How to Visit Angkor Wat on a Budget Without Missing the Highlights
Ever wondered how to see one of the world’s most amazing spots without breaking the bank? Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia can be yours to explore even if you’re watching your money! Want to walk the same paths as ancient kings without emptying your wallet? You can do it! Need to stretch your dollars while still having an unforgettable trip to these massive stone temples? It’s totally possible!
Visiting Angkor Wat on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on the magic. Smart travelers know that with some planning, you can see every stunning sunrise, moss-covered ruin, and smiling stone face for much less than you might think. This guide will show you how to make it happen.
Related Links
- Explore Journey Cambodia Tours
- Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour
- Contact Journey Cambodia
- 2-Day Temple Highlights with Sunset and Sunrise Package
10 Ways to Visit Angkor Wat on a Budget
- Choose cheap places to stay in Siem Reap
- Siem Reap has tons of cheap hostels and budget hotels that cost $5-15 per night. Many offer free breakfast and have pools too! You’ll find most budget spots near the Old Market area, giving you easy access to food and transport to the temples.
- Eat local food to save money
- Skip tourist restaurants and try street food stalls where meals cost $1-3. The night markets have amazing cheap eats. Try local dishes like amok (coconut curry) or lok lak (stir-fried beef). Buying fruit from markets costs even less than prepared meals.
- Get around cheaply with tuk-tuks or bikes
- Rent a bicycle for $2 per day to explore the temples at your own pace. For longer distances, share a tuk-tuk with other travelers. A full-day temple tour by tuk-tuk costs about $15-18, which becomes very cheap when split between 2-4 people.
- Buy a multi-day pass for better value
- If you plan to visit for more than one day, the multi-day passes offer better value. A one-day pass costs $37, but a three-day pass is only $62, and a seven-day pass is $72. The multi-day passes don’t need to be used on consecutive days.
- Visit during low season (May-September)
- Prices for hotels and tours drop by 30-50% during Cambodia’s rainy season. While it does rain, storms typically happen in the afternoon for a few hours, leaving mornings dry for temple visits.
- Join small group tours instead of private ones
- Group tours like the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour cost from $19 per person, much cheaper than private guides that charge $50+. You still get an English-speaking guide but pay much less by sharing the experience with others.
- Pack your own water and snacks
- Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at your hotel. Food near the temples costs 3-4 times more than in town. Pack simple snacks like bananas and nuts to keep you going through the day.
- Visit lesser-known temples to avoid extra fees
- Some remote temples charge extra fees. Stick to the main circuit including Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom which are all covered by the standard pass.
- Use free activities to fill your non-temple days
- Visit the Royal Gardens, wander around the Old Market, or check out the night markets without spending money. Many hostels also offer free walking tours of Siem Reap.
- Bargain for souvenirs at markets
- Always negotiate prices at the markets. Start by offering half the asking price and work up from there. The Night Market and Old Market are great places to find cheap souvenirs.
Affordable Accommodation Options in Siem Reap
Finding cheap places to sleep in Siem Reap is easy. The city has grown with tourism, so there are many options.
Hostels offer beds in shared rooms for $5-9 per night. Many include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and some even have swimming pools. Popular budget hostels include Mad Monkey, Funky Flashpacker, and Siem Reap Pub Hostel.
Budget guesthouses give you private rooms for $15-20 per night. These family-run places often provide more local flavor and personal service than big hotels. Most are located within walking distance of Pub Street and the markets.
Budget hotels with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes a small pool cost $20-30 per night. Many offer free tuk-tuk service to the city center.
For the best deals, book directly with hotels or wait until you arrive and negotiate in person. Prices drop significantly during the rainy season (May-September).
Eating Cheaply in Siem Reap
Food costs can be very low if you eat like locals do. Here’s how:
Street food stalls offer meals for $1-3. Look for busy stalls where lots of locals eat – this means the food is both good and safe. Try noodle soups for breakfast, rice dishes for lunch, and barbecued meats for dinner.
The Night Markets have food courts with many cheap options. The Angkor Night Market and Pub Street area have budget-friendly food stalls with dishes from $2-4.
Local restaurants away from tourist areas serve full meals for $3-5. Ask your hotel or hostel staff for recommendations where they eat.
Fresh fruit from markets costs very little. A whole pineapple or mango might cost just $0.50-1.
Save by eating your biggest meal at lunch when many restaurants offer specials. Some hostels and guesthouses have kitchens where you can cook your own meals.
Transportation on a Budget
Getting around Siem Reap and the temple complex doesn’t have to cost much:
Bicycles rent for $1-3 per day. This is the cheapest option and gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. The main temples are within cycling distance from town (about 7km to Angkor Wat).
Tuk-tuks cost $15-25 for a full day of temple touring. Share with other travelers to split the cost. Your driver will wait while you explore each temple.
Walking is free and possible between some temples in the main complex, though distances can be long in the heat.
Some hostels and hotels offer free or very cheap bicycle rentals, so ask when booking.
Best Time to Visit for Budget Travelers
The time of year makes a big difference in prices:
Low season (May-September): Hotel rates drop by 30-50%, tours cost less, and there are fewer crowds. Yes, it rains, but usually for a few hours in the afternoon, not all day. Morning temple visits often stay dry.
Shoulder seasons (April and October): Better weather than low season but still with lower prices than high season.
High season (November-March): Dry and cooler, but everything costs more and temples get very crowded.
For the budget traveler, visiting during low season makes the most sense. The temple complex is more peaceful, and your money goes much further.
Making the Most of Your Temple Pass
The entrance fee to the Angkor Archaeological Park is a big expense, so make it count:
One-day pass: $37 – Best for those on a very tight schedule Three-day pass: $62 – The best value for most travelers Seven-day pass: $72 – For those who want to explore thoroughly
The three-day pass doesn’t need to be used on consecutive days. You can use it any three days within a 10-day period. This lets you rest between temple days or explore Siem Reap.
Start early! Arriving at Angkor Wat for sunrise not only gives amazing photos but also lets you explore before the midday heat when you’ll want to rest.
Plan your temple route carefully. Group nearby temples together to save on transportation costs. Most visitors follow either the Small Circuit or the Grand Circuit.
Budget-Friendly Temple Itineraries
One-Day Budget Itinerary:
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat (arrive by 5:00 AM)
- Explore Angkor Wat until about 8:30 AM
- Bayon Temple with its stone faces (9:00-10:30 AM)
- Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple) (11:00-12:30 PM)
- Lunch break and rest during the hottest part of the day
- Angkor Thom gates and walls (3:00-4:30 PM)
- Sunset at Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng (5:00-6:00 PM)
Three-Day Budget Itinerary:
Day 1: The main highlights
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat
- Angkor Thom complex
- Bayon Temple
- Ta Prohm
Day 2: Secondary temples
- Preah Khan
- Neak Pean
- East Mebon
- Pre Rup
Day 3: Outlying temples
- Banteay Srei (worth the trip for its detailed carvings)
- Banteay Samre
- Roluos Group of temples
Tips for Saving Money on Tours
Tours can give you great info about the temples but can get pricey. Here’s how to save:
Join small group tours instead of private ones. A group sunrise tour of Angkor Wat starts from just $19 per person, while private guides cost $70 or more.
Check if your hostel or hotel offers free or cheap tours. Many budget accommodations organize temple trips for guests at rates lower than tour companies.
Some tuk-tuk drivers know a lot about the temples and can act as unofficial guides for no extra cost. Ask at your hotel for drivers who speak good English and know the history.
Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour offers great value at $19, including hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and transportation between temples.
Other Free and Cheap Activities in Siem Reap
There’s plenty to do in Siem Reap when you’re not visiting temples:
Explore Pub Street and the Night Markets – looking costs nothing, and the people-watching is free entertainment.
Visit the Royal Gardens in the center of town – a peaceful park that costs nothing to enter.
Some hostels offer free cooking classes, movie nights, or walking tours for guests.
Check out the free Cambodian circus practice sessions (though the main shows cost money).
Walk along the river in the evening when it’s cooler.
Visit local Buddhist temples in town (dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees).
Budget-Friendly Souvenirs
Bring home memories without spending too much:
The Old Market and Night Markets have the cheapest souvenirs. Always bargain – start at half the asking price.
Small items like woven bracelets, wooden carvings, or scarves can cost as little as $1-3 after bargaining.
Local art from street vendors often costs a fraction of gallery prices.
Photos make free souvenirs – the temples provide endless amazing photo opportunities.
Questions for Budget Travelers
How much should I budget per day for Siem Reap? You can get by on $25-45 per day including accommodation, food, and local transport. Add the temple pass cost spread over your visiting days.
Is it safe to eat street food in Siem Reap? Yes, if you choose busy stalls where lots of locals eat. Look for food that’s cooked fresh in front of you.
When is the cheapest time to visit Angkor Wat? May through September offers the lowest prices, though it’s the rainy season. April and October are good compromise months with decent weather and lower prices.
Can I see the main temples in one day? Yes, you can see Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm and parts of Angkor Thom in a single day, though it will be rushed.
Should I book tours in advance or when I arrive? For budget travelers, booking when you arrive often gets better prices as you can negotiate directly with tour providers and tuk-tuk drivers.
Visiting the amazing temples of Angkor Wat doesn’t have to empty your bank account. With these tips, even those on tight budgets can have an amazing time exploring this wonder of the world. The memories you’ll make among these ancient stones will be priceless, no matter how much you spend.
