Daily costs per person in USD (Cambodia's primary currency). The temple pass is the biggest expense, as 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 travellers. 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, as 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, so 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, as 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.
