Phnom Penh Travel Cost - How expensive is Phnom Penh?

Planning to visit Phnom Penh - one of the bustling capital cities of Cambodia, is an exciting prospect filled with promises of rich cultural experiences, historical wonders, and delectable cuisine. Nowadays, Phnom Penh serves as a global hub for digital nomads, boasting vibrant nightlife and emerging as a leading culinary destination in the region. With over 15% of the nation's populace residing in this bustling and diverse capital, it pulsates with activity, embodying a lively and dynamic atmosphere.

However, like any travel trip, it is a must to estimate your trip to Phnom Penh with a well-thought-out budget to ensure you make the most of your adventure without overspending.

In today's blog, we'll lay the groundwork for planning a budget-friendly trip to Phnom Penh, offering insights into key considerations, cost-saving strategies, and must-know tips to help you maximize your experience while minimizing Phnom Penh travel costs.

Is Phnom Penh expensive?

In general, Phnom Penh travel cost is quite cheap compared to average Asian countries. Phnom Penh offers a range of options catering to various budgets, making it accessible for travelers with different financial constraints. While certain aspects of the city, such as upscale dining and accommodation, there are plenty of affordable alternatives, including budget guesthouses, street food stalls, and local transportation options. 

Overall, with careful planning and budgeting, Phnom Penh can be an affordable destination for those seeking to explore its cultural richness and historical significance without breaking the bank.

Pricing in Cambodia is quite cheap

How much does it cost for a Cambodian trip?

You can anticipate allocating approximately $41 (៛165,093) per day for your Phnom Penh vacation, reflecting the average daily expenditure of previous visitors. On average, past travelers have spent:

• $13 (៛52,532) on meals

• $7.84 (៛31,746) on local transportation

• $25 (៛99,834) on accommodations

For a week-long trip for two individuals, the total average expenditure amounts to $571 (៛2,311,304), encompassing expenses for lodging, dining, transportation, and sightseeing. 

These figures represent aggregated data from fellow travelers, offering valuable insights to aid in planning your own travel budget. The Phnom Penh travel cost might be changed depending on your buying demands.

Phnom Penh Transportation Costs

The first thing to consider to list in your Phnom Penh travel cost is transportation fees.

Getting around Phnom Penh is relatively affordable, with many transportation options that suit different preferences and budgets.

• Tuk-tuks, a popular mode of transport in Cambodia, offer a convenient and inexpensive way to navigate the city. Short rides within the city center typically cost between $1 to $3, while longer journeys may range from $3 to $10, depending on the distance.

• Motorcycle taxis, known as "motodops," are another common means of transportation, particularly for short trips. Prices are negotiable but generally range from $1 to $2 for short distances. However, it's essential to negotiate the fare before embarking on your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.

• For those preferring more comfort and convenience, app-based ride-hailing services like Grab and PassApp operate in Phnom Penh, offering competitive fares similar to tuk-tuks and motodops.

• Public transportation options in Phnom Penh include buses and ferries, with fares typically ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 for a single journey. While buses are an affordable option for getting around the city, they may not be as convenient or readily available as other modes of transport.

Travelers can easily find any transportation in Cambodia with an affordable price

Accommodation Costs

The typical cost for a hotel room in Phnom Penh stands at $35 per night, derived from a comprehensive examination of the available lodging options in the vicinity. To economize or if you seek a more indulgent experience, it's advisable to consider hotel rates in accordance with their star-rating and guest feedback. 

Additionally, prices may fluctuate depending on the location and amenities offered. Further insights into hotel pricing in Phnom Penh can be found in our detailed analysis, while below presents a breakdown of hotel rates categorized by star-rating.

Normally, the price can be estimated below:

• 5 stars: $199

• 4 stars: $58

• 3 stars: $35

• 2 stars: $17

• 1 star: $12

There are many types of hotels and resorts in Cambodia

Cost of Food in Phnom Penh

Another thing to consider when planning your Phnom Penh travel cost is food. Cambodia cuisine shares many similar flavors from Khmer, Vietnamese, and Chinese culinary traditions. From small food stalls to luxury restaurants, the city has many dishes to satisfy all tastes and budgets.

• Street food is not only delicious but also incredibly cheap, with dishes like Khmer noodles, grilled skewers, and rice porridge available for as little as $1 to $3 per meal. 

• For those seeking a sit-down dining experience, mid-range restaurants typically charge between $5 to $15 per meal, offering a variety of Khmer and international dishes. 

• Upscale restaurants and fine dining establishments may have higher price points, with meals ranging from $15 to $50 or more, depending on the venue and cuisine.

• For alcohol, Phnom Penh beer price is approximately $1 USD, while a glass of wine is priced at $3 USD. If you order a cocktail, expect to pay around $4 USD. 

• For coffee, a cappuccino generally costs $2 USD, while fresh fruit juice is available for about $1.50 USD.

Read more: Best restaurants in Phnom Penh

Travelers will spend a lot money on food in Cambodia

Phnom Penh Travel Cost for Sightseeing and Activities

Phnom Penh is steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of attractions and activities to explore. From ancient temples to sobering reminders of the country's tumultuous past, there's no shortage of things to see and do in the city.

Below are some activity's price ranges that travelers can refer to (According to 2024):

• Royal Palace/Silver Pagoda: $10.00

• Killing Fields of Choeung Ek: $6.00

• National Museum of Cambodia: Adults $10.00, Child $3.00

• Wat Phnom: $1.00

• Cruise the Mekong River: $15.00

• See a show at the Cambodian Living Arts Center: $25.00

• Oudong Mountain And Floating Village Cycle Tour: $89

• Khmer Rouge, genocide museum &killing field tour: $100

Some places in Phnom Penh might need entrance tickets

Tips to Save Money for Phnom Penh Travel Cost

• Bargain your Tuk-tuk: Avoid accepting the initial price quoted, as it tends to be inflated. If uncertain about the appropriate fare, seek guidance from hostel or hotel staff in advance, as they often assist in arranging reliable drivers.

• Stay away from the river: Avoid accommodations along the riverfront, as they tend to be pricier. For more budget-friendly options, consider lodging in the southern and central areas of the city.

• Limit your beverage consumption: Alcoholic drinks can quickly add up in cost. With each drink priced at a dollar, it's easy to overspend on beverages compared to food and lodging expenses.

• Consider booking a tour as a group: Buying tickets together can often give you more room for negotiation. If you're traveling solo, why not check with others at your hostel? You might find someone interested in joining the same tour.

• Having a water bottle: As for staying hydrated, it's essential to have clean water, especially in Phnom Penh, where tap water isn't safe to drink.

Conclusion

Exploring Phnom Penh on a budget is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding, offering travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cambodia's rich culture, history, and culinary delights without breaking the bank. By understanding the various costs associated with accommodation, transportation, dining, and activities, visitors can plan a memorable and affordable trip to this vibrant capital city. Whether you're going to Phnom Penh to taste street food, marvel at ancient temples, or delve into the country's complex past, Phnom Penh offers something for every traveler, regardless of the Phnom Penh travel cost you are going to spend on your vacation.