Travel Expenses: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Traveling solo is really more expensive than traveling with a group. Unless you find other travelers to share the cost, you’ll be paying big money for the guide and transportation. When I was doing a rough draft of my travel budget, I knew Cambodia would be the most expensive destination, that’s why I made it my first country to visit.

I managed to keep my expenses lower than my estimate, but it’s still quite high, in my opinion. But in the end it’s a pretty good investment, as the Angkor Wat is really worth the visit.

All the costs listed in here are those that I inccured within Cambodian borders, including the plane fare.

Cambodia 2009
June 2 – 5, 2009
Exchange Rate: US$1 = Php 48
In US$ In PhP
Air transfer
Singapore – Siem Reap $ 61.97 PHP 2,974.56
Jetstar Airways

Accommodation
Madalay Inn $ 21.00 PHP 1,008.00
Single fan room – US$7/night

Transportation
Tuktuk – US$13 per day $ 19.00 PHP 912.00 1
Taxi to border $ 30.00 PHP 1,440.00

Food
Meals and snacks $ 30.45 PHP 1,461.60 2

Miscellaneous
Angkor admission fee $ 20.00 PHP 960.00 3
Angkor tour guide $ 25.00 PHP 1,200.00 4
Souvenirs $ 8.75 PHP 420.00 5
Tip $ 6.00 PHP 288.00
Total $ 222.17 PHP 10,664.16


1 The rate is $13 per day, but since I only used the tuktuk for half a day during my first day, I only got charged $6 for that.
2 Food in Siem Reap is quite expensive. A plate of fried rice with meat and veggies usually cost US$ 3. Drinks start at US$ 1.
3 If you just want to see the temples in the Angkor complex, one day is enough. If you’d like to see the other temples, better get the 3-day pass for $40. If you’re hardcore, get the 1-week pass for $60, but you might get templed-out.
4 Getting a tour guide is optional, but it’s worth the money.
5 Souvenirs I bought include different spices, postcards, keychain and magnets.

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7 responses to “Travel Expenses: Siem Reap, Cambodia”

  1. Marvin Yap Avatar
    Marvin Yap

    your airfare came out very cheap lah! eheheh…

    i have been here before and i wanna go back!!

  2. nina Avatar

    Marvin: It was on sale when I bought it 😀

  3. Bryan Karl Avatar

    Wow Cambodia. I’ll take note of the 10K average. I may be saving for that in the near future. Thanks for giving me this idea of how much a travel to Cambodia would cost…

  4. pinoy boy Avatar

    the trick is to always plan ahead, book in advance. times have changed though. $1 is good for a plate of fried rice. drinks start at $.50.

    Cambodia is one of the best places to backpack around in Asia, of course Thailand, and the Philippines.

    But definitely good job on you, you spent really cheaply. nice! Keep bloggin’ and travellin’ around the Philippines!

  5. Kat Avatar
    Kat

    Hi!

    I am planning to travel from Manila to Saigon to Cambodia to Laos to Thailand. As a Filipino, would I be needing a Visa to enter these countries?

    I would greatly appreciate your help. =)

  6. Jeff Avatar
    Jeff

    Ikaw lang mag isa dito di ba nina?

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