Cambodia VS Vietnam: are Cambodia and Vietnam the same? Which to Visit?

Cambodia and Vietnam are two of Indochina’s most popular travel destinations. While they do share some similarities in culture, religion, and influences, they are very different countries, and two very different types of destinations to travel to in Asia.

Same Things between Cambodia and Vietnam

Cambodia and Vietnam are in the same time zone

Aside from anything else, Cambodia and Vietnam are actually in the same time zone, so you don’t have to worry about making sure your watch and phone are set to the right times. Located side-by-side, Cambodia and Vietnam are both set seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).

Cambodia and Vietnam 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.

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to travel around Cambodia. During this period, the weather in Cambodia is dry and clear and the temperatures are at their lowest for the year.

Dry season is the best time to explore Angkor Wat in Cmabodia.

The climate of Vietnam is a bit more complicated. In the north, the climate is more of a four-season climate, with the northeast monsoon season coming from November to March. The central region’s dry season runs from December to February. And in the south, the long dry season runs from December to May. Overall the best time to visit Vietnam is from December to March.

English is understood in major tourist areas in both Cambodia and Vietnam

In both Cambodia and Vietnam, English is a relatively well-understood language, though you will find that most of those that understand you will be in the cities and the major tourist areas.

However, once you get outside the cities and into the really rural areas, you may find only a few people in a village understand you since there is less need for English when fishing and farming.

US dollars can be used directly in both Cambodia and Vietnam

While Cambodia and Vietnam both have their own national currencies, the US dollar is accepted by many vendors, restaurants, and hotels. In both Cambodia and Vietnam, US dollars are actually preferred for payments of larger bills such as your hotel or expensive purchases.

But make sure you keep some local currency on you as well for spending, as not everyone accepts the dollar, and make sure you have small denomination dollar bills, as few vendors would be able to change a fifty.

Both Cambodia and Vietnam are good destinations for budget travel

If you are looking for budget travel, then there are few places as good as Cambodia or Vietnam. Not only is the cost of living very low, with cheap prices on foods and commodities for everyday use, but you can find accommodation for as little as five dollars a night, which beats a 50-dollar hotel room hands down.

Vietnam is an ideal destination for budget travel.

Differences between Cambodia and Vietnam

Since they are actually two separate countries, Cambodia and Vietnam use different languages and different currencies. And for tourists, the travel experiences in Cambodia and Vietnam are also very different.

Different Visa Requirements for Cambodia Tours and Vietnam Tours

Cambodia has returned to its normal visa policies, which means that the ten Asian countries that have visa exemptions can now travel without needing a visa once more.

For everyone else, a visa is required for your Cambodia tour. You can apply for a Cambodia tourist 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.

For the residents of 25 countries around the world, no visa is required to enter Vietnam, as they have visa-exempt status. However, for everyone else in the world, a visa is actually a requirement.

Vietnam is strict on its visa policy. Applications can be made online or at an embassy, and while required, are relatively easy to apply for. The most convenient way for travels to Vietnam is to apply for an E-visa online before departure.

Different Cultures and Religions to Experience in Cambodia and Vietnam

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 closely feel the glory of the ancient Khmer Empire. Besides, the recent Cambodian culture is also influenced by French culture.

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. Culturally, Vietnam has been influenced not only by the French colonial era, but by the influx of international colonists over the years, making Vietnam a very multicultural colonial nation.

Different Travel Lengths in Cambodia and Vietnam

In Cambodia, most people tend to spend the main part of their Cambodia tour in Siem Reap to visit the Angkor Temples. Since the remaining main attractions are found at Tonle Sap or Phnom Penh, then 5 days are enough to spend in Cambodia to make it an enjoyable and worthwhile trip.

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

However, Vietnam is a long country with multiple regions and a wealth of things to stop and see or do. And while it is possible to spend 8 to 10 days to get a basic overview of Vietnam, for a really good Vietnam tour and a better view of its people and culture, 2-3 weeks or longer is really required.

Different Travel Budgets in Cambodia and Vietnam

When it comes to budget, Cambodia 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. That does not mean there are no five-star hotels in Cambodia, and you can find them in the capital, but the cheaper accommodation, in general, makes Cambodia more budget-friendly.

Vietnam is a much more expensive option 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 budget options as well.

Different Ways to travel around in Cambodia and Vietnam

Travel around the countries differs somewhat as well. In Cambodia, most tourists choose to travel by flight or by car, while in Vietnam, you have more options like traveling by overnight train between distant cities.

Different Types of Mekong Cruises in Cambodia and Vietnam

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

In Cambodia, the Mekong River cruise is a way of enjoying some relaxing time and getting a better view of the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins. In Vietnam, the river cruise 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.

Which to Visit? Cambodia or Vietnam?

So which is best to visit overall? If you like adventures in the jungle and wild animals, mysterious and ancient cultures, and wandering around millennia-old temples, then Cambodia is the better option.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is the better choice for those that want a more multicultural experience, want to try a host of different and unique foods, and love the beaches. With dozens of great beaches to choose from, and the difference between Hanoi to modern Saigon, Vietnam is a great tourist attraction in itself.

However, these two countries lie side-by-side and are easy to travel between, so why not make the most of this and choose the best trip of all, visiting Cambodia and Vietnam together?

Conclusion

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 the trip of a lifetime.