Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Cambodia

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, cheap local restaurants, occasional self-catering

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, shared tuk-tuks, walking, occasional moto-taxi for short distances

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free temple visits, self-guided walking, occasional entrance fees, budget tours

Eat at local markets and street stalls instead of tourist restaurants - typically 60-80% cheaper

Use public buses and shared transport instead of private taxis - saves 70-85% on transportation costs

Visit temples and cultural sites independently rather than booking guided tours - typically 50-70% savings

Stay in local neighborhoods away from main tourist areas - accommodation costs typically 30-50% lower

Buy snacks and drinks from local shops rather than hotels or tourist areas - usually 200-400% markup in tourist zones

Travel during shoulder season months for 25-40% savings on accommodation and tours

Book multi-day tours directly with local operators rather than through hotels - typically 20-35% cheaper

Taking private taxis everywhere instead of using public transport or shared rides - increases daily transport costs by 300-500%

Eating exclusively in tourist areas and hotel restaurants - typically doubles or triples food expenses

Booking tours through hotels or international companies instead of local operators - usually 40-60% more expensive

Not negotiating prices for longer stays at guesthouses - missing out on 15-30% discounts for weekly bookings

Exchanging money at airports or tourist areas instead of local banks or authorized dealers - losing 5-15% to poor exchange rates