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Vietnam vs Cambodia: A Travel Battle – Which One to Visit?

Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. —Henry David Thoreau

Vietnam vs Cambodia: A travel battle – which one do you think will win this battle? It’s not a battle of weapons and all but a sort of battle of comparison as to which one is better than the other. However, aren’t they both drop-dead gorgeous?

Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia whereas Cambodia is situated in Southwest Asia and we must tell you that they both are lovely countries and are geographically within close proximity. Vietnam is known for its diverse culture, historical heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and oh, how could we forget its delicious cuisine! While Cambodia is rich in ancient history and culture and is quite famous for its magnificent temple Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. It is smaller than Vietnam but it manages to charm travelers or visitors with its deep-rooted culture.

Craving the charm of Vietnam? Embark on your dream adventure with cheap flights to Vietnam from India which is the first step in Vietnam trip planning. If you are leaning more towards Cambodia? Kickstart your journey with cheap flights to Cambodia that bring your dreams within reach.

Vietnam vs Cambodia – A Brief Comparison

Must-visit Destinations: You can visit Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chin Minh City, Hoi An, Phong Nha-Ke-Bang National Park in Vietnam and Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampot in Cambodia.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit Vietnam between November to April and Cambodia between November to February.
Cuisine: The best cuisines in Vietnam are Pho, Banh Mi, and Goi Cuon (spring rolls) and the best food in Cambodia are Amok, Khmer curry, and Lok Lak.
Nightlife: Vietnam has vibrant nightlife in cities like Ho Chin Minh City and Hanoi and Cambodia is more relaxed with bars near Phnom Penh & Angkor Wat.
Cultural Experience: Vietnam is rich in diverse culture, colonial history, traditional villages, and beautiful temples whereas Cambodia is rich in deep-rooted culture, ancient temples, turbulent history, and Khmer culture.
Natural Beauty: Cambodia has jungle ruins, the Mekong River, beaches, and also temples. Vietnam has beaches, mountains, rivers, temples, and rice terraces.
Budget: You can visit Vietnam with affordable travel options and mid-range hotels while Cambodia is much cheaper than Vietnam.
Visa Requirements: Planning to explore Vietnam and Vietnam’s neighboring countries? Simplify your journey by securing your Vietnam visa online effortlessly. And for Cambodia? Discover hassle-free options to secure your Cambodia visa online in just a few clicks. Both the countries require to apply visa with minimum documents. While Vietnam visa fee starts from Rs.2,999/- and the Cambodia fee starts from Rs.4,199/-.
Cambodia vs Vietnam Tour Packages: Dive into the charm of Vietnam with curated Vietnam tour packages, and for adventure enthusiasts or history lovers, explore the wonders of Cambodia with personalized Cambodia tour packages.

Looking for affordable accommodation in Vietnam? Click here

Must-visit Places in Vietnam & Cambodia

Top Places to Visit in Vietnam:

Hanoi

Vietnamese people sit at a pavement café at nighttime
Image Editorial Credit: Andy Soloman/Shutterstock

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam with colonial history and also famous street food.

Ho Chin Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – night Bui Vien Street.
Image Editorial Credit: David Bokuchava/Shutterstock

Ho Chin Minh City is also known as Saigon and it is a bustling city mixed with French colonial architecture.

Ha Long Bay

Golden Hour Ha Long Bay Vietnam
Image Credit: Neeraj Nohara/Shutterstock

Ha Long Bay has thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters; one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam – Street view with traditional boats
Image Editorial Credit: soft_light/Shutterstock

If you are seeking culture then this town is perfect for you.

Top Places to Visit in Cambodia:

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap in Cambodia
Image Credit: saiko3p/Shutterstock

Must-see for every traveler as it is the largest religious monument in the world.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh city skyline and Tonle Sap River
Image Credit: saiko3p/Shutterstock

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and it is known for its Khmer history and street markets.

Also Read: Top 10 Traditional Vietnamese Dishes One Cannot Miss When in Vietnam

Best Time to Visit Cambodia & Vietnam

The dry season is the best time to visit both the countries Cambodia and Vietnam, i.e., November to April. You’ll get mild weather with cooler temperatures and less rain.

However, just keep in mind that Vietnam’s nearest countries such as China or Laos might influence your travel plans as they have different patterns of weather.

Nightlife: Cambodia vs Vietnam

Vietnamese people enjoying dinner at BBQ Saigon Night Open Air Restaurant
Image Editorial Credit: David Bokuchava/Shutterstock

In Vietnam vs Cambodia nightlife, Vietnam stands out as it has vibrant nightlife in cities like Ho Chin Minh City and Hanoi.

Siem Reap, Cambodia – Pub Street
Image Editorial Credit: maodoltee/Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Cambodia is more relaxed with bars and cultural performances near Phnom Penh & Angkor Wat.

Cuisine: The Taste of Vietnam & Cambodia

Pho Bo Traditional Soup
Image Credit: Lazhko Svetlana/Shutterstock

Have you heard that Vietnam’s cuisine is delicious and full of flavors? There are famous dishes such as Pho (noodles soup), Goi Cuon (spring rolls), and Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), whereas street foods are main in the cities like Ho Chin Minh City and Hanoi.

Khmer Traditional Food
Image Credit: Visualize Creative/Shutterstock

Cambodian food is not as famous as Vietnam’s food but that doesn’t make them less delicious. Dishes like Amok (fish curry), Khmer curry, and Lok Lak (stir-fried beef) are heavenly and delicious.

Budget and Travel Costs

Vietnam offers a range of options with affordable travel from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. However, Cambodia is much cheaper than Vietnam, in terms of cost.

Also, you’ll find that Vietnam’s neighboring countries such as Laos provide affordable accommodations and food options that can be added to your multi-country trip in Southeast Asia.

Combining Vietnam with Cambodia

Wanna explore both countries at the same time? It is best to take the Vietnam-Cambodia tour package. Theses packages include visits to major cities such as Ho Chin Minh City and Angkor Wat and can also be customized based on your preferences.

Are you considering combining a Vietnam trip with Cambodia; then it is best to travel by train, flight, or bus.

Vietnam Travel Guide and Tips

Want to know more details on Vietnam travel tips, check out this comprehensive Vietnam Travel Guide, where you can get insights on how to make your trip to Vietnam more memorable, including tips on transportation, cultural etiquette, the best time to visit Vietnam and hassle-free, of course.

Hotels in Cambodia and Vietnam can be found in major tourist cities, which can offer you a range of budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.

Always remember to apply for a visa before your trip. You can even use the Vietnam visa online services for Vietnam travel requirements and likewise for Cambodia.

Conclusion

So, what are your conclusions in the end after reading a whole lot about Vietnam and Cambodia? Who wins the battle, eh? For us, it is a tough tie as both Vietnam and Cambodia offer a pleasant experience but again, the choice depends on your preference or what kind of vacation you are looking for.

Irrespective of the country you choose, it will be the trip of a lifetime for you!

FAQs – Vietnam vs Cambodia

Vietnam vs Cambodia: which one is better?
Both Vietnam and Cambodia have something different experience to offer. Cambodia has ancient temples like Angkor Wat while Vietnam is recognized for its culture, food, and beautiful landscapes.

Which is better Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam?
Cambodia is for history lovers, Thailand offers vibrant nightlife and beaches, and Vietnam gives nature, culture, and delicious cuisine.

Cambodia or Vietnam first?
It depends on your itinerary. Many travelers prefer to visit Cambodia first followed by Vietnam for a longer stay.

Which country is richer Vietnam or Cambodia?
Vietnam is richer as it has a larger developed economy than Cambodia.

Is Cambodia or Vietnam better for nightlife?
Vietnam is better for nightlife because it has vibrant nightlife in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chin Minh City while Cambodia’s nightlife is more relaxed.

Is Vietnam safer than Cambodia?
Both countries are safe for travelers but Vietnam has lower petty crimes compared to Cambodia.

Is Cambodia visa-free for Indians?
No, but Cambodia offers e-visa services and visa-on-arrival options for Indian travelers.

Why is Cambodia famous?
Cambodia is famous for its ancient temples such as Angkor Wat, its turbulent past, and Khmer culture.

Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Yes, most travelers need a visa for Cambodia including Indians. You can apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival.

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