Angkor Wat is a destination that is on the bucket list of many travellers. The reasons include the immaculate architectural design, its connection to Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, and also because this place perfectly boasts a blend of spiritual and natural aura.
If you are from India and are looking to travel to a foreign destination, but are tight on funds, Cambodia can be an excellent destination for you. Budget food options, cheap public transport, and budget accommodations are all favourable for Indians on a budget.
This blog explores how Cambodia, specifically Angkor Wat, is perfect for a romantic getaway on a budget.
Why Visit Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat’s perfect mixture of natural and architectural beauty, with spiritual energy emanating from every corner, makes it a place that should be on everyone’s travel list.
The rich architectural grandeur of Angkor Wat and its place in the Khmer History of Cambodia make it worthy of an experience. The incomparable beauty of the sunrise and sunset visible on the horizon from the temple is also something you must behold at least once in your life.
The Hindu history of Angkor Wat will also fascinate Indian tourists, especially with the striking similarities of its architecture with some of the well-known Indian temples of that era.
If you and your significant other want to experience romance while immersing yourselves amid rich culture and fascinating nature? This place is for you.
Best Time to Visit
If you are looking for the best time to visit Angkor Wat while on a tight budget, you should visit in the low season. The low season in Cambodia is from May to September. Your planning for the Cambodia Visa should hinge on this timeline if looking for a budget trip.
It is during this time that you can save money on accommodations, especially with the availability of long-stay low-season discounts.
Also, for budget travellers, the dry season in Cambodia, from November to April, is not recommended. This is the peak travel season in Cambodia, implying larger crowds and higher travel accommodations.
Getting There from India (on a Budget)
There are various budget flight options available for travelling from India to Cambodia. June is the cheapest month to fly from India (New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad) to Siem Reap, with flights starting from around INR 10,811.
You can also consider budget airline options such as AirAsia, IndiGo or VietJet. Cambodia Angkor Air is also a suitable option to consider
There are a few ways in which you can book cheap flights from India to Cambodia. Booking your flights well in advance can lead to lower fares, while travelling during the off-season will also help reduce the ticket prices further.
Also, being flexible about your travel dates can help with lower airline ticket prices. Travelling mid-week instead of during peak holiday seasons can help provide lower ticket prices.
Visa and Entry Requirement
Before planning a trip to Angkor Wat, you will need a Cambodia Visa. Much like the Cambodia Tourist Visa UK or USA, India is eligible for an eVisa. Therefore, Indians can apply for the Cambodia Visa either online or apply for a Visa-on-arrival.
You will require the following documents to apply for a Cambodian visa from India:
- A passport with 6 months’ validity from the date of departure from Cambodia.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Return flight ticket
- Travel itinerary and proof of funds for the duration of stay.
- Proof of hotel accommodation.
- Travel insurance documents.
You will also need to pay a visa fee that is payable in US$. Also, much like Cambodia tourist visa UK, USA or Canada, the eVisa is valid for 30 days for Indians.
Budget Accommodation for Couples
The region surrounding Angkor Wat, especially Siem Reap, has several available affordable accommodation options. These range from Hostels with private rooms starting at INR 1,145, guesthouses ranging from INR 558 to 1,609, and budget boutique hotels starting at INR 1,249.
Siem Reap is the best option for accommodations if you aim to visit Angkor Wat. However, you can look for living accommodations even closer to the temple, in the town of Srei. This town is situated within the Angkor National Park.
Also, you can look for discounted accommodations in Cambodia online on the Agoda app. It has budget options along with cashbacks and discounts. However, you will need to contact the hotel yourself, as the app’s reservations sometimes do not reach the hotel automatically.
Affordable Transportation Options
If you are looking for affordable transportation to get around Siem Reap or to reach Angkor Wat from your hotel, you should get Grab and Passap. Grab is a super app that can offer you several services, including ride-hailing and food delivery.
On the other hand, Passap is a ride-hailing app which allows you to select from a range of vehicles, starting from rickshaws up to taxis. Passap allows you to check the price beforehand, so you can select what you deem to be the cheapest option.
These are both valid options even if you are applying for a Cambodia Visa from the UK, USA or Canada.
For navigating around the Angkor Wat complex, especially for sightseeing, you can either get bicycle rentals or hire a tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are a better option as they often have English-speaking drivers who can act as guides and can park the vehicle closest to the temple.
However, Tuk-tuks cost approximately INR 1,326 for one person. While this can be an expensive option, the additional benefits are worth the price tag.
Angkor Wat Entry Fees and Money-Saving Tips
Angkor Wat’s entry fees range from 1-day fees, 3-day fees and 7-day fees. The 1-day pass costs INR 3,186, the 3-day pass costs INR 5,339, and the 7-day pass costs INR 6,200 (rounded off and converted from US$).
It would be advised to get the 7-day pass. While it is a bigger upfront expense, but would be much cheaper than buying tickets every day.
Also, for guide services, you have two options to save money. You can use the free ‘travel audio guide mobile app’ or take the Tuk-tuk drivers as guides. These options will help you avoid additional expenses on guides.
Where to Eat on a Budget
Siem Reap is filled with budget food options. You can have an entire meal here for INR 150. The Khmer food stalls offer traditional Cambodian meals at extremely affordable prices, and they open at 7 am and are open throughout the day.
There are plenty of affordable restaurant options here as well such as My Little Cafe, Tevy’s Place, and the Damnak Mahob Khmer Restaurant. However, you should try to avoid food on Pub Street. It can be an overpriced tourist trap and the taste is often not worth it.
In case you are a vegetarian, Siem Reap also has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Since many Buddhists practice vegetarianism, you will not have any issues finding vegetarian eateries in the city.
Free and Low-Cost Activities Around Siem Reap
There are plenty of free and low-cost activities that you can enjoy in and around Siem Reap. You can enjoy long walks with your partner, take guided tours in Angkor Wat, and visit waterfalls on Mount Kulen and a variety of hiking trails.
The Cambodian Cultural Village is also another location you can explore on foot in Siem Reap.
If you are planning to apply for a Cambodia Visa aiming at a low-budget trip to the country, these activities can be effective additions to the overall plan.
Travel Essentials and Packing Tips
Certain essential tips would be important to you when travelling around Siem Reap and in Angkor Wat.
- Be safe from pickpockets.
- Do not walk in dimly lit streets and stick to well-lit roads.
- Consider travelling in groups.
- Ensure carrying water bottles.
- Dress appropriately, such as wearing comfortable clothing and clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
Ready for a Trip Down History?
Angkor Wat is a scenic location with natural and architectural beauty, making it an ideal place for a romantic getaway. It is also an affordable place to visit, with affordable-priced accommodations, food options and flight options.
Plan early to get airline tickets at affordable prices, and applying for the visa early can also help.
