Vietnam or Cambodia: Which one is best for a holiday?

Are you struggling choosing between Vietnam and Cambodia for your next long-haul holiday? Both countries are famous for their incredible food, landscapes, culture and weather. Not to mention they’re both pretty affordable! How do you pick which one to prioritise?

At Trip.com, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a comparison guide to both destinations, covering everything from average travel budgets to flight lengths, the types of activities available and the weather you can expect. Let’s begin!

✈️ Vietnam or Cambodia: Key Travel Differences

One of the first ports of call when planning where to go on holiday is to gather essential information; entry requirements, flight times, average budgets, and so on. Here, we’ve pulled together these key details in a table to help you compare and contrast these travel differences for Vietnam and Cambodia.

Vietnam or Cambodia: Which destination is cheaper?

If budget is the key deciding factor on deciding between these two countries, Vietnam is a little bit cheaper, but not by much. Accommodation, food and attractions are slightly more expensive in Cambodia’s tourist areas, but you can still explore Cambodia on a budget.

🎯 Vietnam or Cambodia: Which is the better fit for your travel style?

🍜 Vietnam or Cambodia for food lovers: Which has the best cuisine?

Vietnam and Cambodia are both havens for foodies. Vietnam is a great choice for food lovers who enjoy fresh herbs, aromatic dishes and a wide variety of street food. Cambodia is perfect for travellers keen to discover traditional Khmer cuisine and distinctive local specialities that are difficult to find outside of the country.

Check out some of the best regional dishes below to get an idea of what you’re able to try on your trip.

Best food to try in Vietnam

• Phở: Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup features flat rice noodles in a slow-simmered broth infused with star anise, cinnamon and ginger, usually served with beef or chicken.
• Bún bò Huế: Another noodle soup! But this one hails from central Vietnam, and combines thick rice noodles, tender beef and pork in a lemongrass-scented broth. Chilli oil gives it a fiery kick, while fresh herbs and lime add a bright finish.
• Cao lầu: A speciality of Hoi An, this Vietnamese dish features thick, chewy noodles topped with sliced pork, fresh herbs and crunchy croutons, with just a little savoury sauce.
• Bánh xèo: These scrumptious crispy pancakes get their golden colour from turmeric and are filled with pork, prawns and bean sprouts. Tear off pieces, wrap them in fresh herbs and lettuce, then dip into a tangy fish sauce.

Best food to try in Cambodia

• Fish amok: Cambodia’s signature curry combines flaky fish with coconut milk, lemongrass and kroeung spice paste, traditionally steamed in a banana leaf.
• Kuy teav: A breakfast favourite, this noodle soup features thin rice noodles in a clear pork or beef broth, topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts and sliced meat.
• Num banh chok: This dish pairs fresh rice noodles with a fragrant fish curry sauce, crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs. Light yet full of flavour.
• Kampot pepper crab: A Cambodian coastal speciality, this dish pairs fresh crab with fragrant green Kampot peppercorns, garlic and a savoury sauce.

🏙️ Vietnam or Cambodia for city breaks: Which is the most exciting?

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have exciting cities to explore, but the atmosphere and activities available differ. Vietnam is a great fit for those seeking fast-paced city experiences. Cambodia, on the other hand, is a little more relaxed in pace, even in its busier cities.

Take a peek at our recommended cities below to get a feel for what the cities are like across both countries.

Best cities to visit in Vietnam

• Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital is popular for its historic temples, tree-lined boulevards, bustling Old Quarter and vibrant street-food scene.
• Ho Chi Minh City: A bustling southern Vietnamese city with rooftop bars, lively night markets, historic museums and underground war tunnels.
• Da Nang: This relaxed coastal city in central Vietnam boasts sandy beaches, scenic mountains, riverside cafes and the famous Marble Mountains.

Best cities to visit in Cambodia

• Siem Reap: The country’s cultural hub, Siem Reap is best known for the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, ancient ruins and traditional markets.
• Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonlé Sap rivers, with grand royal palaces, historic pagodas and bustling riverside markets.
• Battambang: A laid-back city with French colonial architecture, traditional markets and a thriving arts scene.

🌳 Vietnam or Cambodia for nature lovers: Which has the best landscapes?

Both countries have beautiful landscapes, and are sure to win-over nature lovers. However, there are distinct differences. Vietnam is home to dramatic mountains, rice terraces and striking coastlines, while Cambodia offers tropical islands, dense forests and wildlife-rich wetlands. There’s more geographical variety in Vietnam, whereas Cambodia offers quieter nature experiences.

Learn more about some of the best natural attractions across both countries below.

Best nature spots in Vietnam

• Ha Long Bay: Vietnam’s famous bay is dotted with thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald-green waters, creating a striking coastal landscape.
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: This UNESCO-listed national park is famous for its vast cave systems, underground rivers and dramatic limestone mountains.
• Mekong Delta: Stretching across southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a region of lush orchards and peaceful waterways where life revolves around the river.

Best nature spots in Cambodia

• Cardamom Mountains: This remote mountain range is one of Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest areas. Explore the jungle on a guided hike or along one of the many trails.
• Koh Rong: Just off Cambodia’s southern coast, this tropical island is known for its white beaches and bioluminescent plankton.
• Tonlé Sap Lake: Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake is famous for its floating villages. The perfect spot for a boat trip.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Vietnam or Cambodia: Which is best for families?

Both Vietnam and Cambodia are great for affordable family holidays. But, the best option all depends on your family’s age and preferences, and the type of trip you’re after. Vietnam is fantastic for families seeking varied activities and cultural experiences, while Cambodia is a little better for families looking for a more relaxed trip.

For more inspiration, check out our recommendations for the best family attractions across Cambodia and Vietnam.

Best family attractions in Vietnam

• VinWonders Phu Quoc: From adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters to a giant aquarium and water park, VinWonders Phu Quoc has plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
• Sun World Ba Na Hills: Take a scenic cable car ride into the mountains and explore Sun World Ba Na Hills, a hilltop attraction famous for its striking bridge, French-inspired village and panoramic views.
• VinWonders Nha Trang: Hop over to Hon Tre Island for a fun-filled day at VinWonders Nha Trang, a theme park with rollercoasters, water slides, an aquarium and family-friendly attractions.

Best family attractions in Cambodia

• Phare, The Cambodian Circus: Enjoy a circus show that combines acrobatics, theatre, live music and storytelling, inspired by Cambodian culture and traditions.
• Angkor National Museum: Discover the history and culture of the Khmer Empire at Angkor National Museum. Younger travelers can enjoy the interactive displays, and enjoy a break from the heat.
• Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary: Get a closer look at Cambodia’s wildlife at this sanctuary, which provides a home for rescued elephants and other animals in a natural forest setting.

🕐 What to see in Vietnam or Cambodia, depending on the length of your trip

Now you have a better idea of the similarities and differences of Vietnam and Cambodia, it’s time to get planning. To help you get a feel for what you can fit into a trip to either country, take a look at our sample itineraries below.

🌤️ Best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia

Sometimes, the biggest deciding factor on where you go on holiday is what the weather is like. Vietnam and Cambodia have similar tropical climates, with hot weather, high humidity and distinct wet and dry seasons. However, Vietnam has greater regional variation because it stretches much further north to south, while Cambodia generally experiences more consistent warmth throughout the year.

🇻🇳 When to visit Vietnam

It’s generally agreed that the best time to visit Vietnam are March to April and October to November, although the ideal months depend on where you plan to travel. Spring generally offers a good balance of weather across the country, while autumn is particularly pleasant in northern Vietnam.

🇰🇭 When to visit Cambodia

November to February are agreed to be the best time to visit Cambodia. It’s generally dry, sunny and less humid, making it ideal for spending time outdoors and sightseeing.

🧩 More travel guides