Budget for Cambodia and Laos Travel: A Comprehensive Cost-Saving Guide

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.

Unlock Affordable Adventures in Two Hidden Gems

Cambodia and Laos, neighboring jewels of Southeast Asia, offer budget-friendly escapes rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From Cambodia’s majestic Angkor Wat to Laos’ serene Mekong River cruises in Luang Prabang, these destinations deliver incredible value without compromising experience. Smart budgeting for Cambodia Tours ensures you explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, and emerald rice fields, while Laos Travel opens doors to tranquil Buddhist heritage and untouched landscapes—all at wallet-friendly prices. With Legend Travel Group, enjoy peace of mind: book any tour with just a 10% deposit, final payment due only 30 days before departure.

This guide breaks down daily costs, money-saving strategies, and cultural tips to maximize your adventure across both countries.

Administrative Note

No visa needed for short stays (15–30 days for most nationalities in Cambodia; 30 days visa-free in Laos). Budget $30–$50/day per person for mid-range travel. Use USD in Cambodia; LAK or USD in Laos. ATMs widely available. Book Cambodia Tours or Laos Travel with Legend Travel Group for seamless transfers and local expertise.

Cambodia Budget Snapshot (Per Person, Mid-Range)

• Accommodation: $15–$35 (guesthouse to 3-star hotel in Siem Reap/Phnom Penh)

• Food: $8–$15 (street food to local restaurants; amok, lok lak)

• Transport: $5–$12 (tuk-tuk, bus, shared minivan)

• Attractions: $37 (Angkor Pass 1-day); $5–$10 (museums, temples)

• Misc (SIM, water, tips): $3–$5

• Total Daily: $68–$104

Laos Budget Snapshot (Per Person, Mid-Range)

• Accommodation: $18–$40 (guesthouse to boutique hotel in Luang Prabang/Vientiane)

• Food: $7–$14 (laap, sticky rice, khao soi)

• Transport: $6–$15 (songthaew, VIP bus, boat)

• Attractions: $5–$20 (Kuang Si Falls, Pak Ou Caves)

• Misc: $3–$5

• Total Daily: $39–$94

Pro Tip: Combine both countries in a 10–14 day Cambodia and Laos Travel package with Legend Travel Group—save up to 20% on multi-destination itineraries.

1. Travel Off-Peak (May–October): Lower hotel rates, fewer crowds at Angkor Wat and Luang Prabang waterfalls.

2. Eat Local: Street stalls offer meals for $1–$3; night markets in Siem Reap and Luang Prabang are budget goldmines.

3. Use Public Transport: VIP buses ($8–$15) between cities; tuk-tuks ($1–$3/ride) in towns.

4. Book Combo Tours: Legend Travel Group’s Cambodia Tours + Laos Travel bundles include internal flights/transfers at discounted rates.

5. Free Activities: Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat (with pass), stroll Luang Prabang’s UNESCO streets, or join alms-giving ceremonies.

• Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders/knees at temples (scarf: $2).

• Remove Shoes: Before entering homes or wats.

• Wai/Sampeah Greeting: Show respect to locals and monks.

• Tip Mindfully: $1–$2 for guides/drivers; optional but appreciated.

• Bargain Politely: At markets, start at 50% of quoted price.

7-Day Cambodia Focus (Siem Reap & Phnom Penh)

• Day 1–3: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat sunrise, Ta Prohm, local markets ($180–$250 total)

• Day 4–5: Phnom Penh – Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng, riverside ($120–$180)

• Day 6–7: Koh Rong island (optional beach extension, +$80–$120)

• Total: $380–$550 (excl. flights)

7-Day Laos Focus (Luang Prabang & Vang Vieng)

• Day 1–4: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Falls, alms-giving, Mekong cruise ($200–$300)

• Day 5–7: Vang Vieng – caves, tubing, Blue Lagoon ($140–$220)

• Total: $340–$520

12-Day Cambodia + Laos Combo

• Fly into Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Vientiane

• Legend Travel Group Package: From $1,199 (includes 3-star hotels, guides, entries, internal transport)

• Deposit: Only $119.90 (10%) – pay balance 30 days before departure!

Book Cambodia Tours or Laos Travel with confidence:

• Eco-Lodges & Homestays: Support local communities.

• Carbon-Offset Transport: VIP buses, electric tuk-tuks.

• Plastic-Free Promise: Reusable bottles provided.

• Community Projects: Visits to artisan villages included.

Contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84825862222) to customize your budget-friendly journey.

• Currency: USD accepted everywhere in Cambodia; carry small bills. Laos prefers LAK for markets.

• ATMs: Withdraw max per transaction to minimize fees ($3–$5).

• SIM Cards: $3–$5 for 10GB (Metfone in Cambodia; Unitel in Laos).

• Water: Refill at stations ($0.25/liter) or use provided bottles on tours.

• How much is a realistic daily budget? $40–$90 mid-range; $25–$50 backpacker.

• Are ATMs safe? Yes, in banks/tourist areas; cover keypad when entering PIN.

• Can I pay in USD? Yes in Cambodia; Laos prefers LAK for small purchases.

• Is travel insurance necessary? Recommended ($20–$40 for 2 weeks).

• Best way to save? Book multi-country Cambodia and Laos Travel with Legend Travel Group.

Master your budget for Cambodia and Laos travel with smart planning, local experiences, and Legend Travel Group’s flexible booking. From Angkor’s sunrise to Luang Prabang’s golden wats, explore two incredible countries without breaking the bank. Secure your adventure today with just a 10% deposit—peace of mind guaranteed. Visit legendtravelgroup.com to build your perfect itinerary.

By Legend Travel Group