Budget Travel Guide: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Budget Travel Guide: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is the kind of place that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. Home to the legendary Angkor Wat temple complex and a buzzing street food scene, this Cambodian city punches far above its weight — and the best part? You can experience all of it without emptying your bank account.

Overview

Siem Reap sits in northwestern Cambodia, roughly 315 kilometres from the capital Phnom Penh. It serves as the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws over two million visitors a year. But the city is far more than just a launchpad for temple-hopping. Colourful markets, a thriving arts scene, riverside cafes, and some of Southeast Asia's most generous hospitality make Siem Reap a destination worth lingering in.

• Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), though US dollars are widely accepted and preferred
• Language: Khmer, with English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Time Zone: UTC+7
• Best time to visit: November to March (dry season, cooler temperatures)
• Average daily budget: $25–$50 USD for budget travellers

Essential Information

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Cambodia. The easiest option is the e-Visa, available online before you travel for $36 USD including the processing fee. Alternatively, a visa on arrival is available at Siem Reap International Airport for $30 USD — bring a passport photo and cash. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

The local currency is the Cambodian Riel, but in Siem Reap you will almost always pay in US dollars. Keep small bills handy, as change is often given in Riel at a rate of around 4,000 KHR to $1 USD. ATMs are plentiful near Pub Street and along Sivatha Boulevard, though most charge a withdrawal fee of $4–$5 USD per transaction.

Practical Tips

Getting around Siem Reap is refreshingly affordable. Tuk-tuks are the most popular way to move around the city and out to the temples. Expect to pay $2–$3 USD for short trips within town, and around $15–$20 USD for a full-day tuk-tuk hire to Angkor Wat. Apps like PassApp and Grab work well here and take the guesswork out of negotiating fares.

For food, skip the tourist restaurants around Pub Street and head instead to the Old Market area or the night food stalls along Preah Sangreach Tep Vong Street. A bowl of noodle soup or a plate of lok lak (stir-fried beef with rice) will set you back just $1.50–$3 USD. Street-side baguette sandwiches, a holdover from French colonial times, are another cheap and satisfying option for under a dollar.

• Buy your Angkor Archaeological Park pass at the official ticket centre — a one-day pass costs $37 USD, three-day $62 USD, and seven-day $72 USD
• Dress modestly when visiting temples: covered shoulders and knees are required
• Stay hydrated — the heat is intense, especially between March and May
• Bargain respectfully at markets, but never haggle for food from street vendors
• Carry small bills in USD and avoid $50 or $100 notes, which many vendors will not accept

Getting There

Siem Reap is served by Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), which opened in 2023 and replaced the older REP airport. The new airport sits about 50 kilometres from the city centre, so factor in a transfer time of roughly 45–60 minutes. Taxis from the airport run approximately $20–$25 USD.

Direct international flights connect Siem Reap with Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, and several Chinese cities. From Europe, North America, or Australia, you will typically connect through one of these regional hubs. Budget carriers including AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Scoot offer competitive fares. Booking two to three months in advance can bring connecting flights from Bangkok down to as little as $50–$80 USD return.

If you are already in Southeast Asia, overland buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap are a popular budget option, taking around eight to ten hours with a border crossing at Poipet. The journey can be done for as little as $15–$20 USD and is manageable with a bit of patience.

Accommodation Options

Siem Reap has accommodation to suit every budget, from social hostels to boutique riverfront retreats.

• Budget ($5–$20 USD per night): The area around Wat Bo Road and the Old French Quarter is packed with clean, friendly guesthouses and hostels. Dorm beds typically start at $5–$8 USD, while private rooms with air conditioning and hot water can be found for $12–$20 USD.
• Mid-range ($30–$80 USD per night): Boutique hotels with pools and breakfast included are excellent value in this bracket. Look around the Sala Kamreuk neighbourhood for charming Khmer-style properties with excellent service.
• Luxury ($100 USD and above): Siem Reap is home to some genuinely world-class resorts, including Amansara, Shinta Mani, and Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor. These properties offer extraordinary experiences at prices that are still considerably lower than comparable luxury hotels in Europe or North America.