Cambodia vs Thailand: Which Is Better to Visit?

Cambodia and Thailand offer distinctly different experiences, making it hard to choose between them. History, culture, food, and nature are all reasons to choose either place. Which one is better depends on what you're looking for.

Basic Information about Cambodia and Thailand

Thailand is a significantly bigger country than Cambodia. With around 70 million people and an area of more than 500,000 km², it has developed a more robust economy.

On the Thailand city map, in Bangkok, you’ll find all the modern amenities you’d expect from a major metropolis. Outside of big cities, there are well-preserved natural environments like the island paradise of Koh Samui or the mountain highlands around Chiang Rai.

Cambodia has a population of around 16 million people and covers an area less than half the size of Thailand. The smaller population has left much of the country’s natural scenery untouched. What Cambodia lacks in facilities, it makes up for in pristine landscapes with vibrant ecosystems.

The location map of Thailand and Cambodia

Cambodia vs Thailand in Tourism: Thailand Is More Developed than Cambodia

Thailand has experienced high economic development in recent years, and the effects can be seen in its better-developed tourism infrastructure.

Tens of millions of people visit each year, supporting a wide range of hotels, restaurants, tours, and activities. Domestic transportation has kept pace, making it convenient to travel within the country, and local businesses have adapted to meet international preferences.

Cambodia receives only around 10% of the number of tourists as Thailand. While there are still great accommodations, dining, and tours, the choices are fewer. Outside of popular tourist destinations, the experience of visiting Cambodia is more local.

Tourists in the Grand Palace, Thailand

Cambodia vs Thailand in History and Culture: Cambodia Is the Cultural Ancient Kingdom

The ancient Khmer Kingdom of Cambodia has left a significant legacy. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest religious structure in the world.

It stands above other cultural sites in the region as a testament to the deep history of Cambodia. Places like the Grand Palace in Thailand are excellent cultural attractions, but the ancient ruins in Cambodia have no equal.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Cambodia vs Thailand in Scenery: Thailand Owns More Various Scenery Landscapes

Partly because of its larger size, Thailand has more diverse natural scenery.

From tropical jungles and mountainous regions to beautiful white sand beaches and island paradises, the landscapes of Thailand have more variety.

Cambodia is full of stunning, pristine scenery, like the Cardamom Mountains and Mekong River, but it doesn’t have the same range.

In Thailand, you can start your trip in the central plains around the Chao Phraya River that flows through Bangkok, and then you can visit the mountains around Chiang Mai. Don’t leave without visiting the southern Islands to soak up the sun and swim in the crystal clear waters.

12 Days Highlights of Thailand Tour Package

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park - Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket - Koh Phi Phi - Phuket

Cambodia vs Thailand in Food: Thailand’s Food Is More Famous

Local cuisine is a highlight in both countries, but Thai food has crossed borders to become celebrated worldwide.

Iconic dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Green Curry are everywhere. The most authentic way to enjoy them is at street food stalls or small local restaurants in places like Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya. The rich flavors and fresh ingredients right from the source will make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Cambodian cuisine is also delicious but remains less well-known. Dishes like amok, coconut fish curry, and lok lak, spiced, stir-fried beef, show off local flavors. Don’t miss out on the food in either country.

Tom Yum Goong, the most famous dish in Thailand

Beaches in Cambodia vs Thailand: The Beaches in Thailand Are World Famous

There are many world-famous beaches in Thailand.

The list is almost endless, including places like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and the Phi Phi Islands. All are famous for their white sands and clear waters, and you can find a range of experiences from tranquil relaxation to exciting water sports.

The main beaches in Cambodia are Sihanoukville and Koh Rong. They can be as beautiful as anywhere in Thailand but have fewer amenities to offer tourists and fewer activities to join.

Cambodian beaches tend to be less crowded than the most famous Thai beaches, which can be a plus. However, in Thailand, you can go beach hopping from island to island to find the perfect spot.

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Nightlife of Cambodia vs Thailand: Thailand’s Nightlife Featured with More Color

Big cities in Cambodia, like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, have a good selection of bars, entertainment, and night markets but can’t match the variety and intensity of nightlife in Thailand.

World-famous party scenes take place all over Thailand.

There’s Pattaya’s famous walking street with bars, clubs, and entertainment until the early hours of the morning. Take a party in Bangkok’s Old Town with travelers from all over the world.

One of the most famous is the full moon party on the island of Koh Phangan. The all-night beach party has been held every full moon for almost 40 years. There are music, dancing, and performances that draw thousands of people who stay until sunrise.

Nightlife in Thailand

Cambodia vs Thailand in Tour Length: 5 Days for Cambodia and 7 Days for Thailand

The highlights of Cambodia can be seen during a five-day tour.

That’s enough time to visit Phnom Penh and explore Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. You might be able to squeeze in a day on the beaches of Sihanoukville, but it’s better to add an extra day or two so you do not have to rush through other places.

Thailand is not only bigger but also has a wide variety of places to see. We recommend a seven-day Thailand tour to hit the main highlights.

In one week, you can tour Bangkok seeing sites like the Grand Palace, go to Chiang Mai and visit the nearby elephant park, and spend a couple of days on one of the southern islands unwinding on the beach.

15 Days Thailand Cambodia Essential Experiences Tour

Siem Reap – Bangkok - Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park - Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket - Koh Phi Phi - Phuket

Cambodia vs Thailand in Safety: Cambodia Is Much Safer than Thailand

Both countries are safe tourist destinations, but Cambodia is considered safer.

With a smaller population, Cambodian cities tend to be more subdued. Travelers need to be cautious about petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching everywhere. Those crimes are more likely to occur in the more crowded areas, and you’re more likely to find bigger crowds in Thailand.

Road accidents are one of the biggest safety issues for travelers. In both countries, you should be cautious when crossing the road. Thai streets tend to be busier, adding to the risk. Exercise a standard level of caution, and you should be safe.

Cambodia vs Thailand in Accessibility: Both Are Easy to Get into

Thailand has several international airports with direct connections to cities worldwide.

Flights from North America, Europe, Australia, and all over Asia fly into Bangkok’s two airports. Phuket is another common arrival point with direct connections to Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia.

Destinations like Koh Samui and Chiang Mai can be reached from major Asian cities, such as Seoul, Shanghai, and Singapore. Domestic connections are frequent, with over 20 flights a day between Bangkok and places like Phuket and Koh Samui.

Tourists arriving in Cambodia usually fly to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Direct flights are primarily from regional Asia cities such as Seoul, Beijing, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. With multiple daily flights to choose from, Cambodia is just one connection away from any major city in the world.

Siem Reap International Airport

Cambodia vs Thailand in Visa Application: Both Visas Are Easy to Obtain upon Arrival

Many travelers can enter Thailand visa-free.

Passport holders from North America, most European Countries, many Asian countries, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa to travel in Thailand for up to 30 days.

Visas to Cambodia are needed for most travelers, but they can be easily obtained upon arrival at major airports and border crossings.

The visa on arrival in Cambodia costs 30 USD and is valid for 30 days. E-Visas can also be obtained before arrival. The e-Visa costs 36 USD and can speed up the process of passing through immigration.

Cambodia visa on arrival

The Best Way Is to Explore Thailand and Cambodia Together

Having tours of Thailand and Cambodia together is the best way to experience the diversity of travel in Southeast Asia. Bangkok and Phnom Penh are only 1 hour and 15 minutes apart by flight, and there are more than 10 daily flights connecting the two capitals.

On a combined trip, you can explore the wonders of Angkor Wat and the charm of Phnom Penh, then fly to a beach paradise in Thailand and escape from the bustle of the modern world.

25 Days In-depth Exploration of Cambodia and Thailand

Siem Reap – Battambang – Kong Rong Island – Phnom Penh – Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Mai - Phuket

Conclusion

Thailand vs Cambodia is better thought of as Thailand and Cambodia. The two countries each offer unique experiences for travelers to explore culture, nature, and cities. Visit them together on one of our popular combined tours.

With all the details taken care of by our professional travel staff, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the wonders of these two Southeast Asian countries. Contact us for more information!