Cambodia Trip Cost from India: Real 7-10 Day Backpacking Budget (2026)
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-17
A 7-10 day Cambodia trip from India costs ₹35,000 (~$363.34) to ₹55,000 (~$570.96) per person for a backpacker staying in hostels, eating street food, and using buses. That includes round-trip flights (₹18,000-₹25,000 (~$186.86-$259.53)), the visa (₹2,890 (~$30) visa-on-arrival or ₹3,468 (~$36) e-visa), 8 nights of dorm beds, local transport, the Angkor pass, and daily food. Add ₹10,000-₹15,000 (~$103.81-$155.72) more if you want a private room every night or fly between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap instead of taking the bus.
Verified against the official Cambodia e-visa portal and traveller reports from June 2026. FX rate used throughout: 1 USD = ₹96.3294.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight from India | ₹18,000 (~$186.86) to ₹25,000 (~$259.53) | Mumbai/Delhi to Phnom Penh, one stop |
| Cambodia e-visa | ₹3,468 (~36 USD) | Apply at evisa.gov.kh, 3 business days |
| Visa-on-arrival | ₹2,890 (~30 USD) | Pay cash USD at Phnom Penh/Siem Reap airport |
| Dorm bed per night | ₹578 (~6 USD) to ₹1,156 (~12 USD) | Siem Reap is cheapest, Phnom Penh slightly more |
| Private room per night | ₹1,445 (~15 USD) to ₹2,890 (~30 USD) | Guesthouses, includes AC and Wi-Fi |
| Daily food budget | ₹771 (~8 USD) to ₹1,445 (~15 USD) | Street food + one restaurant meal |
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap bus | ₹771 (~8 USD) to ₹1,445 (~15 USD) | Giant Ibis or Mekong Express, 6 hours |
| Angkor 1-day pass | ₹3,564 (~37 USD) | Cash at the main gate |
| Angkor 3-day pass | ₹5,972 (~62 USD) | Valid across 7 days, best value |
| Tuk-tuk around town | ₹193 (~2 USD) to ₹482 (~5 USD) | Negotiate before you sit down |
| Full-day Angkor tuk-tuk | ₹1,445 (~15 USD) to ₹2,408 (~25 USD) | Driver waits the whole day |
| Tourist SIM (7 days) | ₹289 (~3 USD) | Cellcard or Smart, ~10GB |
For an exact per-day breakdown, see the Daily Budget section below.
Step-by-Step: Plan Your Cambodia Trip in 7-10 Days
Step 1: Book the flight (4-6 weeks ahead)
Round-trip flights from Mumbai or Delhi to Phnom Penh run ₹18,000-₹25,000 (~$186.86-$259.53) with one stop in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Direct flights don’t exist on most routes. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for the best fares; Air India, Thai Airways, VietJet, and AirAsia all fly this route.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search from Mumbai shows Phnom Penh and Siem Reap as the cheapest Cambodia entry points almost every month. Set a price alert 8 weeks out, then book the moment it drops below ₹20,000 (~$207.62).
Flying into Siem Reap instead of Phnom Penh costs about ₹2,000 (~$20.76) more but saves you 6 hours of bus time on day one. Worth it if Angkor Wat is your main reason for going.
Step 2: Apply for the visa
You have two clean options, and the choice comes down to queue tolerance, not money:
- E-visa (₹3,468 (~36 USD)): Apply at evisa.gov.kh. Costs ₹3,468 (~36 USD), takes 3 business days, prints to A4 paper, walk past the queue at immigration.
- Visa-on-arrival (₹2,890 (~30 USD)): Fly in, fill the form at the counter, pay cash USD, get stamped. ₹578 (~6 USD) cheaper but you stand in line for 20-40 minutes with everyone else.
Both give 30 days, single entry. Carry 2 passport photos (4x6 cm, white background) for the VoA counter even if you’ve applied for the e-visa; some officers ask, and the photo booth at the airport charges ₹193 (~2 USD).
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Pay the VoA fee in crisp USD bills. Torn, folded, or pre-2006 notes get refused, and there’s no ATM inside the visa hall. Withdraw from the airport ATM before joining the queue.
The ₹2,890 (~30 USD)/ ₹3,468 (~36 USD) split is a small saving but matters if you’re already maxing the RBI’s $250,000/year LRS limit on flights and hotels. For first-timers, the e-visa is worth the ₹578 (~6 USD) just for skipping the queue.
Step 3: Decide your route
For 7-10 days, the standard backpacker route is Phnom Penh (2 nights) → Siem Reap (3-4 nights) → optional beach add-on (Koh Rong or Kampot, 2-3 nights). Skip Phnom Penh entirely if history museums aren’t your thing and just base yourself in Siem Reap.
The full loop including a beach finish looks like this:
| Leg | Days | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive Phnom Penh | 1 | Flight |
| Phnom Penh sightseeing | 2 | Walking + tuk-tuk |
| Phnom Penh → Siem Reap | 0.5 | Bus, 6 hours |
| Siem Reap + Angkor | 3-4 | Tuk-tuk daily |
| Siem Reap → coast (optional) | 1 | Bus to Sihanoukville, ferry to Koh Rong |
| Koh Rong / Kampot | 2-3 | Local transport |
| Fly out from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville | 0.5 | Flight |
Book on 12go for the Phnom Penh. Siem Reap bus. Same platform works for the Siem Reap → Sihanoukville leg.
Step 4: Book your first 2 nights
Don’t walk into Cambodia without at least your first night’s stay booked. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap both have dozens of hostels, but the best-rated ones fill up December through February. The hostel table below covers the usual picks in both cities.
Step 5: Get a SIM at the airport
A tourist SIM costs ₹289 (~3 USD) for 7 days at the Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport, including ~10GB data. Cellcard and Smart both sell at the arrivals hall before you exit. Cash USD works, no need to find an ATM first.
If you’d rather arrive with data already working, Get Nomad eSIM ships a Cambodia plan before you fly and activates the moment you land.
Step 6: Budget your daily spend
Most backpackers land in Cambodia expecting Thailand prices, then realise everything is 20-30% cheaper. Street food, hostels, beer, tuk-tuks, the Angkor pass; all of it comes in under what you’d pay in Bangkok.
See the Daily Budget section below for the line-by-line breakdown.
Step 7: Don’t skip the Angkor pass math
A 1-day Angkor pass is ₹3,564 (~37 USD). A 3-day pass is ₹5,972 (~62 USD), valid across any 7 days. If you’re spending 2 or more days in the Angkor Archaeological Park, the 3-day pass pays for itself by day two.
Safety Alert: Carry your Angkor pass on you at all times inside the park. Random checks happen at temple entrances, and a missing pass means buying a new one at full price.
Daily Budget: Backpacker vs Mid-Range
Verified 2026-07-17 at 1 USD = ₹96.3294.
| Category | Backpacker (per day) | Mid-Range (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Dorm bed | ₹578 (~6 USD) to ₹1,156 (~12 USD) | , |
| Private room | , | ₹1,927 (~20 USD) to ₹3,372 (~35 USD) |
| Food (street + 1 restaurant) | ₹771 (~8 USD) to ₹1,156 (~12 USD) | ₹1,445 (~15 USD) to ₹2,408 (~25 USD) |
| Transport (tuk-tuk, local bus) | ₹289 (~3 USD) to ₹482 (~5 USD) | ₹963 (~10 USD) to ₹1,445 (~15 USD) |
| Activities (Angkor day, museum) | $0 to ₹3,564 (~37 USD) | $0 to ₹5,972 (~62 USD) |
| Beer at a guesthouse | ₹48 (~0.50 USD) to ₹96 (~1 USD) | ₹193 (~2 USD) to ₹385 (~4 USD) |
| Daily total | ₹1,734 (~18 USD) to ₹2,890 (~30 USD) | ₹4,335 (~45 USD) to ₹7,225 (~75 USD) |
A full 7-10 day trip, broken down:
| Trip Length | Style | Total per Person (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Backpacker (dorms + bus) | ₹33,000 (~$342.57) to ₹42,000 (~$436) |
| 7 days | Mid-range (private rooms + occasional flights) | ₹48,000 (~$498.29) to ₹65,000 (~$674.77) |
| 10 days | Backpacker (dorms + bus) | ₹42,000 (~$436) to ₹55,000 (~$570.96) |
| 10 days | Mid-range (private rooms + bus) | ₹60,000 (~$622.86) to ₹80,000 (~$830.48) |
These totals include the visa and Angkor pass but exclude international flights. Add ₹18,000-₹25,000 (~$186.86-$259.53) for the round-trip ticket from India.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Cambodia or Thailand for Indian backpackers? Cambodia wins on food and accommodation (cheaper by 25-30%), loses on transport variety and nightlife. Vietnam beats both for street food culture but adds a visa fee. For a 7-10 day first SEA trip on a tight budget, Cambodia is the cleanest number.
Where to Stay
| Hostel | City | Dorm Price (USD) | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onederz Hostel Siem Reap | Siem Reap | ₹674 (~7 USD) to ₹963 (~10 USD) | 9.3 | Check prices |
| Mad Monkey Hostel Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh | ₹771 (~8 USD) to ₹1,156 (~12 USD) | 8.6 | Check prices |
| The Siem Reap Hostel | Siem Reap | ₹578 (~6 USD) to ₹867 (~9 USD) | 8.8 | Check prices |
| Lub d Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh | ₹963 (~10 USD) to ₹1,349 (~14 USD) | 9.0 | Check prices |
| Hostel by Bed | Phnom Penh | ₹674 (~7 USD) to ₹963 (~10 USD) | 8.4 | Check prices |
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Siem Reap hostels include free Angkor-style breakfast (rice porridge, noodles) most mornings. That cuts your daily food bill by another ₹193-₹289 (~2-3 USD). Onederz and Mad Monkey both run it.
If you’re travelling as a couple and want a private room with AC, guesthouse doubles go for ₹1,734-₹2,890 (~18-30 USD) outside the Old Market area. Book the first night direct and walk in for the rest; no need to lock in 8 nights upfront.
What to Eat (and Where)
Cambodian food is closer to Thai than Vietnamese: rice, noodles, fish, lemongrass, coconut. The street food is halal-friendly in most tourist zones, but the safety picture for Indian travelers is solid as long as you stick to cooked stalls.
Local spots worth a meal
- Smokin’ Pot Authentic Cambodian Restaurant and Cooking School (Siem Reap, 4.9): Run as a cooking class during the day, à la carte at night. Fish amok here is the closest you’ll get to grandma’s kitchen. Book on GetYourGuide.
- Cambodia Kitchen (Siem Reap, 4.9): Set in a wooden shophouse, serves lok lak (stir-fried beef in pepper sauce) and Khmer curries. Travellers report portions big enough to share. Book on GetYourGuide.
- HoubHoub Cambodian Restaurant (BKK1) (Phnom Penh, 4.8): A local favourite in the BKK1 district, packed at dinner. Try the mango salad. Book on GetYourGuide.
When you need a dal-chawal fix
Cambodia doesn’t have a deep Indian restaurant scene like Bangkok, but the spots that exist are clean and reliable.
- Indian Restaurant (Siem Reap, 4.9): Basic but does a serviceable thali. Travellers report the paneer is the safer pick over the chicken.
- Galaxy Indian Restaurant, Poipet (Poipet, 5.0): Land border town, useful if you’re crossing in/out from Thailand and need a proper meal.
- Saffron Indian Restaurant Poipet (Poipet, 5.0): More upscale of the two border options. Better biryani, slower service.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Siem Reap has 3-4 small veg-friendly Khmer spots that aren’t on Google Maps. Ask your hostel reception for “the one with the Buddhist owner two streets behind Pub Street.” You’ll get a ₹193 (~2 USD) plate of rice, veg curry, and pickled greens that puts most Indian restaurants to shame.
How to Get Around
Within cities
Tuk-tuks are Cambodia’s default city transport. Negotiate the price before you sit down. Within town: ₹193-₹482 (~2-5 USD). Half-day Angkor tour: ₹1,445-₹2,408 (~15-25 USD). Always agree on “$X total, not per person” before the driver starts the meter; some try to charge each rider separately.
Phnom Penh has Grab, PassApp, and WeTaxi, all of which work on Indian SIMs with no roaming setup. Siem Reap has fewer ride-hailing drivers, so tuk-tuks stay the easier choice there.
Between cities
The Phnom Penh to Siem Reap corridor runs giant buses every morning:
- Giant Ibis: ₹1,252 (~13 USD), leaves 7:15 AM and 8:30 AM, 6 hours, Wi-Fi, AC.
- Mekong Express: ₹963 (~10 USD), similar schedule, slightly older buses.
- Local minivans: ₹771 (~8 USD), leave when full, less legroom, slower.
For Siem Reap to Sihanoukville (gateway to Koh Rong), book through any hostel or 12go the day before. The road is rough and the trip takes 8-9 hours.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap exist (Cambodia Angkor Air, ₹3,853-₹5,780 (~40-60 USD) one-way) but the bus is ₹1,252 (~13 USD) and the flight saves only 3 hours once you add airport transfers. Skip it unless you’re on a 5-day trip.
Common Mistakes Indians Make
Mistake 1: Paying the visa in INR or local riel
The VoA counter accepts only USD. They’ll turn you away with a stack of ₹2,000 (~$20.76) notes you brought “just in case.” Withdraw USD from the airport ATM before joining the visa queue.
Mistake 2: Booking only the first night and assuming you’ll find a hostel at midnight
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap both have walk-in availability most of the year, except for December-January when the cool season peaks and hostels fill by 4 PM. Book the first 2 nights, walk in for the rest.
Mistake 3: Underestimating the Angkor Wat dress code
Shoulders and knees covered at the main temple complex, or you’ll be turned away at the Bakan tower entrance. Lightweight trousers and a long-sleeve cotton shirt solve it without overheating. Carry a sarong in your daypack as backup; vendors sell them outside the gate for ₹193 (~2 USD) but you’ll pay tourist price.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the e-visa requires a printout
The e-visa PDF on your phone is not accepted at immigration in Cambodia. Print it before you fly or use the print shop at the airport (₹96 (~1 USD)). Travellers report getting pulled aside for “showing the officer a phone screen” in Phnom Penh.
Mistake 5: Not telling your bank before you leave
Indian bank cards get blocked the moment an unfamiliar country shows up on the transaction stream. Call your bank’s international desk or set a travel notice on the app the day before you fly. Without it, you’ll be standing at a Phnom Penh ATM with a declined card and no Plan B.
What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
The $7 vs $37 Angkor pass trap
The 1-day pass gets you sunrise at Angkor Wat and a quick temple loop in one day. But the 3-day pass at ₹5,972 (~62 USD) is what every serious visitor buys, because it lets you spread temple visits across a week and catch Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei without rushing. Travellers who bought the 1-day pass almost always wish they’d upgraded.
The USD vs riel confusion
Cambodia runs on both currencies. Prices are quoted in USD everywhere, but you get change in riel (the local currency). A ₹144 (~1.50 USD) beer costs “1500 riel”, same thing. Don’t try to reject riel change; it’s useful for ₹48 (~0.50 USD) tuk-tuk fares and small street food. Get the full currency breakdown for Indian travelers before you go.
The Poipet border crossing scam pattern
If you cross overland from Thailand at Poipet, the Cambodian side has a documented pattern of “helpers” grabbing your bag, walking you to the wrong counter, and demanding ₹482-₹963 (~5-10 USD) for the service. Decline politely, walk to the official VoA counter yourself, and tip the actual porter ₹96 (~1 USD) if you need help with bags.
Safety Alert: Check the Indian MEA travel advisory for Cambodia before departure. Current advisories cover general safety, currency rules, and contact info for the Indian embassy in Phnom Penh. Cambodia is safe for tourists, but a 5-minute read on the official page keeps you aware of any border-region updates.
FAQ
Is Cambodia cheaper than Thailand for Indian backpackers?
Yes, by about 25-30% on food, accommodation, and transport. A dorm bed that costs ₹965 (~10 USD) in Bangkok goes for ₹674 (~7 USD) in Siem Reap. Street food is ₹96-₹193 (~1-2 USD) per dish versus ₹115-₹230 (~40-80 THB) in Thailand. Beer is ₹48-₹96 (~0.50-1 USD) versus ₹115-₹230 (~40-80 THB).
Do I need a return ticket to enter Cambodia?
Not strictly. Immigration rarely asks, but the e-visa form asks for an “address in Cambodia”, a hostel name is fine. Carry a printed flight itinerary anyway; some officers do ask.
Can I extend my Cambodia visa inside the country?
Yes. A 30-day extension costs ₹4,335 (~45 USD) and is processed at the immigration office in Phnom Penh (no online option). Takes 5-7 working days. Apply at least 5 days before your current visa expires.
Is Cambodia safe for Indian travelers?
Yes. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are both used to Indian tourists. The main scams to watch are tuk-tuk overcharging, fake temple guides, and the Poipet border hustle. None of these are dangerous, just annoying.
How many days do I need for Cambodia?
7 days covers Phnom Penh + Siem Reap comfortably. 10 days lets you add Koh Rong or Kampot. Anything under 5 days means skipping either the capital or Angkor, both of which are worth the visit.
Do Indian credit cards work in Cambodia?
Visa and Mastercard work at hotels, big restaurants, and the airport. UPI does not. Carry a forex card with a USD balance plus ₹19,266-₹28,899 (~200-300 USD) in cash USD as backup. ATMs charge ₹482 (~5 USD) per withdrawal, so withdraw larger amounts less often.
What’s the cheapest month to fly to Cambodia from India?
May through September (the wet season). Round-trip fares drop to ₹15,000-₹18,000 (~$155.72-$186.86) outside the December-February peak. Rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts; temple visits and beach time still work fine.
Subodh’s Take
Cambodia is the cleanest number on the Southeast Asia backpacker spreadsheet right now. Flights are reasonable, the visa is painless, dorms and street food are cheaper than Bangkok or Hanoi, and Angkor Wat earns its reputation. The country rewards a 7-10 day trip with two distinct halves, the heavy weight of Phnom Penh’s history and the lighter pace of Siem Reap’s temples and pub street. Budget ₹40,000-₹55,000 (~$415.24-$570.96) per person, all in, and you’ll come home with a few extra dollars and a long memory.
