Are you planning an adventure through Southeast Asia? If so, Cambodia should be right at the top of your travel bucket list. Known as the “Kingdom of Wonder,” this incredible country offers everything a backpacker could want: ancient temples, pristine white-sand islands, rich history, delicious street food, and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet.
The best part? Cambodia is incredibly cheap. It remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world, where you can easily travel on as little as $25 to $30 USD per day.
In this ultimate Cambodia backpacking guide, we will break down the must-visit places, daily budget expectations, practical money-saving tips, and how to easily secure your visa before you fly.
First Things First: Getting Your Cambodia Visa
Before you start packing your bags, you need to sort out your entry requirements. Most travelers need a tourist visa to enter Cambodia.
While you can technically get a visa on arrival, the queues at land borders and airports can be long, exhausting, and occasionally prone to local scams. The easiest and safest option is to apply online for a Cambodian e-Visa beforehand.
For a hassle-free experience, you can check out this simple step-by-step guide to apply for a Cambodian e-Visa to understand exactly what documents you need. Once you are ready to apply, you can submit your application directly through the Cambodia Tourist e-Visa Portal to get your travel document approved quickly and securely.
Top Must-Visit Places in Cambodia
Cambodia is relatively compact, making it easy to travel between major destinations. Here are the top spots you cannot miss.
1. Siem Reap (The Gateway to Angkor Wat)
Siem Reap is the tourism hub of Cambodia, and for good reason. It is home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
- What to do: Wake up at 4:30 AM to catch the legendary sunrise over the lotus ponds of Angkor Wat. Rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day to explore the surrounding temples like Bayon (the face temple) and Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple covered in giant tree roots).
- Backpacker vibe: After a long day of temple walking, head to Pub Street for cheap $0.50 draft beers, lively night markets, and great street food.
2. Phnom Penh (The Bustling Capital)
Phnom Penh is a chaotic, energetic city that offers a deep look into Cambodia’s complex and sometimes tragic history.
- What to do: To understand the country’s past, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. It is a sobering but essential experience for any visitor. Afterward, lighten the mood by visiting the beautiful Royal Palace and taking a sunset walk along the Mekong River promenade.
3. Koh Rong & Koh Rong Sanloem (Island Paradise)
If you think you need to go to Thailand for perfect tropical beaches, think again. Cambodia’s southern islands are stunning and far less crowded.
- What to do: Head to Koh Rong if you want to party, meet other backpackers, and enjoy fire shows on the beach. If you prefer quiet hammocks, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed hippie vibe, take the ferry over to Koh Rong Sanloem.
4. Kampot and Kep (Riverside Chill & Fresh Seafood)
Kampot is a sleepy riverside town famous for its French colonial architecture and world-class black pepper plantations.
- What to do: Rent a scooter and drive up to the misty Bokor Hill Station. Spend your afternoons kayaking or paddleboarding down the river. Make sure to take a day trip to the neighboring coastal town of Kep to eat fresh crab fried with green Kampot pepper right at the famous Kep Crab Market.
5. Battambang (Culture and the Bamboo Train)
For a taste of authentic, off-the-beaten-path Cambodian life, Battambang is the perfect stop.
- What to do: Ride the famous Bamboo Train—a small wooden platform powered by a motorcycle engine that zips down old colonial railway tracks. In the evening, visit the Phnom Sampeau cave to watch millions of bats fly out into the sunset.
Daily Budget Breakdown for Cambodia
How much money do you actually need? Cambodia is incredibly cheap, especially if you eat local food and stay in hostels. Here is a realistic daily estimate for a budget backpacker:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $4 – $10 per night | A clean dorm bed in a social hostel, often with a pool. |
| Food & Drink | $6 – $12 per day | Local street food (Bai Sach Chrouk, Lok Lak) and cheap beers. |
| Transportation | $3 – $8 per day | Shared minivans between cities, or split tuk-tuk rides. |
| Activities | $5 – $15 per day | Temple passes (Angkor Wat is $37 for 1 day), museum entry fees. |
| Total Daily Budget | $25 – $45 / day | A comfortable, fun-filled backpacking lifestyle! |
Insider Travel Tips for Saving Money in Cambodia
- Watch Your Cash: Cambodia operates on a dual-currency system. They use both US Dollars (USD) and Cambodian Riel (KHR). Usually, $1 USD is equal to about 4,000 Riel. Crucial Tip: Cambodian businesses are extremely strict about USD paper money. If your dollar bill has a tiny tear, is heavily creased, or looks dirty, they will reject it. Keep your cash crisp and clean!
- Download Ride-Hailing Apps: Instead of hailing tuk-tuks on the street where you have to haggle over prices, download apps like PassApp or Grab. The prices are fixed, highly transparent, and much cheaper.
- Eat Where the Locals Eat: Sit on those tiny plastic chairs you see on the sidewalks. A plate of fried noodles (Mee Chaa) or pork and rice (Bai Sach Chrouk) at a local stall costs just $1.50 to $2.50, and it is absolutely delicious.
- Travel in the Shoulder Season: Visiting between May and October (the green/rainy season) means cheaper accommodation, fewer crowds at Angkor Wat, and beautiful, lush green landscapes. Don’t worry—it usually only rains for an hour or two in the afternoon!
Need Help with Your Cambodian Visa?
Planning a trip is exciting, but handling the paperwork can be stressful. To ensure your travel plans go smoothly without any border delays, we highly recommend using a professional Cambodia Tourist e-Visa service.
Why Choose Us for Your Cambodian e-Visa?
- Reliable Travel Visa Services: Our global, traveler-first approach has successfully assisted thousands of tourists in securing their entry visas without any hassle.
- Round-the-Clock Assistance: Got questions? Reach out to our dedicated support team 24/7. Our experts look into every query and respond within 72 hours to keep your mind at ease.
- Experienced Visa Consultants: Don’t risk rejection due to minor paperwork mistakes. Our experienced team reviews your application to ensure it meets all government standards, maximizing your chances of approval.
- Efficient Visa Application Process: No complicated government websites or confusing jargon. Apply for your tourist visa in just a few minutes using our simplified, mobile-friendly application form.
Ready to start your Cambodian adventure? Click here to apply for your Cambodia Tourist e-Visa today!