1. Experience in Cambodia vs Vietnam Travel
Highlights to See
Whereas Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is a natural wonder, Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a man-made wonder. Both are must-do experiences, but they are also crowded and expensive! Still, they’re worth seeing, and they’re even better if you can go during the shoulder season, so keep that in mind when making plans your trip.
City Experiences
The old quarter of Hanoi is a fantastic place to wander and marvel at the local culture and living conditions.
Hoi An is also an ideal destination that I hope to visit as soon as possible!
Cambodia lacks an equivalent city experience, with Siem Reap and Phnom Penh both underwhelming and mostly entirely preventable, and smaller cities run-down and lacking in charm.
Beaches Vietnam has some beautiful beaches, but they are often overpopulated and tourist traps — with several Vietnamese travellers drawn to their fantastic seashores as well. In Cambodia, you can live out your fantasies of a deserted island on Koh Ta Kiev or other south coast islands.
Trekking and the Wilderness
Trekking has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions in Sapa, north of Hanoi. While a walk through the mountain ranges and cities and towns in this region is breathtakingly beautiful, it is not particularly imaginative because you will be trekking alongside swarms of other travellers.
Adventurers should look for alternative treks in the north or go caving in Phong Nha.
Jungle trekking is also a thrilling experience in Cambodia. The views are less spectacular because you’re mostly encircled by lush forest, but the experience is less polished, so you’ll perceive more like an explorer. Just keep an eye out for leeches!
Bike Tours and City Tours
When it comes to tours, both Vietnam and Cambodia provide incredible experiences, whether they are long or short.
You can: in Vietnam
- Cycle through the Mekong Delta
- Explore Hoi An by bike and kayak.
- Take an incredible 11-day bike and boat trip.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to:
- Angkor temples by bike
- Cycle from Angkor Wat to the south coast of Cambodia.
- Spend 14 days biking around Cambodia, seeing the highlights.
Cambodia vs Vietnam Travel Experience
Cambodia is the winner when it comes to thrilling travel experiences. Though there are many incredible places to visit and things to do in Vietnam, the country is more touristy, so the travel experiences aren’t as ambitious or distant as we’d like.
Nothing in Vietnam is as iconic as Angkor Wat or as deserted as Koh Ta Kiev. Cambodia also has Kampot, one of our favorite small towns in the world, and the opportunity to see almost wildlife in the north.
2. Travel in Vietnam and Cambodia
It is extremely simple to get around in both Cambodia and Vietnam.
Simply ask the staff at your hotel or hostel where you want to go, and they will make all the necessary arrangements. All you have to do is show up on time. This service may cost you an extra dollar, but it is almost always worth it to avoid the hassle of buying your own tickets.
If you book your tickets through your hotel, a minibus will usually pick you up at the front door, saving you the trouble of walking across town with your luggage.
Means of Transport in Vietnam
Vietnamese buses
A well-organized bus network connects every conceivable tourist destination in Vietnam.
- Long-distance buses are generally inexpensive, on time, and comfortable.
- Price – Depending on where you’re going, a five or six-hour bus ride will cost you around $6. A fantastic deal!
- Bus type – Most journeys are in a sleeper-style bus, where you can (almost) stretch out on a bunk and possibly even sleep.
- Safety – Nightmare stories of dangerous drivers and filthy buses are mostly a thing of the past; now, buses are the best way to get around Vietnam, if not luxurious.
Vietnamese Train
A well-organized bus network connects every conceivable tourist destination in Vietnam.
Long-distance buses are generally inexpensive, on time, and comfortable.
Price – Depending on where you’re going, a five or six-hour bus journey would also cost you approximately $6. A fantastic deal!
Bus type – Most journeys are in a sleeper-style bus, where you can (almost) stretch out on a rubbish and possibly even sleep.
Safety – Nightmare stories of dangerous drivers and filthy buses are mostly a thing of the past; now, buses are the best way to get around Vietnam, if not luxurious.
Motorcycle For Beginners in Vietnam
My motorbike trip from Hue to Hoi An was one of my favorite Vietnam experiences. I’ve never driven a motorcycle before, but in Vietnam, you can rent a bike with a driver.
While they do all the work, you sit in the back and watch the world go by. This mode of transportation is only suitable for a maximum of 5 or 6 hours before your butt (and possibly the rest of you) falls asleep!
Flights in Vietnam
We never recommend flying within a country because it is expensive, harmful to the environment, and causes you to miss out on a lot of interesting travel. To avoid flying in Vietnam, limit your travel to the north, center, or south.
Nevertheless, if you have to fly in Vietnam, there are numerous low-cost options. But be alerted: Vietnam’s moderate airlines (JetStar and VietJet) have a public image for being constantly late!
We once arrived at Nha Trang Airport only to discover that our flight had been delayed by 8 hours. Yikes! We quickly rebooked on Vietnam Airlines and chalked up the monetary loss as a costly lesson.
Cambodia Transportation
The major destinations in Cambodia are served by bus, while more off-the-beaten-path destinations are served by mini bus. Whether you’re going somewhere off the beaten path, you might need to consider hiring a motorbike or tuk tuk.
Buses in Cambodia
- Long-distance buses are inexpensive, but they are frequently late and can be old and inconvenient. My bus ride from Phnom Penh to Kratie was supposed to take four hours but ended up taking eight. That’s not cool!
- A 5 or 6 hour bus ride shall cost around $10. Still not cheap, but more so than in Vietnam.
- Bus type – Bus rides are typically in seated buses that range in quality from new to well past their prime.
- Safety – Because Cambodia’s bus safety record is poor (road accidents are all too common in Cambodia),
- it’s worthwhile to find a reputable bus company. Our favorite was Giant Ibis, which is a little more expensive but well worth it for safety and dependability. Regrettably, they only cover a few routes in Cambodia.
Cambodian Minibuses
You will need to take a mini bus to get anywhere other than the major attractions (which you must do to get the most out of Cambodia). They vary in quality and are frequently late. A mini bus journey can be simple and comfortable, or it can be an all-day journey with 100 breaks around store to pick up babies, chickens, grain sacks, small motorbikes, and other items.
Expect to travel slowly in a Cambodian minibus, but consider the journey to be part of the experience.
Cambodian Long-distance Taxis
If you have a reasonable budget and are visiting Cambodia with friends or family, hiring a car and driver may be the best option. These services are far more reliable than public transit and will get you to your destination twice as fast.
You can also stop along the way to see the sights, especially if you hire a driver who can double as a guide.
Cambodia vs Vietnam Travel Transportation
Score one for Vietnam! Their mode of transportation is faster, cleaner, safer, and less expensive. It’s also fairly easy to get around Cambodia, but be prepared for disruptions and some more expedition!
