Daily costs per person in USD. Kampot is one of Cambodia's most affordable destinations — riverfront guesthouses, market food, and natural attractions keep budgets remarkably low.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: USD / KHR (៛ Riel) (USD widely accepted, riel for change)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $4–8 | $15–35 | $50+ | Dorms → river guesthouses → boutique hotels |
| Food | $4–7 | $8–15 | $25+ | Market food → restaurants → Crab Market feasts |
| Transport | $3–5 | $8–15 | $25+ | Bicycle → scooter → tuk-tuk day hire |
| Activities | $3–5 | $8–15 | $25+ | Free kayaks & cycling → plantations & cooking → guided tours |
| Drinks | $1–3 | $3–6 | $10+ | Market coffee & beer → riverside bars → cocktail spots |
| Daily Total | $15–28 | $42–86 | $135+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable → boutique |
Money-saving tips
Rent a scooter
Scooter rental: $5–8/day. Essential for reaching Bokor Mountain, pepper plantations, and the cave temples. The roads are flat and quiet in the countryside. Helmets provided — always wear one.
Crab market strategy
Kep Crab Market prices vary by stall. Blue swimmer crabs: $5–8 per plate depending on size. Walk the market first, check sizes and prices, then sit down. The crab with Kampot green pepper is always the right choice.
Guesthouse kayaks
Many riverside guesthouses include free kayak use for guests. Others rent for $3–5/hour. Ask before booking accommodation — a free kayak saves $10–20 over a stay. Firefly tours are separate at $8–10.
Market meals
The Old Market food stalls serve noodle soup for $1, rice and curry for $1.50, and iced coffee for $0.50. The night market Khmer BBQ is $2–3 per person. You can eat exceptionally well for $5/day from markets alone.
Combined Kep day trip
Combine salt fields, Kep National Park, Rabbit Island, and the Crab Market in one day. Tuk-tuk for the full day: $15–20. Split with travel companions for $5–7 per person for a full day of activities.
Book onward buses early
Giant Ibis and Mekong Express to Phnom Penh ($8, 3hrs) are comfortable and reliable. Book through your guesthouse or online the day before. Morning departures are cooler and less crowded.
