By Evelyn Nguyen, Jun 6, 2025
Vietnam and Cambodia are the only two countries in Southeast Asia that proudly feature a site among the New 7 Wonders of the World - Halong Bay in Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. If you're looking at Vietnam - Cambodia on the map, you’ll see how easy it is to visit both. But which one should you choose? This guide compares Vietnam vs Cambodia travel, including safety, attractions, food, and cost differences between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Are Vietnam and Cambodia worth visiting? Both Vietnam and Cambodia have natural places worth exploring, but the experiences are very different. Vietnam has a mountain range stretching from North to South, so almost everywhere there are beautiful trekking and photography spots.
If you are in the North, you should go to Sapa or Ha Giang in the fall - this is when the sky is clear, the rice fields are golden, and there are few tourists. In the Central region, Phong Nha has Son Doong Cave and many small caves with half-day tours, suitable for those with little time. A small tip: you should book a tour in advance through local Vietnam agencies, the price is good, and the tour guide knows the area well.
Phong Nha Cave Camping
Cambodia's mountains are concentrated in the West and Northeast. Few people know that Mondulkiri has a cool climate all year round and many beautiful waterfalls. The Cardamom forest is a rare place with primeval forest in Southeast Asia, but it is a bit difficult to get to. Anyone who wants to go should go on a community tour - it is both economical and helps protect the environment.
Mondulkiri in Cambodia
Tip: In both countries, the dry season (November to April) is the best time to visit the mountains. The waterfalls are more beautiful in the rainy season, but the forest paths can be slippery and difficult to navigate.
>> If you crave mountains and adventure, Vietnam offers more diversity and accessibility.
Both countries have seas and islands, but the feeling is completely different. Beaches in Vietnam have a long coastline, many options - from Halong Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang to Phu Quoc and Con Dao. Those who like beautiful beaches and full services should choose Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam
Cambodia's sea is not as crowded, but it has a wild, close atmosphere. Koh Rong Samloem has almost no motorbikes, very quiet. You should bring spare batteries and flashlights because many places do not have 24/24 electricity.
A small tip: In Sihanoukville, you do not need to stay long, just consider it a transit station to the island.
>> Vietnam or Cambodia with kids? Vietnam is better for infrastructure and family-friendly stays, while Cambodia wins on raw, rustic island charm.
Vietnam has a rich and accessible national park system. Many places have day tours, suitable for the whole family, such as Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh. But if you want to be really close to nature, you can try staying in the forest for a night in Cat Tien or Pu Luong. Many homestays in ethnic villages organize short treks, eat at local people's homes, both an experience and supports the community.
Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam
In Cambodia, ecotourism focuses on conservation areas such as Chi Phat or BeTreed. These are small-scale forest conservation projects, limiting visitors to preserve the natural environment. Those who like the feeling of "out of the city" for a few days, living in nature, will find it very suitable.
>> Vietnam suits those seeking well-developed eco-travel experiences, while Cambodia appeals to off-the-beaten-path adventurers.
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, light, and balanced. Dishes often combine sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors. Herbs and fish sauce are essential ingredients. Cambodian cuisine, on the other hand, uses a lot of coconut milk, fermented fish sauce (prahok), and mild curries, which are richer and more flavorful but less spicy.
Cambodia food tour
Local tip: In Cambodia, prahok is often not a favorite with first-time visitors, but locals consider it the essence of many dishes.
In Vietnam, you’ll find Pho, Bun Cha, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Xeo, and the famous Banh Mi. Each region has its specialty. Street food is everywhere, from busy market corners to tiny alley stalls packed with locals.
Have a meal with Pho in Vietnam
In Cambodia, top dishes include Fish Amok (steamed curry in banana leaf), Bai Sach Chrouk (grilled pork with rice), Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles), and Sticky Rice Sweets. Food tends to be milder but comforting.
Insider tip: Breakfast in Cambodia is best between 6 and 8 AM many stalls close early once locals finish eating.
Both countries have low food costs. However, Vietnam usually has more dishes and larger portions. In Cambodia, the portions are smaller, so you often have to order side dishes. In particular, Vietnam has many local markets with dishes that are only served in the morning, not for tourists, so the taste is very "authentic".
The local fruit stalls on boat in Vietnam
Saving tip: In Vietnam, the morning markets in small alleys are often the best places to eat, and the prices are much cheaper than in tourist areas.
Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam have buses, motorbike taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, XanhSM, and even a new metro system in Ho Chi Minh City. Long-distance travel is easy with trains, sleeper buses, and domestic flights connecting north to south.
Cambodia has tuk-tuks and buses in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Ride-hailing apps like PassApp and Grab are available but not as widespread. Intercity travel is mostly by minivan or bus, and roads can be bumpy and slow in rural areas.
The popular transport in Vietnam
Tip: In Vietnam, local buses in cities are cheap and frequent, but often overlooked by tourists. They’re great for short trips under $1.
Vietnam has better-developed roads, especially along the tourist routes. Highways connecting cities like Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An are well-marked. Cambodia’s main highways are improving, but many secondary roads are still dusty and unpaved, especially during the rainy season.
Hidden detail: Night trains in Vietnam are a unique experience, comfortable enough for overnight travel with soft beds and even meals on board.
Vietnam’s long shape makes flying between regions common. Flights are frequent and affordable, with low-cost carriers like VietJet and Vietnam Airlines.
Cambodia has fewer domestic flights, mainly between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Prices are higher, and schedules are more limited.
In Cambodia, guesthouses and hostels are often a bit cheaper. You can find a basic room for around $8-15 per night, especially in small towns. In Vietnam, prices are slightly higher, but you also get better quality in many places. A clean, comfortable room in a local homestay can cost about $15-25.
A 3-star hotel in Siem Reap in Cambodia
Vietnam has more options from hostels, hotels, to luxury beach resorts. In tourist cities like Hoi An or Da Nang, even 3-star hotels often include breakfast and have swimming pools.
Tip: In Vietnam’s countryside, many family-run homestays include meals and even free bicycle rental.
Street food in Vietnam is cheap, fresh, and everywhere. A bowl of Pho or Bun Bo Hue usually costs $1.50-$2.50. A Banh Mi is often just $1. In Cambodia, simple meals like grilled pork with rice or noodle soup cost around the same, but Western food tends to be more expensive.
Vietnam also has the famous Bia Hoi (fresh local beer), which can be as cheap as 25-50 cents a glass. In Cambodia, beer is still cheap, but usually $1-$2 in most places.
A $1 Banh Mi in Vietnam
Hidden tip: In Vietnam, try local markets early in the morning - many stalls serve hot, cheap breakfasts only locals know about.
In Vietnam, many museums and landmarks charge only $1-$3 to enter. Even famous places like the Imperial City in Hue or boat rides in Ninh Binh are under $10.
Temple of Literature in Hanoi (Vietnam) ticket
In Cambodia, one big cost is Angkor Wat. A one-day ticket is $37, and a 3-day pass is $62. It’s worth it, but it’s a big part of the travel budget. Other attractions, like Phnom Penh’s Killing Fields or Tonle Sap Lake tours, cost around $5-$15.
Money-saving tip: If you're visiting Angkor Wat, go early in the morning for fewer crowds, and it’s cooler too.
So, is Vietnam or Cambodia better to visit? Here is your advice for your decision Vietnam or Cambodia to visit.
>> Choose Vietnam if you…
Vietnam is a good choice for people who like to see and do many different things in one trip, from the North to the South of Vietnam. The transportation system is more developed for traveling long distances by train, flight, or bus. Vietnam also has a rich food scene, with endless street food options that change from region to region. Families, first-time visitors, or those looking for an active, diverse holiday often find Vietnam a better fit.
>> Choose Cambodia if you…
Cambodia is better for those who enjoy a slower and more peaceful journey. The temples of Angkor Wat are the main highlight, but places like Kampot and Battambang also have quiet towns and friendly people. Cambodia costs a bit less, and it’s a great place to relax, take photos, and learn about history and daily life. If the goal is to enjoy calm places and connect with local culture, Cambodia is a great choice.
Angkor Wat Complex in Cambodia
Yes, many travelers visit both. You can cross by land or fly between cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, or Hanoi and Siem Reap. A 10-14 day Vietnam and Cambodia trip is enough for the main highlights.
Yes, both countries require separate visas. Vietnam may require a visa or an E-visa, depending on your nationality. Cambodia offers visas on arrival or e-visas for many countries.
Both are generally safe for tourists. Vietnam has a more developed infrastructure, while Cambodia feels more relaxed. Vietnam is often seen as safer because it has strong political stability and good public security. Cambodia is also safe for visitors, but you might run into some petty crime in the cities now and then.
Sihanoukville Beach in Cambodia
Vietnam has better roads, more choices for family hotels, and kid-friendly activities like boat rides in Halong Bay or lantern making in Hoi An. Cambodia feels more laid-back and less crowded in spots like Kampot, but it doesn’t have as many facilities for kids.
Incense Village in Hanoi, Vietnam
In Cambodia, popular souvenirs include silver jewelry, handwoven scarves (krama), palm sugar, and Angkor-themed carvings. In Vietnam, travelers often buy lacquerware, silk, coffee, ceramic goods, and embroidered textiles.
Vietnam and Cambodia each have something special. After this blog, we hope that you can choose depending on what kind of journey is preferred, or better yet, plan to visit both. Many travelers cross the border and enjoy the best of each country in one trip. Contact us to get a FREE QUOTE and create a beautiful Southeast Asian experience that’s hard to forget.
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