Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour: Which Country is Better to Visit?

Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are the three most popular countries in Southeast Asia. Before deciding which country to visit, it is important to have a general understanding of the different advantages of these three countries and find the one you like better.

Thailand has the most developed tourism infrastructure and diverse attractions; Cambodia's mysterious Angkor Wat is very famous and the cost of visiting is not high; Vietnam attracts tourists with its most favorable prices, amazing scenery and delicious food.

In fact, the best option is to visit all three countries together. Each country has its own unique atmosphere, worth-seeing attractions and special food that you will definitely want to experience.

In this blog, we will compare everything you need to know about a Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour from different aspects. Let's explore the uniqueness of each country in depth!

Basic Information about Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are all located in Southeast Asia and border each other. They are all popular tourist destinations, and each country also offers different experiences for tourists.

Thailand has a well-developed tourism industry and is known as the "Land of Smiles". It is also a country with a strong historical and cultural heritage in Thailand. There are many ancient temples here. Many tourists who travel to Thailand will also go to local temples to pray. Thailand also has beautiful seaside scenery and is a very suitable country for tourism.

Cambodia borders Thailand and has lower travel costs. It is also a country with a long history and culture, with an incredible Angkor Wat temple complex.

Vietnam is also worth visiting, with magnificent landscapes from Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta, as well as bustling cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which perfectly blend traditional and modern atmospheres.

The location map of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Tourism: Thailand is More developed

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are all popular tourist countries in Southeast Asia, and compared with the tourism industry of these three countries, Thailand is definitely in the lead.

With decades of experience in receiving international tourists, Thailand's tourism industry is highly developed, with first-class hotels, convenient transportation, complete tourism infrastructure and high-quality services to cater to tourists from all over the world.

Due to the popularity of Angkor Wat, the number of tourists in Cambodia has surged, so Cambodia's tourism industry is mainly concentrated in Siem Reap (where Angkor Wat is located) and Phnom Penh. Although it is not too developed compared with its neighbors, it is steadily improving.

In recent years, Vietnam has been improving the services and facilities provided to tourists. Cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam offer international standard accommodation, and now even smaller towns can meet the needs of tourists well.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Tour Length: All Worth a Long Vacation

Comparing the three countries in terms of tourist attractions and things to do, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are all worth spending enough time to explore.

For Thailand, with a large number of interesting attractions, especially around the beaches in Thailand and adventure sports areas, you need at least 7-10 days to experience them.

Cambodia may seem smaller, but don't rush - give yourself at least 4-5 days to thoroughly explore Angkor Wat (it's huge!) and visit Phnom Penh.

For Vietnam, the long and narrow terrain means that a complete trip from north to south Vietnam will take at least 10-14 days, including amazing places such as Halong Bay, Hoi An and the Mekong Delta.

The sunny Pattaya beach is perfect for a vacation.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Cost Comparison: All of Them are affordable

When you look at trips to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, you’ll find that all three countries offer great value for money. Because all three countries belong to Southeast Asia, you’ll find cheap accommodation, delicious street food, and affordable transportation almost everywhere you go. So you can enjoy a fantastic vacation without breaking the bank.

Thailand tends to be the most expensive of the three countries, but is still very affordable by international standards. You can get a delicious meal for just a few costs in Thailand, and many hostels and budget hotels offer clean rooms at low prices. You can enjoy a luxury resort or a cheap guesthouse, depending on your budget.

Prices in Cambodia are generally somewhere in between, but are very affordable outside of the main tourist areas. You can travel on a tight budget and still see fascinating historical sites like Angkor Wat. Everything from food to transportation is cheap, making Cambodia a great destination for budget travelers.

Vietnam is overall the most affordable destination of the three countries, and is known for its affordable travel costs. Whether you’re dining out at a local restaurant or taking a long-distance bus, Vietnam is very affordable.

But keep in mind that costs can vary greatly depending on where you go - the main tourist areas and cities will always cost more than rural areas!

Angkor Wat's moat, causeway, and central tower surrounded by four smaller towers.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Best Time to Visit: Different Climates Features

If we compare them by travel time, the best time to travel to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam is usually from November to April, when the weather conditions are generally good everywhere, but the climate characteristics of each country are still somewhat different.

Thailand has a tropical climate, and November to April of the following year is very suitable for traveling to Thailand. During this period, it is cool and dry, the sky is clear, and the temperature is comfortable, which is very suitable for beach travel and sightseeing.

Cambodia also has a tropical climate, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is cool and dry, and it is also suitable for outdoor play.

Vietnam has a long and narrow terrain, so the climate in Vietnam varies from region to region. There are four seasons in northern Vietnam, and the best time to travel is from September to November or March to April. December and January may be colder. Central and southern Vietnam have only two seasons-dry season and rainy season. Of course, the dry season from November to April is more suitable for visiting.

The streets of Hoi An in Vietnam during the rainy season are quiet and beautiful.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Local Transportation: Cambodia is Less Developed, but Improving

In terms of transportation, Thailand and Vietnam have a relatively higher level of transportation than Cambodia, and there are more transportation options.

Thailand's transportation system can be said to be very developed, with modern airports, widespread railways, affordable buses, and convenient transportation such as tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and taxis. In cities such as Bangkok, you can even take the modern BTS Skytrain and Bangkok's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).

Vietnam also has good transportation options, with flights connecting major cities, a train system running north and south, and a large number of buses and taxis. Motorbike rentals are also popular in Vietnam.

Although Cambodia's transportation infrastructure is not as developed as Thailand and Vietnam at present, it is improving rapidly and can meet the needs of most tourists. Buses and private cars are the main means of transportation between cities, and train services are limited. Within the city, tuk-tuks and motorcycles are the most common options, and ride-hailing apps are becoming more and more popular.

Bangkok is the city with the highest concentration of tuk-tuks in Thailand, and electric energy is very environmentally friendly.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Food: Each Country has Its Own Famous Dishes

Food is one of the highlights of a trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and each country has its unique and distinctive cuisine.

The food of Thailand is spicy with heavy flavors, blending sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Some classic dishes are Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), and green curry.

There are similarities with Thai cuisine in Cambodian food, but it stands out as its own entity, often less spicy than Thai food and more use of fresh herbs. Signature dishes include Amok (a coconut milk-based curry), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef), Bai Sach Chrouk (pork and rice) and Kuy Teav (noodle soup).

Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, with perhaps its most iconic dish, pho, which is served in everything from upscale restaurants to sidewalk stalls. Normally, it is prepared with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs and spices. Other must-try Vietnamese dishes include banh mi (French baguette sandwiches filled with an array of meats and vegetables) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls wrapped in rice paper).

Amok, a traditional Cambodian dish that mixes spices and coconut milk in a steamed fish curry, is both nostalgic and unique.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Safety: All Three Countries are Safe for Tourists

Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are generally safe for tourists! When planning a trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, you can rest assured that all three countries offer a safe environment for tourists to explore their culture and scenery.

Thailand is safe with a well-established tourist police force dedicated to helping tourists, and Vietnam and Cambodia are also safe for tourists. In all three countries, locals are typically friendly and helpful to the tourists.

But like anywhere, you should take general precautions, including watching your things in crowded spaces and being aware of common scams that target tourists. Don't worry—millions of tourists travel each year to them without problems!

The most famous Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, has a very unique architectural style.

Thailand VS Cambodia VS Vietnam in Visa Requirements: Easy to Obtain upon Arrival

There are certain visa requirements depending on the country and nationality you are, and for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the process is fairly straightforward. Here’s a quick rundown:

Thailand gives visa-free entry or visa on arrival to citizens of many countries for stays of 30 days or less. For Cambodia, most nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap or apply for an e-visa online. Vietnam also recently simplified its visa process, and travelers from many countries can apply for a visa online in advance of the trip.

Click here to get more information about how to apply visas for Thailand Vietnam and Cambodia tour.

Thailand passports and visas.

The Best Way is Combining Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour Together

While it’s natural to compare these three countries, the truth is that a combined tour of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam offers the best experience! They are geographically close, so it is easy to travel between them, and each country has its own tourist attractions. In addition, different countries have different histories and cultures, and you can experience different cultural landscapes when entering different countries.

Here we offer packages from 5 to 27 days that cover the best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam tour, focusing on private car tours that suit your budget and interests at the best local pricing.

Conclusion

Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are all worth visiting. They are easy to get around in, and the cost of traveling is relatively low. For tourists, all three countries are great travel destinations. If your schedule and budget allow, we strongly recommend that you experience all three countries at the same time instead of choosing just one.

Each country will give you a different perspective on Southeast Asia. Traveling Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam together will give you a well-rounded understanding of this fascinating region. Each country has its own scenery, history, and charm that you are worth experiencing!