When planning your trip to Asia, have you run into these questions?
- 1. Which is better to travel, Vietnam or Cambodia?
- 2. Are the travel experiences in Vietnam and Cambodia the same?
- 3. When is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
- 4. Is it safe to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia?
Both Vietnam and Cambodia are popular destinations in Southeast Asia. We usually recommend you to visit both if you have enough holiday time (12-14 days). These two destinations can be easily visited together because they are geographically close and both small countries.
However, if you don't have enough time and need to choose between the two, then which one should you pick? Here are the main 13 differences for your reference.
- History and Culture
- Beaches
- Budget
- Food and drink
- Visa
- Climate
- Safety
- Average stay
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Language
- Currency
- Wildlife
You should choose Cambodia if temples (Angkor Wat), religion, wildlife (elephant sanctuaries), and historical heritage sites are things you are interested in.
You should choose Vietnam if you prefer more diverse experiences such as natural wonders (Halong Bay), colonial history, ancient towns (Hoi An), city life (Ho Chi Minh), floating markets (Mekong Delta), and more.
For a classic itinerary, travelers spend 8-10 nights in Vietnam and 3-4 nights in Cambodia (only Siem Reap).
| Vietnam | Cambodia | |
|---|---|---|
| History and culture | Deeply influenced by China and France:
|
|
| Beaches |
| Sihanoukville (not recommended): Suitable for young people with fewer hotel options; many casinos and Chinese travelers |
| Travel Budget | Around USD200-220 per person per day for a private tour package based on 4-star hotel options for 2-4 people. | You need to prepare a slightly higher budget for Cambodia by extra USD10-20 per day per person for similar service. |
| Food and drinks | Various choices friendly to travelers Most popular local food: Pho | You can easily find what you like. Most famous local Khmer dish: Prahok |
| Visa | An E-visa is most convenient, but only allows single entry. You can also apply for a Visa in Embassy or Visa on Arrival with an approval letter issued by a travel agency. | Both E-visa and Visa on Arrival are convenient. |
| Climate | Best time to go: November to March (dry season).
|
|
| Safety | Safe for travel like most Asian countries | We suggest you avoid being out after 8 pm in Phnom Penh. |
| Average Stay | 8-10 nights for the classic itinerary from north to south or vice versa.
| Most visitors only visit Siem Reap as that is the location of the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
|
| Transportation | Many affordable flight tickets and many flight options.
| Flying is the main option.
|
| Language | Official language: Vietnamese
| Official language: Khmer
|
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) (USD1≈VND23000)
| Riela (KHR) (USD1≈ KHR4100)
|
| Accommodation | Diversity of hotel options from colonial and boutique to modern and homestay | Various hotel options but the hotel class in Phnom Penh is usually lower than Siem Reap or that of the big cities in Vietnam. |
| Wildlife | Not a main destination for wildlife | Elephant sanctuaries, bird watching |
1. History and Culture
As neighboring countries, Vietnam and Cambodia have much in common when it comes to history. Vietnam has a bigger culture contrast than Cambodia.
Vietnam was formerly occupied by China, France, and Japan, thus it's deeply influenced by these countries in terms of religion, food, culture, and architecture.
- The Vietnamese celebrate the same Lunar New Year as in China .
- When visiting, you can easily find temples and assembly halls built by Chinese immigrants (mainly from Fujian and Guangdong).
- The lifestyle in Sapa (northeastern Vietnam) is similar to that in Yunnan (southwestern China).
- In Vietnam, you will see European and Japanese architecture alongside vendors selling French and local food.
- Many Vietnamese people feel more comfortable speaking French than English.
Sapa
Compared to Vietnam, Cambodia is less influenced by other countries. It has received a lot of influence from Indian religion and was possibly influenced by Indian culture in ancient times.
Most Cambodians believe strongly in religion (mainly Buddhism and Hinduism). When in the country, you will see temples nearly everywhere. Angkor Wat is the most famous monument in the country and represents the brilliant ancient civilization of the Khmer.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.
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The hotels were great and the transportation always arrived on time and with a clean, Guinevere Provance, Aug 2023 | Great Experience WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy Stephen Hollis, Aug 2023 | Alisa has has been great to work with Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. Ana Rausch, Aug 2023 | Using Sharon right now to book our… Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand Tracy, Aug 2023 | Thailand, Singapore, Bali In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. 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While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. CL, Jul 2023 | I never used a travel agent in my life I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. Antione Barry, Jul 2023 | Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia! Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. Debi Hinerfeld, Jul 2023 | We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand … It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spotI recommend asiahilights 150%The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstandingFrom start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? SIMO el ghobar, Jun 2023 |
2. Beaches
Enjoy a romantic beach dinner at the sunset.
If you would like to spend some time relaxing on the beach at the end of your tour, Vietnam is more recommended than Cambodia for a better experience and more value for money.
Vietnam has a long coastline from north to south and plenty of options for beautiful beaches. The best beaches in Vietnam include Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Danang.
We like Phu Quoc the most for its romantic sunsets, superior hotel options, clean beaches, and serene atmosphere. This is a good option if you're looking for a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Spend some time relaxing on the beach at the end of your tour.
In Nha Trang and Danang, the beach facilities are good as well, but there are more crowds and tourists from China and other Asian countries.
The most famous beach in Cambodia is Sihanoukville. It was considered to be pristine in previous years, however, at the moment it is hard to get to with the only available flights from Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh.
3. Budget
Like in most Asian countries, spending around USD180-250 per day per person (including hotels) is enough for a wonderful experience including a private car and guide in Vietnam.
- 10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta
- 15-Day Vietnam Family Holiday Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
The price of traveling in Cambodia is higher than Vietnam by USD5-20 per day.
- 5-Day Siem Reap Tour in Depth | Authentic Siem Reap Visit
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Tour
Read more details about trip costs in Southeast Asia.
4. Food and drink
Vietnamese food is slightly more famous than Cambodian food.
Vietnamese Pho has gained in popularity all around the world in recent years for its fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors. We recommend having Pho for breakfast as it's a great way to start the day.
Vietnam Pho
There are many choices for drinks in Vietnam including fresh juice, beer, coffee, and tea. Vietnamese coffee is particularly famous and is made with a special slow drip filter then mixed with sweet condensed milk. Vietnam is also famous for its civet cat coffee which is worth a try if you are willing!
Cambodian cuisine is rich in flavor and has been influenced by many different cultures. Rice, vegetables, and fruit are popular ingredients in many dishes. Some examples of typical Khmer food include Fish Amok, Lap Khmer, and Nom Banh Chok.
Cambodia is well known for its fresh fruit juices and unique local beers. As it was once a French colony, you'll also find plenty of tea and coffee.
When traveling with Asia Highlights, you'll be provided with plenty of iced bottled water in the car to help you stay cool in the summer as well as best suitable restaurant/bar recommendations for your free time.
5. Visa
Holders of normal passports issued by the following countries do not require a visa to visit Vietnam:
- Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden
- South and Middle America: Chile, Panama
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Brunei
If you're from USA, Canada or other countries not listed above, applying for an e-visa is the most convenient way to enter Vietnam. Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam e-visas are issued to citizens of all countries and territories, and they are issued for multiple entries for up to 90 days. You can now apply for the e-visa online. The e-visa fee is approximately 25 USD, and your application will usually be processed within 3 working days. Applying for an e-visa is efficient and convenient.
To enter Cambodia, you can apply for an E-visa in advance (single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days) or apply for a Visa on Arrival (around USD30).
You should prepare the following documents for a Visa on Arrival.
- One completed visa application form (fill out on the plane or in the airport)
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity
- One recent, passport-sized photograph (2 inches x 2 inches or 35mm x 45mm)
6. Climate
In Cambodia, the weather is similar all over the country.
In Vietnam, the north is usually cooler than the south by 2-3℃ because there are more mountains in the north (especially in Sapa).
Generally, the best time to travel to these two countries is the same. Plan your trip anytime from November to February for comfortable weather (not too hot or too cold).
Tips: Christmas and New Year (from December 24th to January 2nd) is the high season. During this time, the price of hotels, vehicles, guides, and flight tickets are usually double or even triple that of any other time. We usually suggest you make your bookings at least 3 months in advance to ensure availability and better prices.
The rainy season is from June to October. During this time, you can expect some showers without much effect on sightseeing. Traveling in the rainy season usually means more affordable travel and fewer crowds. There might be flooding in September and October in central Vietnamese cities like Hoi An.
Cruises in Halong Bay can be canceled or affected by typhoons in July and August. These tropical storms may happen in summer but aren't too common.
If you happen to encounter bad weather while in Halong Bay, your cruise company or travel agent will inform you 1-2 days in advance of the cancellation or itinerary change. You can consider Ninh Binh (also has the famous Karst landscape and is 2 hours from Hanoi by road) as an alternative.
Further reading: Best & Worst Times to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia>>>
Want to gaindetailed insights on the weather in Southeast Asia? Check out the conditions in January, February, November, and December.
7. Safety
Both countries are safe for travel, but you should always protect your personal belongings and never leave your wallet out or flash large amounts of money in public.
Though Vietnam and Cambodia are safe countries, petty crimes like theft and scams do happen in popular tourist areas.
Do not trust strangers who promise great bargains. Use reliable tour operators. Only use official taxis and transport agencies.
8. Average stay
Vietnam has more popular places to go than Cambodia, thus most itineraries spend more time in Vietnam.
Usually, we recommend 8-10 nights in Vietnam. Trips will normally visit all regions of the country including:
- The north: Hanoi and Halong Bay
- The center: Hoi An
- The south: Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta
For more time and deeper exploration, you can consider adding a trip to the terraced fields and minority villages of Sapa (2-3 nights) or Hue (1-2 nights) for the ancient royal culture of Vietnam. >>>How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers)
The most popular destination in Cambodia is Siem Reap where Angkor Wat is located. It takes 3-4 nights to see the main highlights there. Two full days to explore the temples and one day to visit the floating villages (better from October to February when there is a higher water level).
Popular activities in Siem Reap:
- Watching sunrise & sunset
- taking a helicopter ride over Angkor Wat
- cycling around the temples
- taking an ox cart ride through the countryside
If time permits, you can extend your trip to Phnom Penh to visit the Killing Fields (Choeung Ek), and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). >>> 10 Days in Southeast Asia: Top 5 Itineraries for First-Timers, Couples, and Families
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison)
9. Accommodation
Both countries offer different levels of hotels from luxury brands to local guesthouses which you can choose based on your interests and how much you would like to spend. Both countries offer good-value hotels.
Compared to other Asian countries, the cost of hotels in Vietnam is comparatively lower. On average,
- The cost of a local 4-star hotel is around USD 60 per night.
- An international 4-star hotel is about USD 100 per night.
- There are fewer luxury options in the Mekong Delta and Sapa, but a 4-star plus hotel is still easy to find.
Join a cooking class at Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort in Hue
Interested in trying a homestay with private bathroom in Sapa for closer contact with the local minority people? Just contact us. We will make all the arrangements for you.
The hotel cost and level in Siem Reap are similar to that of major cities in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh). Due to less development, you might find the hotel facilities in Phnom Penh are not as good as those in Siem Reap.
10. Transport
When flying to Southeast Asian countries from America or Europe, you will always have a layover in China, Japan, Singapore, or South Korea because of the long flight time (around 20 hours). Thanks to the development of the tourism industry in both countries, getting to Vietnam and Cambodia is very convenient from other Asian countries like Thailand, China, and Singapore.
Vietnam has more choices for international flight connections than Cambodia because of its bigger airports in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.
From London or Frankfurt, there is a non-stop flight to Hanoi once a week.
If you would like to include both countries in your trip, the flight between Vietnam and Cambodia takes less than 2 hours.
Read details about 3 ways to get from Vietnam to Cambodia: by plane, by boat, or by land
Tips: Flights to/from Siem Reap (where Angkor Wat lis located) is subject to change daily under COVID-19 situation. Your 1:1 travel advisor will help you check the flight schedule and recommend the best conveneint and money-smart connections.
A tailor-made service with generous cancellation policy might be the best solution for a worry-free journey.
11. Language
Both Vietnam and Cambodia have their own official languages. English is more widely used in Cambodia because tourism is the country's main industry.
In both countries, you will need to be prepared for the local people to have a thick accent. When I traveled to Vietnam in March 2019, I had 5 guides. All of them spoke fluent English, but 2 of them had an accent (they still could be understood). When we were in the villages without a guide accompanying us, we used Google Translate to communicate with local villagers.
Cambodians speak comparatively better English.
12. Currency
- Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND) (USD1≈VND23000)
- Cambodia: Riela (KHR) (USD1≈ KHR4100)
Vietnam Dong
Cambodia is more friendly to USD. Local people in Cambodia actually prefer to use USD because they have less confidence in Riela. In Cambodia, you can use USD in most situations. After buying something you might receive Riels as change.
In Vietnam, local people prefer Dong over USD. It is easy to convert USD to Dong at the airport or in the jewelry stores in the streets in Vietnam. Withdrawing cash is also convenient done at ATMs. They accept most popular cards such as Visa and Master.
13. Wildlife
If you're a fan of animals and adventure, then Cambodia is a good option.
Interested in interacting with gibbons, spotting dolphins, visiting elephant sanctuaries, or bird watching? No problem, Cambodia has plenty to offer in terms of wildlife experiences. Join us for Eco-Tours in Cambodia.
Tour Vietnam and Cambodia Your Way with Us
When traveling with Asia Highlights, we can arrange all the transportation for you. Our travel advisors will help you make decision between these two countries and also suggest the best possible route for you. Check out some related tours and articles for inspiration.
- 11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
- 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights
- 19-Day In-Depth Tour of Southeast Asia
Related Articles
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with extensive firsthand experience in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam and Cambodia, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of planning your trip. I've explored the vibrant cultures, sampled diverse cuisines, and delved into the rich histories of both countries, enabling me to provide nuanced insights into the intricacies of each destination.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
History and Culture:
- Vietnam: Deeply influenced by China and France, with a blend of Catholicism and Buddhism. Celebrates Lunar New Year like China. Diverse architecture and a mix of European and Japanese influences.
- Cambodia: Strong Khmer culture influenced by Indian religion, mainly Buddhism and Hinduism. Angkor Wat represents the brilliant ancient civilization of the Khmer.
-
Beaches:
- Vietnam: Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, and Danang are popular. Phu Quoc is less crowded, while Nha Trang is popular with Asian travelers.
- Cambodia: Sihanoukville is the main beach destination but may not be recommended due to fewer hotel options.
-
Budget:
- Vietnam: Around USD 200-220 per person per day for a private tour package based on 4-star hotels.
- Cambodia: Slightly higher budget, approximately USD 10-20 per day per person for similar services.
-
Food and Drink:
- Vietnam: Famous for Pho and diverse food choices. Known for Vietnamese coffee.
- Cambodia: Rich flavors influenced by various cultures. Famous dishes include Fish Amok and Nom Banh Chok.
-
Visa:
- Vietnam: E-visa is convenient, but single entry. Visa on Arrival is also an option.
- Cambodia: E-visa or Visa on Arrival (around USD 30).
-
Climate:
- Similar best times to visit both countries: November to March (dry season).
- Vietnam's north is cooler than the south, while Cambodia has a more consistent climate.
-
Safety:
- Both countries are generally safe, but caution is advised against petty crimes. Avoid being out late in certain areas.
-
Average Stay:
- Vietnam: 8-10 nights for a classic itinerary covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh, and Mekong Delta.
- Cambodia: 3-4 nights in Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, with additional time for Phnom Penh if desired.
-
Accommodation:
- Vietnam: Diverse hotel options, with lower costs compared to other Asian countries.
- Cambodia: Similar hotel costs in Siem Reap, but facilities in Phnom Penh may be less developed.
-
Transportation:
- Both countries have affordable flight options. Vietnam has more international flight connections.
-
Language:
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but accents may be present.
-
Currency:
- Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND), while Cambodia uses Riela (KHR). USD is widely accepted in Cambodia.
-
Wildlife:
- Cambodia offers wildlife experiences, including visits to elephant sanctuaries and bird watching.
In conclusion, both Vietnam and Cambodia have unique offerings, and the choice depends on individual preferences. Vietnam provides diverse experiences, while Cambodia is ideal for those interested in temples, wildlife, and historical heritage. Whether you choose to explore one or both, a well-planned itinerary ensures a memorable journey.
