Phnom Penh is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Phnom Penh?
A typical traveler spends $51 (៛203,442) per day on a trip to Phnom Penh. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Phnom Penh based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $23 (៛90,880) on meals
- $7.90 (៛31,746) on local transportation
- $25 (៛99,834) on hotels
A one-week trip to Phnom Penh for two people costs, on average, $709 (៛2,848,188). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$355
៛1,424,094
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$709
៛2,848,188
-
One Month
Per person
$1,520
៛6,103,260
-
One Week
For a couple
$709
៛2,848,188
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,418
៛5,696,376
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,039
៛12,206,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Phnom Penh cost?
A one week trip to Phnom Penh usually costs around $355 (៛1,424,094) for one person and $709 (៛2,848,188) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Phnom Penh on average costs around $709 (៛2,848,188) for one person and $1,418 (៛5,696,376) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Phnom Penh will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Phnom Penh on average costs around $1,520 (៛6,103,260) for one person and $3,039 (៛12,206,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Phnom Penh expensive to visit?
In Phnom Penh, budget travelers spend $19 (៛77,739) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $51 (៛203,442) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $147 (៛586,103) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Phnom Penh can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Phnom Penh is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Taipei.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Phnom Penh Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Phnom Penh?
The average Phnom Penh trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Phnom Penh travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Phnom Penh cost?
Phnom Penh on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$4
(៛17,506)
|
$12
(៛49,917)
|
$39
(៛158,502)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$3
(៛12,243)
|
$8
(៛31,746)
|
$21
(៛84,643)
|
|
Food2
|
$9
(៛36,860)
|
$23
(៛90,880)
|
$54
(៛215,914)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(៛12,193)
|
$8
(៛30,848)
|
$19
(៛77,923)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-2
(៛3,347-10,040)
|
$2-7
(៛8,733-26,199)
|
$6-18
(៛23,594-70,781)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Phnom Penh with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $19 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Phnom Penh is packed with plenty of hostels, including Mad Monkey Phnom Penh, Onederz Phnom Penh, and Pooltop Phnom Penh. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most tourists in Phnom Penh are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $51 per person, per day.
Phnom Penh boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort is an excellent family-friendly option, while The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Phnom Penh here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $147 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Private Car-English Speaking Driver - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Phnom Penh
The cost of hotels in Phnom Penh can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $35, but peak season () average prices jump to $65. Overall, prices range from $16 to $146. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Phnom Penh for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $25 (៛99,834). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $12 (៛49,917) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Phnom Penh include:
- iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort starting at $90
- River Home Boutique Hotel starting at $31
- The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa starting at $50
- White Mansion Boutique Hotel starting at $67
- La Rose Boutique Hotel & Spa starting at $95
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Phnom Penh
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $7.90 (៛31,746) per person, per day, on local transportation in Phnom Penh. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Phnom Penh is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.90
៛31,746
Many of the city's hotels are near the river, and it is possible to explore most neighborhoods on foot. There is also no shortage of motorbikes, taxis, or tuk tuks that can take you around. Do negotiate a fair price before committing to the ride.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Ground Transfer/SUV/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for $110 details
- Private Taxi Transfer Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville Car - Minivan for $61 details
- Private Taxi Transfer Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for $65 details
How much does it cost to go to Phnom Penh? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Phnom Penh will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Phnom Penh
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Phnom Penh can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Phnom Penh is $23 (៛90,880) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$23
៛90,880
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Phnom Penh is around $23 (៛90880) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $54. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Phnom Penh are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $16
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Phnom Penh has an excellent selection of food options, most of which are quite cheap. There is a surprising diversity of international choices available with everything from French, Thai, and Vietnamese represented. Of course, Cambodian food is available everywhere as well. Cambodian food is quite delicious, and is comparable to Thai food, although much less spicy. Many of the sauces are coconut based and are served over either fish or chicken. In the riverfront area you'll find most of the restaurants that cater to tourists, and are therefore the most diverse, but also the most expensive.
Cambodia is also well known for its exotic street food. If you're the adventurous type, you can try anything from duck embryo eggs to frogs, or grilled pig's ears, among many other things. It's probably best not to make a meal of the local specialties, but they can make for an interesting snack option.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Phnom Penh, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks for $49 details
- Phnom Penh's experience: cooking class and stay over for $65 details
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh for $31 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Phnom Penh, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
Dinner for Two
៛41,000
-
Breakfast for Two
៛19,500
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Phnom Penh
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Phnom Penh typically cost an average of $7.68 (៛30,848) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$7.68
៛30,848
There are a good number of sights spread throughout town. In the riverfront area, known as Sisowath Quay, you will find many of the nicer buildings and more sculpted lawns. This area is also where you'll find the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which offers a thorough overview of the country's horrific past. There is also the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia, Wat Phnom, and Wat Botum, among many other interesting sights.
Activities in Phnom Penh include cooking classes, bike tours, river cruises, and massages. If you're interested in doing some shopping, there are some great markets around town that offer everything from the essentials, like sunglasses, to local handicrafts, which make great souvenirs. Some of the better markets in town include the Central Market, Sorya Mall, City Mall, Russian Market, and Olympic Market.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Phnom Penh. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Oudong Mountain History and Pagoda Tour for $110 details
- Phnom Penh Birding Experience and Brunch for $85 details
- Private Taxi Between Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Stop Sightseeing for $107 details
Nightlife Budget in Phnom Penh
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $4.35 (៛17,466) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Phnom Penh per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.35
៛17,466
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Phnom Penh. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet for $12 details
Travel cost data last updated: Jun 1, 2025
Traveling in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Royal Palace, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
Neighborhoods & Around
Wat Phnom is at the top of a hill in the north of of the city. This temple is still visited by worshipping locals and tourists who make the climb. The French Quarter is to the east of Wat Phnom. This area has the city's most impressive colonial architecture. The area also has Boeng Kak Lake, the Royal School of Fine Arts, and Hotel Le Royal.
The city's central market is Psah Thmai. It's a great place to shop.
In the east there is the Tonle Sap river, along which there are many restaurants and bars. The two kilometer strip begins at the Royal Palace and Siver Pagoda and ends to the east of Wat Phnom. On the other side of the river is Prek Leap. This area can be reached by the Cambodian-Japanese Friendship Bridge.
On the southern side of town you'll find the grand Hotel Cambodiana Phnom Penh and the Independence Monument.
The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum is in the western part of town.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Vietnam or Cambodia? Find party hostels in Vietnam or Siem Reap or find the best place to stay if you're traveling alone to Ho Chi Minh City.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We passed through Phnom Penh because it's on the backpacker circuit in SE Asia. It surprised me how much I loved the city.