed in our luxury bus between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. In an economy bus, we’d probably not have got any rest at all during the day ride.
Visa fees
Visitors to Cambodia are required to obtain a visa. The cost of a tourist e-visa in Cambodia was €35 in my case. You can check the latest prices and apply online for your e-visa here.
Overall, the cost of traveling to Cambodia in 2023 will depend on your travel style and preferences. While the cost of living in Cambodia remains high, there are still many affordable options for budget-conscious travelers. With careful spending, i.e. by using Grab to reach different sites instead of using private day tours, you’ll admire this beautiful country without breaking the bank. I certainly did!
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