I just came back from 14 days in Cambodia — an unforgettable journey that I managed to experience without breaking the bank. As a budget traveler, I explored the country at my own pace, from Phnom Penh to the southern islands, Kampot, Kep, and the majestic temples of Angkor. Between cultural discoveries, natural landscapes, and delicious local food, this adventure proved that a Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary, around €500–550 excluding flights, is not only possible but also deeply authentic and rewarding.
When to go to Cambodia ? Choosing the right time is essential to plan a cheap trip to Cambodia. The rainy season (May to October) remains the most economical: hotel and transport prices drop by 20 to 50%, and the temples of Angkor are far less crowded. Despite a few showers, mornings are often sunny, and the lush landscapes offer a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
For a drier climate, prefer November or April, the transition months between seasons. Prices are still affordable, about 30 to 40% cheaper than in the high season (December to March). By following these tips, my Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary remained affordable, pleasant, and full of local discoveries.
During my Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of budget accommodations: clean, friendly, and often well-located. For €4.50 to €14 per night, it’s easy to find hostels or guesthouses with free Wi-Fi and sometimes breakfast included — perfect for a budget trip to Cambodia.
Phnom Penh: The Mad Monkey Hostel is an excellent choice for solo travelers, around €7 per night in a dorm, while the Billabong Hostel stands out for its calm atmosphere and good value (around €9).
Southern Islands (Otres Beach & Koh Ta Kiev): I stayed at Kactus Eco Lodge, in a simple hut facing the sea for about €6 per night — a rustic and peaceful experience. For more comfort, Sok Sabay Hotel (from €23) offers a relaxing beachside atmosphere.
Kampot: Monkey Republic Hostel charmed me with its tropical garden and peaceful vibe, with dorm beds from €5.50 — a friendly place where it’s easy to meet other travelers.
Kep: Kep Bay Hotel offers a stunning sea view for around €14 per night, ideal for waking up gently in a serene atmosphere.
Siem Reap: My favorite was Onederz Hostel — central, clean, and affordable (€4.50 in a dorm), perfect for exploring Angkor temples without stress.
Thanks to these budget accommodations, I saved nearly €95 throughout the trip while enjoying unforgettable encounters with other travelers. For those who prefer more comfort, private rooms between €25 and €30 per night remain very affordable in Cambodia.
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Cambodian cuisine is delicious, diverse, and perfect for a cheap trip to Cambodia. Throughout my Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary, I chose local markets and street food, where a full meal rarely costs more than €3. Here are my best culinary discoveries:
Phnom Penh: At the Russian Market, I enjoyed delicious Khmer noodles for about €2. I also joined a cooking class at Friends Restaurant (around €14), a social and enriching experience where I learned more about local gastronomy.
Otres Beach and Koh Ta Kiev: Beach stalls offer grilled fish and fresh seafood for around €3. On Koh Ta Kiev, simple lodge meals (rice and vegetables for €2) were shared in a friendly atmosphere, often around a campfire.
Kampot: At the night market, I loved the Kampot pepper skewers — flavorful and aromatic, for just €1.
Kep: Don’t miss the crab market, where you can enjoy fresh crab with Kampot pepper for about €5, right by the sea. It’s probably one of my best food memories.
My average food budget was around €9–10 per day, including drinks and fresh fruit. Eating street food allowed me to discover more than a cuisine — a warm culture filled with smiles, aromas, and simple sharing that perfectly reflects the soul of Cambodia.
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Traveling cheaply in Cambodia is simple, practical, and rewarding. For my Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary, I relied on local transport — ideal for a Cambodia cheap tour without compromising comfort or safety. Here are the best budget options I tried:
Giant Ibis Bus: Between 6 and 10 USD (€5.50–9) per trip depending on distance. For example, Phnom Penh – Siem Reap cost me about €7.50. Buses are air-conditioned, punctual, and often have Wi-Fi.
Cambodian Train: A picturesque and cheap option connecting Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for about €6. It’s slow but perfect to admire the countryside.
Tuk-tuks and Grab motorbikes: Ideal for short rides in the city, only 1–3 USD (€0.90–2.70). Always negotiate before boarding if you’re not using an app.
Local Boats: To reach the southern islands like Koh Ta Kiev or Koh Rong, count 5–10 USD (€4.50–9) per crossing depending on distance and boat type.
In two weeks, my total transport budget didn’t exceed €55, allowing me to travel authentically and flexibly. It’s one of the best ways to travel in Cambodia on a budget!
Here’s the full summary of my 2-week budget tour in Cambodia, mixing culture, nature, and relaxation. Each stop revealed a different side of the country while keeping my Cambodia travel budget around €500–550.
First immersion in the Cambodian capital and its moving past. I visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek before relaxing in the evening at the central market and joining a Khmer cooking class. An intense but essential day to understand the country’s history.
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Train to Sihanoukville, then a boat to Otres Beach and Koh Ta Kiev. I spent days relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and watching sunsets in a setting still preserved from mass tourism. These islands offered total disconnection and a real return to simplicity.
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>>> What to do in Sihanoukville in November?
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By local bus to Kampot, famous for its pepper farms and peaceful vibe. Between a walk along the river, tasting Kampot pepper, and visiting charming cafés, it’s the perfect stop to recharge before continuing the adventure.
Short boat ride to Kep, a small seaside town known for its fresh crab with pepper. Between swimming, lunch by the sea, and sunset, this simple and authentic day remains one of my best memories.
Back to the capital to explore the Royal Palace, stroll along the Mekong River, and shop in craft markets. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy city life one last time before heading north.
Night bus to Siem Reap, then exploration of the legendary Angkor complex with a 3-day pass (around €58). The sunrise over Angkor Wat, the serenity of Bayon, and the jungle-covered beauty of Ta Prohm fascinated me. The night markets and lively streets of the city added a festive touch to the end of my trip.
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This Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary offered me the perfect balance between culture, nature, and human encounters, proving that an authentic and affordable journey is absolutely possible in this fascinating country.
This budget trip to Cambodia proved to me that it’s possible to live a rich and authentic experience without spending a fortune. By following this Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary, I discovered a country of incredible diversity — from historical heritage to wild beaches and tasty street food. Each step, from sunrise over Angkor Wat to peaceful evenings in Kampot, brought unique emotions. With an overall budget of about €550, Cambodia stands out as an ideal destination for budget travelers seeking adventure, culture, and simplicity.
For a tailor-made and well-organized stay, I recommend Autour Asia – a travel agency in Cambodia, expert in authentic and responsible tours.
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