How Long Can You Last With 500 In Cambodia

While luxury is definitely on the rise in Cambodia, the country remains a budget travellers’ dream, with cheap accommodation, food and attractions aplenty. That means dollars in the country can go a long way for the frugal-minded – and even further for those who have perfected their haggling skills. Here’s how to make $500 last for one month and a breakdown of how.

Accommodation $150

The country’s traditionally cheap price tags make it a magnet for backpackers and budget travellers. The result is a swathe of cheap guesthouses and dorms all competing for your attention in an increasingly competitive market. Dorms are the cheapest way to go – and you don’t need to stay in a grotty joint to get more bang for your buck because there are plenty of decent flashpacker-style places offering a bed for the night and a hot shower. Dorms average at about $5 a night.

Food $200

Transport $50

While you’ll not be paying the top dollar you may well fork out for taxis back at home, transport in Cambodia is no longer that cheap. And tuk-tuks are definitely going to be out of your price range. Motos are a cheaper alternative, but if you plan on exploring on two wheels every day, the cost will soon add up. Instead, hire a bicycle, with prices starting from $1 a day or – if the traffic doesn’t terrify you – a motorbike, with prices starting from $50 a month. Getting around the country won’t break the bank either, with mini-buses available for a few bucks.

Attractions $100

This cost all depends on what you want to do. Some say no trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to Angkor Wat, but that will see you blow more than half of your month’s budget. A one-day pass costs $37, with tuk-tuks adding at least another $15. Many other attractions are relatively cheap, with a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum costing $5, and the National Museum and Royal Palace charging $10 each.

Getting your cultural fix within budget is easy, with many functioning temples free to enter and explore – just remember to keep the knees and shoulders covered. However, leaving a 2,000 riel (50 cents) donation in the box will be appreciated. Some, such as Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh, charge a $1 fee. Wat Langka, also in the capital, offers free meditation classes led by monks throughout the week.

Picking up some souvenirs can also come within budget, with the markets awash with bargains waiting to be had. Just remember, they love to haggle in Cambodia and will have hiked up the price about threefold for tourists. Keep the deal-making light, smile and slowly walk away if they say no. If they don’t call you back, then you went too low.

If you want to factor some booze into your budget, then you’re in the right place because local beer is dirt cheap. Find yourself a comfortable looking beer garden, and you’ll pay about $1 for a glass of Angkor or Cambodia beer. And during happy hour, which usually runs from about 4 pm to 7 pm, there is a swathe of places offering beer for 50 cents and super cheap cocktails.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.