Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
US$10 for a bed. In many rural parts of Cambodia, the standard rate for cheap hotels is US$5, usually with
bathroom and satellite TV.
In Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the South Coast, which see a steady flow of tourist traffic, hotels improve
significantly once you start spending more than US$10 a night. For US$15 it is usually possible to find an
air-con room with satellite TV and attached bathroom. If you spend between US$20 and US$50 you can ar-
range something very comfortable with the possible lure of a swimming pool. Most smaller provincial cities
also offer air-conditioned comfort in the US$10 to US$20 range.
There are now a host of international-standard hotels in Siem Reap, several in Phnom Penh and a couple
on the coast in Sihanoukville and Kep. Most quote hefty walk-in rates and whack 10% tax and 10% service
on as well. Book via a hotel-booking website for a lower rate including taxes and service.
There are substantial low-season (April through September) rates available at major hotels in Phnom
Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Discounts of 50% or more are common, as are specials such as 'stay
three, pay two'. Check hotel websites for details on any promos or offers.
Some guesthouses in Cambodia do not have hot water, but most places have at least a few more expens-
ive rooms where it is available.
While many of the swish new hotels have lifts, older hotels often don't and the cheapest rooms are at the
top of several flights of stairs. It's a win-win-win situation: cheaper rooms, a bit of exercise and better
views.
SLEEPING PRICE RANGES
The following price ranges refer to a double room in high season.
$
less than US$20
$$
US$20-80
$$$
more than US$80
Homestays
Homestays are popping up in the provinces and offer a good way to meet the local people and learn about
the Cambodian lifestyle. There are several organised homestays around the country in provinces like Kom-
pong Cham and Kompong Thom, as well as lots of informal homestays in out-of-the-way places such as
Preah Vihear. In the minority areas of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, it is often possible to stay with tribal villa-
gers. The Mekong Discovery Trail includes several homestays between Kratie and the Lao border.
