Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Phnompenh
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $18-60 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Phnompenh
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Street food stalls, local markets, traditional Khmer restaurants, occasional Western fast food
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, shared tuk-tuks, walking, occasional moto-taxi for short distances
Activities
$3-12 per day
Free walking tours, temple visits, riverside walks, occasional museum entry, local cultural sites
Currency: ៛ Cambodian Riel (KHR), though US Dollars are widely accepted and preferred for most tourist transactions
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Phnompenh
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants - typically 60-80% cheaper
Use public buses and shared tuk-tuks instead of private taxis - saves 70-85% on transportation costs
Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through booking platforms to avoid commission fees
Visit temples and cultural sites during free hours or opt for donation-based entries rather than paid tours
Shop at local markets like this destination for souvenirs instead of hotel gift shops - usually 50-70% less expensive
Drink local beer and avoid imported alcohol which typically costs 3-5 times more
Walk or rent a bicycle for short distances instead of taking motorized transport
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public transport and tuk-tuks - can triple your transportation costs
Eating only in tourist areas and hotel restaurants - typically 100-200% markup over local establishments
Not negotiating tuk-tuk fares in advance - can result in 50-100% overcharging for tourists
Buying bottled water constantly instead of using water refill stations - adds $3-8 daily unnecessarily
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season - can increase costs by 40-80%