Vietnam VS Cambodia Tourism: Plan Better Vietnam and Cambodia Tours

Vietnam and Cambodia share a border, which makes it quite easy to travel between the two and explore both countries in one trip. The two countries not only have many things in common, but also have their own special charm.

They’re in the same time zone, both have a tropical climate, and traveling around is quite affordable. Visas are simple to arrange, and in major tourist areas, you’ll find English widely spoken. Even better, the US dollar is accepted in both countries.

Meanwhile, from culture and religion to transportation styles, and even the way you cruise the Mekong River, every experience in Vietnam and Cambodia tours is just a little different.

This guide will detail everything you need to know about visiting Vietnam and Cambodia, and then you can plan a fun, stress-free adventure tailored to your travel style!

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Time Zone: Both Follow Indochina Time (ICT)

Located side-by-side, you’ll be glad to know Vietnam and Cambodia are in the same time zone - Indochina Time (ICT), both set seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7). This makes travel easy, since you don’t have to worry about whether the times on your watch and phone are right when crossing the border.

Also, neither country uses daylight saving time, so time stays the same all year, and this means it’s easy to plan Vietnam tour or Cambodia tour, and you don’t have to worry about adjusting to new times while on the road.

The Location Map of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in the Best Time to Visit: Both Have Tropical Monsoon Climate

Both Cambodia and Vietnam have a tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and rainfall all year round, mainly divided into dry and rainy seasons. However, due to the different geographical locations and topography, the weather characteristics of the two countries are slightly different.

Cambodia’s weather is uniform. The dry season is from November to April, which is the best time to visit Cambodia, with dry and clear weather, and the temperatures are at their lowest of the year. The rainy season from May to October has high humidity and heavy rains, especially in the summer months.

Vietnam's climate is a bit more complicated, and the dry season in each region is the best time to visit Vietnam. In the north, it is more of a four-season climate, with the dry season from October to April. Central Vietnam’s dry season runs from January to August. And in the south, the long dry season runs from November to April.

For the Vietnam and Cambodia trip, the best time to visit is from November to April, as both countries have pleasant weather. But many experienced travelers like to take journeys during the rainy season, or low season, when the crowds are fewer and prices are lower.

November to April is the best time to travel Cambodia.

14 Days Best of Vietnam Cambodia Tour with Historical and Cultural Discovery

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Hue – Saigon – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Visa Requirements: Both are Easy to Obtain

Vietnam and Cambodia tourist visas are traveler-friendly and usually hassle-free. You can get an e-visa online or a visa on arrival. Getting visas is quick with an online application, it’s wise to apply before you travel, but you can also get visas on arrival if needed.

For Vietnam visa, applications can be made online or at an embassy, and while required, are relatively easy to apply for. The most convenient way for travelers to enter Vietnam is to apply for an e-visa online before departure. An e-visa is about $25, valid for 30 days, single entry.

And for Cambodia, a visa on arrival is about $30, or an e-visa is $36, both for 30 days. You can apply for a Cambodia visa through an Embassy in your country or get a visa on arrival at the major airports of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville, or a couple of land border crossings.

Cambodia Tourist Visa is easy to obtain.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Budget: Both are Affordable

Vietnam and Cambodia are both affordable. Not only is the cost of living very low, with cheap prices on food and commodities for everyday use. Budget travelers often spend about $25–$40 per day, mid-range travelers might spend $50–$70, while luxury travelers can enjoy premium experiences for $100+ per day.

And the street food in both of those countries is so cheap and tasty. Getting around locally, on buses, motorbikes and taxis, costs a few dollars at most. Choices for accommodation run from $5 hostels to luxury $200+ resorts, giving options for every budget.

When it comes to budget, Cambodia travel cost is a lot cheaper than Vietnam, with most of the major tours being in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Hotel classes are lower than in comparable cities in Vietnam, making them much cheaper for travelers to the capital and the Gateway to Angkor.

Vietnam is more expensive than Cambodia, with expensive hotels and transfers, more options for places to stay, and many more places to visit for travelers. The classes of hotels in Vietnam are higher, which makes them more costly, though there are plenty of options to travel Vietnam on a budget as well.

Living in Cambodia is very low, and the Phnom Penh market has affordable prices.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Language: English is Understood in Both Main Tourist Areas

Vietnam and Cambodia each have their own language, but English is common in tourist areas, so you don’t need to worry too much about language barriers.

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. In Hanoi, Saigon, Hoi An, etc., many people in hotels, restaurants, and shops speak English. Tourist signs and menus often have English. In rural areas, English speakers are fewer, but locals are eager to help.

The Official Cambodian language is Khmer, and there are 23 living languages spoken in Cambodia today. In Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and most cities, you’ll find people who can speak English. Tourist signs are in English. In rural areas, locals may not speak much English, but they’re often friendly.

English is a relatively well-understood language in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Currency: US Dollars can be Used Directly in Both

Currency exchange is easy while travelling in both countries on Vietnam and Cambodia. While Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) and Cambodia uses the Cambodian Riel (KHR), US dollars are widely accepted in both places.

In Vietnam, US dollars are used in major tourist areas, hotels and tour operators. But it’s best to use the official Vietnam currency - Vietnamese Dong for local purchases such as street food, local transport, and small shops.

Cambodia is unusual in that US dollars are also in use with the local Cambodia currency. Most businesses would rather have dollars, especially for large items. Small change is frequently returned in Cambodian Riel. This dual-currency system makes Cambodia very easy to visit.

Having some cash on hand is very handy for both countries, and ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards work at many big hotels and restaurants, too, but always keep some cash for markets or small shops.

Cambodia's millennia-old temples are worth a visit.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Travel Lengths: Both Worth a Long Vacation

Time planning is vital when planning Vietnam and Cambodia tours, as both destinations are home to a wealth of attractions. Vietnam requires more time to explore, while Cambodia can be completely experienced in a shorter time.

Vietnam is a long country with multiple regions and a wealth of things to see. A typical Vietnam itinerary from north to south covers major highlights tour in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Saigon. And while it is possible to spend 10 to 14 days to get a basic overview of Vietnam, for a better view of its people and culture, 2-3 weeks or longer is really required.

In Cambodia, most people tend to spend the main part of their Cambodia tour in Angkor Wat tour. Since the remaining main attractions are found at Tonle Sap or Phnom Penh, then 7-10 days are enough to spend in Cambodia to make it an enjoyable and worthwhile trip. Add extra days for beaches or countryside if you like.

For a combined Vietnam and Cambodia tour, plan at least 2-3 weeks. This allows adequate time for both countries without feeling rushed. Many travelers start in North Vietnam and end in Cambodia, taking advantage of the shared border.

The best trip to Vietnam 2-3 weeks is really required.

16 Days Best of Vietnam Cambodia Tour with Sapa Exploration

Hanoi – Sapa – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Hue – Saigon – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Cultures and Religions: Different Experiences

Cultural differences make Vietnam and Cambodia tours fascinating for travelers interested in history and traditions. While both countries share some Southeast Asian similarities, their cultures offer distinctly different experiences.

Vietnam's culture reflects Chinese, French, and American influences due to its complex history, making Vietnam a very multicultural nation. Officially, Vietnam is an atheist state, though some of the people do follow Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, collectively known as the three teachings or “tam giáo”. Around 73% follow folk traditions or are non-religious, with around 14% being Buddhist and 7% being Catholic.

Cambodia is famous for the Khmer Culture, which is originally Hindu-based and moved to be mostly Buddhist around the 9th and 10th centuries. When visiting Angkor Wat, you will feel the glory of the ancient Khmer Empire. Traditional arts, dance, and architecture maintain stronger historical connections than in Vietnam.

Cambodia is a Religions Buddhist country with many monks in Angkor Wat..

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Local Transportation: Different Ways to Travel Around

Getting around during Vietnam and Cambodia tours requires understanding the transportation systems in each country. Two countries have a range of options, but they work differently and have distinct features.

Vietnam transportation system is excellent for connecting major cities and tourist destinations. Sleeper buses are the ideal way of covering the longer distances and are most preferred for overnight travel. The train takes more time, but has scenic routes. Domestic flights can get you between major cities fast but cost more.

Motorcycles can be seen everywhere on the streets of Vietnam, and many locals and travelers ride them. Grab is available to take a swift and easy taxi in most areas. Cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) and xe om (motorbike taxis) offer local transportation in tourist areas.

Cambodia's transportation has improved significantly, but remains less developed than Vietnam's. Buses connect major destinations, though comfort levels vary. And the train service is limited, with only one functioning passenger route between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.

Tuk-tuks in Cambodia are an iconic means of transportation, especially around Angkor Wat. These three-wheeled vehicles provide affordable local transportation. Motorbike rentals are popular among adventurous travelers, though road conditions require careful driving.

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, and tuk-tuks can be seen everywhere.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Mekong Cruises: Different Types to Enjoy

Although the Mekong River flows through Cambodia and Vietnam, and both countries have Mekong River cruises, the specific Mekong cruising experience is different.

In Vietnam, the river cruise starts in the south of Saigon, and it takes you out to see some of the most unique areas of the Mekong Delta, visit floating villages and markets, and enjoy the delta scenery. You’ll pass green fields and visit rural villages and enjoy the calm evenings by the water.

In Cambodia, the Mekong River cruise is a way of enjoying some relaxing time and getting a better view of the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins. These multi-day cruises visit villages and temples along the way. Near Siem Reap, sunset serenity on Tonle Sap Lake is connected to the Mekong.

Mekong cruises are a highlight of Vietnam and Cambodia tours. Some cruises even start in Vietnam and end in Cambodia, or vice versa. For example, a cruise might begin in Saigon and finish in Phnom Penh, giving you a river view of both countries.

Mekong River cruise has beautiful scenery along the way and is very comfortable.

Conclusion

If you like adventures in the jungle and wild animals, and wandering around millennia-old temples, then Cambodia is a better option. Meanwhile, Vietnam is the better choice for those who want a more multicultural experience, want to try a host of different and unique foods, and love the beaches.

Overall, Cambodia and Vietnam are both amazing tourist destinations in Indochina and are well worth visiting. And the best recommendation is to visit both places together, enjoy their similarities and differences, and have Vietnam and Cambodia tours of a lifetime! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.