You’ll find that your money goes far on accommodation in Cambodia, with probably the cheapest guesthouses & hotels in Southeast Asia! There is a growing variety of accommodation throughout the country, particularly in the tourist hotspot of Siem Reap.
Cheap guesthouses and great value for money in Cambodia
The main tourist areas of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kep offer a good range of accommodation with Siem Reap (due to the major tourist attraction of Angkor Wat) being the location which provides the greatest amount of choice and quality. From 5-star luxury hotels to very basic backpacker rooms, Siem Reap and Cambodia’s capital Pnomh Penh have pretty much everything you could ask for. Guesthouses are generally clean, friendly and have a common area for backpackers with DVD’s, books and an all-day menu. You’ll get a lot for your money here in Cambodia!
The friendly Rosy Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Dorm rooms are not very popular in Cambodia, probably due to the fact that hotels are so cheap! All across the country from Sihanoukville, to Kampot and Kep guesthouses seem to be the most popular form of accommodation for backpackers. However, those venturing away from the tourist hubs will find accommodation harder to come by and not as good quality – particularly off the beaten track in the Eastern part of Cambodia, where you may find yourself bunking in with a local family!
Facilities & Freebies:
WIFI isn’t as prevalent here as it is in Thailand and really only available in the nicer hotels. (Internet in Cambodia is pretty slow in general) For those looking to go cheap expect cold showers and a fan. For those willing to spend (shock horror!) upward of $15 you can expect hot shower, air-con, TV and breakfast included. Those venturing off the beaten track in Eastern Cambodia should not expect such luxuries and for those taking a speed boat from Sihanoukville to some of the more remote islands off the Cambodian coast such as Koh Rusay don’t expect electricity!
Backpacker Price Guide:
Prices for accommodation in Cambodia are amongst the cheapest in Southeast Asia. At the bottom end of the scale, in Sihanoukville and some of the islands off Sihanoukville for example, it is still possible to get a bed for $1 and there are places where you will see a sign on the beach saying “Free Bed if you eat at our restaurant!” (What the bed is like has yet to be confirmed!) Even in the touristy Siem Reap, it is still possible to find a bed for under $5, although the average guesthouse will charge around $10-$15 / night for a basic room. For a night in a really nice hotel you can expect to pay around $20 and if you fancy treating yourself, for $50 (what would get you the most basic of basic rooms in a hotel in London!) will get you pure luxury, Khmer style…
Flashpacking at the luxury hotel, Terrasse Des Elephants in Siem Reap, Cambodia
(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rowe)
