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Vietnam or Cambodia Tour? Which One to Visit?

Vietnam vs Cambodia? Choosing one of these two countries is nearly impossible since both offer a variety of affordable attractions to tourists.

With its unique physical geography, Vietnam lends itself to overland tours from north to south, while Cambodia boasts its own unique mix of cultural and historical wonders that are more suitable for circular tours.

Both countries have stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and colorful cities. So, which one should you choose for your next adventure? Well, when comparing Vietnam vs Cambodia, consider the following factors.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in General Information History & Culture

Vietnam and Cambodia are two neighboring countries in Southeast Asia that have a lot in common but also many differences. Both countries are developing nations that face similar opportunities and challenges in the 21st century. Both countries have a population of over 100 million people (in 2023), with most of them living in rural areas.

When it comes to history, both Vietnam and Cambodia have a long and complex history that has been shaped by the influences of China, India, and France.
● Vietnam was a Chinese vassal state for over a millennium until it gained its independence and expanded southward, conquering parts of the Champa and Khmer empires.
● Cambodia was once a powerful kingdom that ruled most of mainland Southeast Asia under the Angkor civilization, but it declined and was invaded by Thailand, Vietnam, and France.

And when it comes to culture, both Vietnam and Cambodia have a rich and diverse culture that reflects their ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Both countries are predominantly Buddhist, but they follow different branches:
● Vietnam is mainly Mahayana
● while Cambodia is mainly Theravada
Vietnam has a more diverse ethnic composition than Cambodia, with over 50 ethnic groups compared to about 20 ethnic groups in Cambodia.The largest ethnic group in both countries is:
● the Kinh or Viet in Vietnam (85%)
● and the Khmer in Cambodia (97%)

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Sightseeing: Different Features

Vietnam and Cambodia offer different features for sightseeing that appeal to different types of travelers.

Vietnam is famous for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical sites:
Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islands and caves in a stunning seascape.
Hoi An: An ancient town that preserves the architecture and culture of various periods, from the Cham Kingdom to the French colonial era.
Hue: The former imperial capital of Vietnam that showcases the royal palaces, tombs, and temples of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Sa Pa: A mountainous region that is home to many ethnic minorities and offers breathtaking views of rice terraces, waterfalls, and forests.
Ho Chi Minh City: The largest and most modern city in Vietnam that blends the old and the new with historical landmarks, museums, markets, and skyscrapers.

Vietnam Ha Long Bay
Halong Bay panoramic view

Cambodia is renowned for its ancient temples, rural landscapes, and vibrant culture:
Angkor Wat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the largest and most magnificent religious monument in the world, built by the Khmer Empire in the 12th century.
Phnom Penh: The capital and largest city of Cambodia that reflects the country's turbulent history, with sites such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields.
Tonle Sap Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia that supports a rich biodiversity and a floating community of fishermen and farmers.
Kampot: A charming riverside town that is famous for its pepper plantations, salt fields, and colonial architecture.
Siem Reap: The gateway to Angkor Wat that offers a lively nightlife, a vibrant art scene, and a variety of cuisines.

Cambodia Siem Reap Angkor Wat tour
Angkor discover

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Safety: Both Are Very Safe to Visit

When it comes to safety for having Cambodia tours or Vietnam tours, both Vietnam and Cambodia stand out as safe destinations for travelers. While it's always essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings in any foreign country, both Vietnam and Cambodia have made significant improvements in ensuring the safety of tourists.

Both countries have low crime rates, and instances of violent crime against tourists are rare. Also, the local populations in Vietnam and Cambodia are generally friendly and welcoming to travelers, contributing to a sense of security.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Accessibility: Both Have Many International Flights to Arrive

Accessibility is a crucial factor when planning a trip, and both Vietnam and Cambodia offer excellent international flight options for travelers. No matter where you're flying from, you'll find convenient routes and airports in both countries.

● Vietnam boasts two major international airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. These hubs are well-connected to various cities worldwide, making Vietnam easily accessible.
● Similarly, Cambodia offers seamless international travel through Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport. These airports cater to a growing number of international flights, ensuring travelers have a range of options to reach their desired destination.

Whether you're arriving from Europe, the Americas, or other parts of Asia, both Vietnam and Cambodia provide accessible gateways to your adventure.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Getting a Visa: Both Are Easy to Apply

When it comes to obtaining a visa for your trip, Vietnam and Cambodia are known for their traveler-friendly policies. Both countries have straightforward visa application processes that make planning your visit hassle-free.

● Vietnam offers a convenient e-visa system, allowing travelers to apply online and receive their visas electronically. Alternatively, you can obtain a Vietnam visa on arrival at major international airports.
● Cambodia also offers a streamlined visa process. Most nationalities can obtain a Cambodia visa on arrival at the airport or apply for an e-visa in advance. The process is efficient, and fees are reasonable, making it easy for tourists to secure their travel documents. 

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Best Time to Visit: The Same Season

Vietnam and Cambodia share a similar climate, making the best time to visit both countries correspond to the same season. The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia falls within the dry season, which typically spans from November to April.

During this period, you can expect pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities, and immersing yourself in the local culture.

However, it's important to note that this period can also be the peak tourist season, so be prepared for larger crowds at popular attractions. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of November or April when the weather is still favorable and the tourist numbers are slightly lower.

Cambodia Siem Reap Angkor Wat
Visitors taking a selfie on a sunny day in March

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Tour Length: Vietnam Needs More Days to Explore

When it comes to planning your travel itinerary, you'll find that Vietnam requires more time to fully explore compared to Cambodia. Vietnam is a larger country with diverse landscapes, a rich history, and a wide range of attractions.

● To experience the highlights of Vietnam, a typical itinerary might include visits to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. Such a comprehensive tour usually spans at least two weeks to allow for in-depth exploration and a balanced pace.
● On the other hand, Cambodia's smaller size and concentrated attractions, primarily Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and a few other key destinations, can be comfortably covered in a week or less. This makes Cambodia an excellent choice for travelers with limited time or those looking for a more compact adventure.

So, your choice between Vietnam and Cambodia may depend on the duration of your trip and how much time you can allocate for exploration.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Accommodation Condition: Both Have Various Choices

Whether you're a budget traveler or seeking luxury accommodations, both Vietnam and Cambodia offer a wide range of lodging options to suit your preferences and budget. In Vietnam, you can find everything from backpacker hostels and guesthouses to boutique hotels and world-class resorts.

Cambodia provides diverse accommodation options as well. Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat, offers a mix of affordable guesthouses and upscale hotels. Phnom Penh caters to business travelers with modern hotels, while coastal towns like Sihanoukville have beachfront resorts for a relaxed stay. 

hotel-in-vietnam-with-delightful-scenery
Hotel in Vietnam with delightful scenery

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Budget: Cambodia Costs Less to Visit

If you're traveling on a tight budget, Cambodia tends to be more budget-friendly compared to Vietnam. While both countries offer excellent value for money, Cambodia generally offers lower prices for accommodation, food, and transportation.

Vietnam, while still affordable compared to many Western destinations, has a slightly higher cost of living for travelers. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have a range of upscale dining and accommodation options, which can be pricier. 

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Food: Both Have Tasty Flavor, but Vietnam Food Is World-Famous

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have delicious and diverse cuisines that reflect their ethnic, cultural, and historical influences. Both countries use rice, noodles, herbs, spices, fish sauce, and fresh vegetables as staple ingredients.

However, Vietnamese food is more famous and varied than Cambodian food.

Vietnamese food is influenced by Chinese, French, and Thai cuisines, as well as the regional differences between the north, central, and south of the country. Some of must-try Vietnamese dishes are:
Pho: Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, known for its flavorful broth, tender meat (often beef or chicken), and fresh herbs.
Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich featuring a crispy baguette filled with various savory ingredients like grilled meats, vegetables, and sauces.
Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls made with rice paper, stuffed with shrimp, herbs, pork, and sometimes rice vermicelli, served with a dipping sauce.
Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and a side of herbs and dipping sauce.
Com tam: Broken rice with grilled meat (often pork) and various accompaniments.

Vietnam Dishes
Vietnamese Dishes

Cambodian food, on the other hand, is influenced by Indian, Thai, and French cuisines, as well as the ancient Angkor civilization. Some of must-try Cambodian dishes are:
Amok: A creamy and fragrant curry typically made with fish, chicken, or shrimp, steamed in banana leaves.
Lok Lak: A flavorful Cambodian beef stir-fry served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork served over rice, often accompanied by pickled vegetables.
Kuy Teav: Cambodian noodle soup, available in various regional variations, with ingredients like beef, shrimp, or pork.
Num Pang: Cambodian sandwiches, similar to Vietnamese banh mi, featuring a variety of fillings.

Cambodia Dishes
Cambodian Dishes

While both countries offer a delightful array of dishes, Vietnamese cuisine is indeed more renowned on the global stage, partly due to its diverse regional influences and the popularity of dishes like pho and banh mi. You can have a try on specific Vietnam food tours. However, exploring the lesser-known but equally delicious Cambodian dishes is a culinary adventure well worth undertaking.

Vietnam VS Cambodia in People: Both People Are Very Friendly

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have friendly and hospitable people who are eager to welcome visitors and share their culture.However, there are some differences in the people's characteristics and lifestyles between Vietnam and Cambodia.

● Vietnamese people are more dynamic and industrious than Cambodian people. They are always busy and active, especially in the urban areas.
● In contrast, Cambodian people are more relaxed and laid-back than Vietnamese people. They are more content with simple things in life, especially in rural areas.

young-and-active-vietnamese-students
Yound and active Vietnamese students

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Transportation: The Traffic of Vietnam Is a World-Famous

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have various modes of transportation for travelers to choose from. However, the traffic in Vietnam is more notorious and chaotic than the traffic in Cambodia.

● In Vietnam, there are millions of motorbikes on the roads, along with cars, buses, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, vendors, animals, or anything else you can imagine. This traffic can be overwhelming and intimidating for travelers who are not used to it.
● Cambodia traffic is less crowded and hectic than Vietnam traffic, especially in the smaller towns and countryside. There are fewer motorbikes on the roads but more tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) that offer cheap and convenient rides for travelers. Cambodia traffic can be fun and adventurous for travelers who want to experience the local culture.

vietnam-traffic-jam
Vietnam traffic jam

Vietnam VS Cambodia in Currency: You Can Pay Anything by Using US Dollars in Cambodia

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have their own currencies that are used for most transactions within the countries. The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND), while the currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian riel (KHR). However, you can also use US dollars in Cambodia for almost anything you want to buy or pay.

● In Vietnam, you need to exchange your money for Vietnamese dong to use it for most purchases or payments. You can exchange your money at banks or authorized money changers that offer reasonable rates. You can also withdraw Vietnamese dong from ATMs that accept international cards. Some hotels or shops may accept US dollars or other foreign currencies, but they may charge higher prices or give unfavorable exchange rates.
● In Cambodia, you can use US dollars for almost anything you want to buy or pay. You can bring your US dollars with you or withdraw them from ATMs that dispense both US dollars and Cambodian riel. Most prices are quoted in US dollars in hotels, restaurants, shops, or tourist attractions. You may receive Cambodian riel as a change for small amounts, but you can use them for tips or donations.

Which One to Visit? The Best Way Is to Visit Vietnam & Cambodia Together

Choosing between Vietnam and Cambodia can be a challenging decision, but here's a thought: why not visit both countries together? They are neighboring nations with relatively short travel distances between them, making it feasible to explore both in a single trip.

So, if you're torn between Vietnam and Cambodia, consider the best of both worlds by planning a combined adventure. Have your Vietnam and Cambodia tours now!

Our expertly crafted itineraries ensure you make the most of your adventure, whether you're savoring a steaming bowl of pho in Hanoi or marveling at the grandeur of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. For more information on how we can help you plan your tour, contact us today!

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