Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bangkok or Phnom Penh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Phnom Penh can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Phnom Penh?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
Phnom Penh
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
-
Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesPhnom Penh Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $99Phnom Penh $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $99, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $50. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bangkok and Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $47Phnom Penh $12
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $94Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Phnom Penh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.19Phnom Penh $7.78
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.37
-
Skytrain Ticket$4.74
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.95
-
Ferry Ride$0.77
-
Taxi From Airport$7.40
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.67
-
Boat Taxi$1.48
-
Trains to airport$4.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Airport Private Transfer from Bangkok Airports: $41
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $96
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok to Bangkok Airport BKK by Luxury Van: $96
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok to Don Mueang Airport DMK by Luxury Car: $96
- Airport to Airport Transfer in Bangkok: $64
- Airport transfer to Bangkok downtown: $24
- Ancient City (Mueang Boran) Entrance Tickets With Hotel Transfer: $49
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok in Business Car: $70
- Arrival Private Transfers: Don Mueang Airport DMK to Bangkok in Business Car: $75
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
- Ayutthaya Cultural Triangle City Tour with Transfer: $63
- Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer: $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Battambang: Transfer From/To Sihanoukville & Hidden Gems: $50
- From Private Transfer To/From Siem Reap: $58
- From Sihanouk: Private Taxi Transfer to Phnom Penh City: $73
- Intercity Transfer Siem Reap-Phnom Penh/Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: $95
- PHN Airport Transfer Plus Killing Field, Toul Sleng Museum: $65
- Phnom Penh - Battambang Transfer Plus Stop Sightseeing: $118
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap One-Way Private Transfer: $120
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Oudongk Sambor Prei Kuk Transfer Day Trip: $105
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Road Transfer Plus Sightseeing: $99
- Phnom Penh Airport Transfers: $30
- Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers: $65
- Phnom Penh to Battambang Private Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh and Bangkok change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayBangkok $34Phnom Penh $22
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.92
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.33
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.89
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.92
-
Pad Thai$2.07
-
Airport Lunch for 2$16
-
Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Best Thai Cooking Class in Sukhumvit With Market Tour Mango: $21
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $24
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $25
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $27
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $28
- Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $28
- Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $30
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $30
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
-
Dinner for Two$10
-
Breakfast for Two$4.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Buffet Dinner, Unlimited Beer & Tour Guide: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Penh Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $36
- Street Art and Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Phnom Penh $7.56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$4.74
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.48
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.92
-
Club Cover Charge$11
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$71
-
Fish Pedicure$4.44
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.96
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Urban Adventure: $4.55
- Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Walking Audio Tour: $5.13
- Chao Phraya Tourist Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat from Bangkok: $6.08
- Bangkok Walking Tour 2h40 and 22 audio reviews: $6.53
- Podcast Tour Bangkok Thonburi Hidden Khlongs: $6.83
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Wat Arun Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $6.99
- Bangkok Self-Guided Walking Tour Essential Landmarks and Quizzes: $7.98
- Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.51
- Space and Time Cube Tickets in Bangkok: $9.12
- Bangkok Meland Siam Paragon Entry Ticket: $10
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
- Sunset Cruise-"Unlimited BBQ Buffet-Beers, Sodas & Fruit Platter": $7.45
- Sunset Cruise on the Mekong with Kanika Boat: $8.00
- Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer & BBQ Buffet: $8.00
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket Free Mekong Cruise: $12
- Silk Island Tour: $12
- Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.42Phnom Penh $4.28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $29
- Bangkok Bar Crawl by Tuk Tuk: $67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Phnom Penh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Phnom Penh?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Phnom Penh. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Phnom Penh, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.