A Travel Price Comparison for Cambodia Phnom Penh vs. Kampong Cham for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Kampong Cham?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Kampong Cham?

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.

Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is the sixth largest city in the country, located in the east of Cambodia. Just two and a half hours away from Phnom Penh is a surprisingly large province by the same name. Kampong Cham is the capital of this province, a quiet town on the west side of the Mekong River. While the town does not cater to tourists like other large cities such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, the charm of Kampong Cham lies in the beauty and simplicity of local life. Visitors will also get a glimpse into agricultural life on the plantations of rubber trees, tobacco and cashews.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Bicycle Tours in Cambodia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Cambodia.


Which place is cheaper, Kampong Cham or Phnom Penh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $41, while the average daily cost in Kampong Cham is $31. 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 Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Kampong Cham $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Kampong Cham $40
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Kampong Cham? 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.

Hotels in Phnom Penh


Hotels in Kampong Cham


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.87
    Kampong Cham $7.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
  • Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh APT-HTL (PNH): $16
  • Transfer Stop Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, English Speaking Driver: $107
  • Transfer Private Car Siemreap to Phnom Penh/PHN to Province.: $128
  • Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $90
  • Private transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $25
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Kompot or Kep: $145
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $129
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Kampong Cham?

Prices for flights to both Kampong Cham and Phnom Penh 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 day
    Phnom Penh $13
    Kampong Cham $6.46
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
    $4.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
  • Small Group Phnom Penh Food Tour and Local Market Experience : $35
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $40
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Evening Food Tour By Tuk-Tuk in Phnom Penh: $59
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Evening Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
  • Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
  • Phnom Penh’s Culinary Underground: Local Food Tour by Tuk-tuk: $69
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.65
    Kampong Cham $5.76

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $20
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • Phnom Penh boating sunset Tour: $87
  • 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
  • 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
  • 2 Days Private Phnom Penh City Tour: $80
  • 2hours Private Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer, soft drinks and Tour guide: $67
  • 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
  • 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,982
  • A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
  • A Day Trip From Phnom Penh - Historical Sites Tours : $35
  • A Day Trip Phnom Penh To Battambang Road Tour-sightseeing: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.33
    Kampong Cham $5.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham, we can see that Phnom Penh is more expensive. And not only is Kampong Cham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kampong Cham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kampong Cham 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 Phnom Penh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phnom Penh than you might in Kampong Cham.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phnom Penh Expensive? and Is Kampong Cham Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Kampong Cham?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kampong Cham. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham, 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.