Under $100: Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh isn’t the flashiest city in the world, nor the cleanest, but it is a city with tons of history and certainly worth a visit. Luckily, it’s also incredibly cheap, meaning you can enjoy all of the best sites without breaking the bank.

Start your morning off with a gigantic Vietnamese pancake at Magnolia. Formally known as bánh xèo, it’s stuffed with chicken or pork along with mushrooms, bean sprouts and some optional tofu. A meal here will cost between $5 and $10, depending on how hungry you might be.

The Killing Fields © Yikweng | Dreamstime

From there, head to the Killing Fields, one of Cambodia’s most infamous landmarks. Here you’ll find the remnants of Pol Pot’s reign of terror in the form of the skeletons of those who were executed and tortured under his command. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. A tuk tuk to the Killing Fields will cost you roughly $5 per person, while entrance is $6.

Continue your history lesson with a stop at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a more thorough look into the trying times under Pot’s rule. Entrance here will cost roughly $3.

For lunch, stop for a brisk bite at Anise, which serves up some of the sweet, fresh fruits that grow in the area. It’s affordable and shouldn’t run you more than $10 per person.

Royal Palace © Minghaiyang | Dreamstime

The afternoon is a great time for a stop at the Royal Palace, which stands in stark contrast to the city’s dusty streets. The palace grounds are immaculately kept and a tour around them is free. Make sure you check out the garden where you’ll find the remnants of a tank that once attempted to plow through the doors.

For dinner, stop by Ratanakiri for a taste of traditional Cambodian soup and meatballs. It’s a little pricier than some of the other restaurants in the area, but you still shouldn’t expect to drop more than $15.

Afterward, end your evening with a stroll along the bustling riverfront or a walk through one of the area’s markets. How much you spend on goods here is entirely up to you.