Daily costs per person in USD (Cambodia's primary currency). The temple pass is the biggest expense — everything else in Siem Reap is remarkably affordable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: USD / KHR (៛ Riel) (USD is primary; riel for change < $1)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–12 | $20–60 | $100+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury resorts |
| Food | $5–10 | $15–30 | $50+ | Street food & market → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $3–10 | $15–25 | $40+ | Bicycle → tuk-tuk → private car & driver |
| Activities | $12–20 | $25–40 | $60+ | Temple pass share → full-day tuk-tuk → private guide & helicopter |
| Drinks | $1–3 | $5–10 | $20+ | Draught beer → cocktails → hotel bars |
| Daily Total | $26–55 | $80–165 | $270+ | Excluding temple pass (one-time cost) |
Money-saving tips
Temple pass strategy matters
1-day pass: $37. 3-day pass: $62 (valid 10 days). 7-day pass: $72 (valid 1 month). The 3-day pass is the sweet spot for most travelers. Buy after 5pm for a free sunset entry that evening.
Tuk-tuk prices are negotiable
Small Circuit (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm): $15–18/day. Grand Circuit (add Preah Khan, Neak Pean): $20–25. Banteay Srei add-on: $25–30. Negotiate the evening before and agree on temple stops in advance.
USD is the primary currency
Almost everything is priced in USD. Riel (៛4,000 = $1) is used for change under $1. ATMs dispense USD. Do not accept torn or marked USD bills — Cambodians will refuse them and so will you when spending.
Food is incredibly cheap
Fish amok: $3–4. Lok lak: $3. Rice and curry at temple stalls: $2–3. Beer: $0.50–1. Pub Street inflates prices — eat one street back or at the Old Market food stalls for local prices.
Avoid the scams
Children selling postcards, bracelet sellers, and "guide" touts at temples are persistent. A firm but friendly "no thank you" works. Never buy antiquities — they are fakes and real ones are illegal to export.
Rent a bicycle for closer temples
Bicycles ($2–3/day) work for Angkor Wat and nearby temples if you are fit and start early. The Small Circuit is 17km by road. Electric bikes ($10–15/day) are a middle ground between bicycle and tuk-tuk.
