Under $100: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia’s capital city may not be on every traveler’s must-visit list, but those who choose to stop through the Kingdom of Wonder will find their currency will go a long way ($1 is approximately 4,000 riel, but most places accept the U.S. dollar). Southeast Asia’s inexpensive reputation includes Phnom Penh where friendly faces and even friendlier prices await.

Royal Palace © Bbbar | Dreamstime

Start your morning with a peaceful walk along the Tonle Sap River and watch the sun rise as locals partake in group exercises along the waterfront. As you pass the Royal Palace, step inside the walls (for free!) and take in the exquisite architecture of the king’s grounds. Multilingual tours are available for approximately $6.50. Next, saunter up Norodom Boulevard to Wat Phnom where you can pay a small entrance fee for the shoes-free temple.

© Diego Vito Cervo | Dreamstime

Stop for a coffee with condensed milk (which is how Cambodians enjoy the caffeinated beverage) at a riverfront café. For non-specialty coffees, prices are as low as $1.00 (4,000 riel).

A delightfully cost-free activity involves scouring Cambodia’s famous markets (Central Market, Russian Market and the Night Market) for everything from bath towels to leather jackets. Get lost among the aisles and stalls, and if you’re feeling confident, practice your bartering skills to nab some great deals.

© Siriusthestar | Dreamstime

If you decide to traverse the city by tuk tuk, remember to negotiate your fare before you hop in. You should not pay more than $2 (8,000 riel) to cross the entire city of Phnom Penh. Put your well-practiced negotiating skills to work and see how low the driver is willing to go.

When you’re feeling ready to sample some of Cambodia’s truly unique cuisine, scout out a local restaurant where entrees start around $4. For higher-end restaurants, expect to pay around $10–15. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of bottled water since the tap water is not to be consumed.

Independence Monument © Torn1414 | Dreamstime