Cambodia vs Thailand for Travel: Which Should You Visit?
If you’re torn between Cambodia vs Thailand for your next Southeast Asian adventure, you’re not alone. It’s become a pretty common travel dilemma for backpackers and travellers to Southeast Asia in the last few years – and a tough one at that. Both countries offer an incredibly rich culture, beautiful beaches, great nightlife and some life changing food.
But depending on your style of travel, the type of attractions you prefer to visit, and even your budget, one might slightly win out over the other. Cambodia vs Thailand for travel in 2025 isn’t the easiest choice to make, so read on to find out which might be better for you.
Strap yourself in and get your reading glasses on, because this is going to be a long one.
🛂 Visas and Entry Requirements
Thailand:
Many tourists can enter Thailand visa free with the current visa exemption program. This visa exemption for most countries is 60 days if you’re arriving via air travel, with some countries getting 90 days exemption and some only getting 30 or 14. Extensions from within the country are possible, but can be slightly inconvenient. If travelling via air, leaving the country and re-entering on a new visa exemption is possible without limit (currently), but if travelling by land you’re limited to 2 entries per year. If leaving and re-entering Thailand frequently, expect to come under more scrutiny at the border, and rejections are not uncommon for people abusing the system.
For long term visas, Thailand can be pretty tricky though there are several options available such as the Thai elite visa, or the newer DTV (destination Thailand visa) which is suited to digital nomads. Thai visa regulations change frequently and often without warning, so it’s always best to check in advance before booking any travel.
Cambodia:
Cambodia offers a 30 day tourist visa on arrival or via eVisa for most nationalities. It’s cheap (just $30) and very easy to get. You can extend it once within the country at most travel agents for another 30 days without much hassle (fees apply). There are around 10 nationalities not included in the visa on arrival availability, which we’ve covered in full in our article about Cambodian visas.
For long term visa options, this is where Cambodia really shines. The cambodian Type E visa, sometimes referred to as the business visa, can be purchased at the border or online in advance for $35. This visa can be extended within the country for 1,3,6 or 12 months at a time indefinitely, and combined with a work permit will also allow you to work in Cambodia. The total cost for a 1 year multiple entry visa and work permit would run around $480 if arranged through an agent within the country (the simplest option).
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Both countries offer very traveller-friendly visa options. Overall, we’d have to say that for short term stays, Thailand has the better options due to the visa exemptions and not having any charges for those visiting for tourism purposes. If you’re planning to travel very slowly or you plan to leave and re-enter frequently during your Southeast Asia travels, Cambodia would be simpler due to the easy long term multiple entry visa options.
👉 YOU MIGHT LIKE : Cambodia Visas and eVisas in 2025
💸 Budget Travel: Which Is Cheaper?
Thailand:
Thailand is mostly pretty affordable, but it’s certainly gotten pricier in recent years – especially in places like Bangkok, Pattaya, and the more touristy islands. Prices are rising and becoming closer to what you’d expect to pay in many European holiday destinations. However, there are still some great bargains to be had. Accomodation can still be found at great prices if you shop around and there are plenty of places offering great deals on drinks if you’re heading there for the (amazing) nightlife.
A good mid-range budget would $30 – $50 USD/day. If you’re backpacking and planning to stay in hostels, you can definitely save some money there and as we’re sure you know – Thailand has a neverending supply of absolutely incredible street food which is still very cheap. Visiting some of the more touristy islands will mean increasing your budget, and of course the type of accomodation and activities you choose will have a big impact.
Cambodia:
Cambodia is generally cheaper across the board for travelling. You can get a decent air conditioned guesthouse room in Siem Reap (the home of Angkor Wat) for under $15 with a pool, eat for a couple of bucks in most places, and drink $0.50 happy hour beers on Pub Street. A good mid range travel budget for Cambodia would be $20 – $40 USD/day.
In some of the more backpacker populated areas, such as Sok San Road in Siem Reap, you’ll still find restaurants offering meals for $1-5. Anything imported is expensive in Cambodia, so international restaurants are more pricey, but still very good value. Expect to pay $5-15 per person for a good quality western meal.
Phnom Penh is naturally a bit more expensive, due to it being the capital city of Cambodia, but compared to Bangkok you’d still be saving money overall. One thing to note is that tourist attractions in Siem Reap can be a bit tough on the budget, with Angkor Wat tickets costing $37 a day and entrance to Kulen Mountain being $20 plus the costs of transport, but you absolutely get great value and these are things that you do not want to miss.
With difficult political situations all around the world at the moment, it’s also worth considering exchange rates. In Thailand, you’ll be exchanging directly into Thai Baht, so strong currencies will have an advantage here. Cambodia, whilst having it’s own currency (The Khmer Riel), is still heavily anchored to the USD, with exchange rates at local businesses usually floating around 4000riel to $1. So if you’re coming from a country with a currency that’s strong against USD, that will work to your advantage and get you a bit extra spending money!
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Cambodia wins for budget conscious travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads watching their wallets (or banking apps – do digital nomads still carry wallets?).
🏝️ Beaches and Islands: Koh Rong or Koh Samui?
Thailand:
Thailand’s islands are legendary and there’s no disputing that. From the world famous full moon parties on Koh Phangan to the golden sandy beaches and fancy resorts of Koh Lipe, there’s something for everyone. There are a lot of beautiful beaches in Thailand, infrastructure is solid, and island-hopping is easy. You’ll find no shortage of other travellers at Thailand’s beaches though, and in some cases you may feel a bit overcrowded.
Cambodia:
Cambodia’s coastline is less developed but has a certain charm. Beautiful beaches can be found in Kep, Koh Kong and Sihanoukville, and Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are the two main options when it comes to island hopping in Cambodia. On both of these islands you can find white sand, clear water, and some cool island nightlife if that’s what you’re looking for. Cambodia’s beaches and islands are less touristed than their Thai counterparts though, so if you’re not wanting to follow the crowds, you may just like what you find.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Thailand wins out when it comes to quantity and variety of beaches, though many of them are crowded and can feel overly-touristy. There are still lots of incredible beaches in Thailand that feel untouched though, so if beach days are your main priority, we’d have to recommend Thailand. Cambodia has much less diversity than Thailand when it comes to beaches, though there are some great beaches to be found, and you’ll find them cheaper and quieter.
🛕 Culture and History
Cambodia:
Cambodia and it’s rich history is all about the Khmer Empire, and nowhere does that shine brighter than at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Often cited as the 8th wonder of the world, Angkor Wat is truly a one of a kind place to visit, and an experience we think everyone should have. Cambodia has no shortage of temples and religious sites, though Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the most impressive.
If you’re more into modern history, there is of course a lot to be learned about the unfortunate period of Khmer Rouge rule (1975-1979). Visiting some of the relevant sites in Cambodia such as ‘The Killing Fields‘ or S21 is an incredibly sombering experience, but something we feel is important to understand if you want a glimpse into how resilient and strong the Cambodian people really are.
Cambodia has lots of culturally significant holidays throughout the year that can be a fantastic experience to join in with.
Thailand:
Thailand has never been colonized (an impressive feat!), which means its culture has developed uninterrupted for centuries. The country is full of temples (estimated to be over 40,000!), royal palaces, and festivals like Songkran that are vibrant and unmissable.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Cambodia has the wow factor of Angkor Wat and raw historical weight which can’t be ignored, so we’d have to give Cambodia the vote on this one. However, Thailand is a culturally rich country with no shortage of temples and beauty, so it’s a very close call.
👉 YOU MIGHT LIKE : The Top 12 Attractions in Cambodia for First Time Visitors
🍜 Food
Thailand:
Let’s be real – Thailand is world famous as a food lover’s paradise. With an endless supply of incredible (and cheap!) street food, the flavors are bold and unforgettable. Thailand has a thriving restaurant scene and great street food on nearly every corner in nearly every town. If you haven’t sat on plastic chair on a busy sidewalk and eaten Pad Thai – have you even travelled Southeast Asia?
Cambodia:
Khmer cuisine is underrated and slowly gaining recognition. Dishes like amok (coconut curry fish), lok lak (peppery beef), and endless grilled street skewers are delicious. Cambodian food is fantastic, and the divisive Prahok (fermented fish paste) has recently gained recognition with UNESCO as being culturally significant and been granted Geographical Indication status.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Thailand wins out when it comes to food and we won’t even try to dispute that. Whether you’re a street food enthusiast or wanting high end Michelin starred restaurants, the food scene in Thailand is unparalleled, not only in Southeast Asia but probably worldwide.
🏙️ Cities and Towns
Bangkok vs Phnom Penh (Capital Cities)
Bangkok is fast, modern, chaotic, and full of life. You’ll find rooftop bars, mega shopping malls that rival the western world, street food stalls, and Buddhist temples all colliding. Bangkok is an incredibly modern city with great infrastructure that’s also combined with raw historical culture and is definitely one of the most interesting cities in the world.
Phnom Penh is smaller and less developed than Bangkok but has a growing independent scene, especially when it comes to things like restaurants and cafes. It’s more authentic, cheaper, and feels more personal – but it’s also less organized. There are lots of historically important sites in Phnom Penh that tell a fascinating story of Cambodia’s past, and the nightlife scene is very up and coming.
Chiang Mai vs Siem Reap (Laid Back Vibes)
If you’re looking for historical cities with a more laid back vibe, you’ve probably been looking at Chiang Mai or Siem Reap. Chiang Mai is a digital nomad hotspot known for its old city, mountains, and street markets. Siem Reap is more laid back and mostly all about Angkor Wat, but it’s also developing into a cool little creative town with night markets, cocktail bars, and art galleries.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Thailand’s cities are more modern and dynamic, with better infrastructure. Cambodia’s cities are more relaxed and manageable, with a more authentic feel to them. There’s no winner here, as this is entirely down to personal preference and there’s no metrics to decide that.
In both countries, travelling between the different towns and cities is very simple, with an abundance of local buses, taxis, flights, and (in Thailand anyway) trains. To check transport routes, prices, or to book your travel in Southeast Asia, we highly recommend 12Go Asia.
🕺 Nightlife
Thailand:
From Bangkok’s nightclub scene to the infamous Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan, Thailand’s nightlife is pretty incredible. You can party every night if you want to. However, nightlife in Thailand can become expensive in certain places such as Bangkok or Phuket. There are definitely some cheaper options though, especially in more backpacker oriented areas, and it’s certainly cheaper than a night out in most western countries!
Cambodia:
Cambodia’s nightlife is less intense, but can be very fun – especially in Siem Reap’s Pub Street or Phnom Penh’s riverside bars. Koh Rong has some beach parties too, but it’s more mellow than the Thai islands. Nightlife in Cambodia is very cheap, with beers available from as little as $0.50. 24 hour bars are common, and Cambodia has a very up and coming scene when it comes to hip bars and great cocktails. Phnom Penh has a great variety of nightclubs that will keep you dancing until the early hours.
If you’re drinking cans of beer in Cambodia, you might find yourself winning even more beers, or something more exciting like a motorbike. Check out our article all about the winning ring pull promotions in Cambodia by CLICKING HERE.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Thailand for wild nights where you might feel like you’re in The Hangover, and Cambodia for budget friendly nights out without the intensity.
🧘 Attractions and Off the Beaten Path Adventures
Thailand:
There are of course many well-trodden tourist routes in Thailand, but you can still find peace and quiet in Thailand’s north in places like Pai or Mae Hong Son. Trekking, waterfalls, national parks, and homestays are abundant throughout the country and if you want to escape the super touristy areas, you definitely can. Thailand also has more modern family friendly attractions, such as Dream World theme park in Bangkok.
Cambodia:
Cambodia is less explored and less touristed than Thailand, especially in the north and northeast. Jungle treks or elephant sanctuaries in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri are great adventures that’ll give you something to make all your friends back home jealous of. Whether you’re into River kayaking in Kampot, seeing endangered dolphins in Kratie, or swimming under the waterfalls of Phnom Kulen National Park, you’ll find plenty of great adventures in Cambodia.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Cambodia wins for less visited, less touristy experiences. Thailand has much easier access to nature and a lot more development into areas such as adventure tourism and jungle trekking though, so you’ll find it easier to have those experiences if that’s what you’re looking for. Despite being world famous for Angkor Wat, which attracts millions of visitors every year, many parts of Cambodia outside of Siem Reap are still very unaffected by tourism, which can lead to some great off-the-beaten-path adventures.
🧍 Solo Travel, Families & First-Timers
Thailand:
Thailand is super easy for first time travelers. It’s a little bit like travelling Southeast Asia on “easy mode”. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, the infrastructure is excellent, and it’s very safe. Backpacker hostels are in abundance, high end western style hotels are everywhere, and you can even head to the shopping mall if you’re looking for a new Macbook.
Cambodia:
Cambodia is friendly and generally very safe, but a little bit rougher around the edges. Transport can be less efficient, and infrastructure isn’t as polished – Cambodian train routes are still developing and currenly very limited, so buses and taxis are the main form of transport between cities. Cambodian people are very welcoming and accomodating to tourists and English is spoken in many tourist hotspots in places like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Solo travel in Cambodia is becoming very popular, and party hostels such as Mad Monkey or Lub D make it incredibly easy for you to find your people if you’re looking to socialise while travelling.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Thailand is better for first time travellers or family trips. Cambodia is ideal if you’re okay with a little extra grit and looking for a more authentic experience. However, both countries are very easy to navigate and very welcoming to tourists, so this isn’t really something you should worry about. If you’re not particularly adventurous when it comes to food, both countries have no shortage of western food and restaurants that offer a taste of home.
Final Verdict: Cambodia vs Thailand – Which Should You Visit?
Why not both?
Many travelers combine Cambodia and Thailand in one trip – both countries are absolutely beautiful and offer their own very unique experiences. Getting between the two bordering countries is simple and cheap. Siem Reap is only a 45 minute flight from Bangkok, and cross-border buses are budget friendly and run by hundreds of bus companies – all day, all night.
Thailand has benefited from heavy tourism over the past few decades and has become very good at what they do. Whilst tourism in Cambodia may still be catching up, more and more people are choosing to visit the beautiful Kingdom of Wonder every year.
Like with anything, Cambodia vs Thailand for travel is a decision that’s entirely up to personal preference. We hope this article has given you a bit of insight into which country you might prefer, so if you can’t do both – it’s up to you which you choose!
✈️ Planning Your Trip
Want more help planning your Cambodian adventure? Check out our growing library of Cambodia travel guides here on More Than Temples – we’ve got top tips from locals, hidden gems, and cultural insights from people who experience it on a daily basis. If there’s something in particular you’d like to know, get in touch! We’re always happy to help.
👉 YOU MIGHT LIKE : Cambodia vs Thailand for Retirement
For more great information or recommendations from our Siem Reap travel guide and for tips on Cambodia in general, don’t forget to follow our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok accounts for regular fun and updates!
@morethantemples
Thinking about a trip to Cambodia and looking for someone to help plan your itinerary, or just looking for someone to take you to places you won’t find on regular tours? CLICK HERE to visit our “Tours” page and get in touch. Nightlife tours also available!
Any information in the article above titled Cambodia vs Thailand was correct at the time of posting to the best of our knowledge. If you notice any issues or would like to chat to us about the article please get in touch with us via our “ABOUT” page. If you’re the owner of a business we’ve written about and would like to discuss any out of date or incorrect information, please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help! Any opinions expressed in our articles are our own and may not be representative of everyone’s experience.
If you found this article helpful, please consider heading to our ABOUT page by CLICKING HERE, and leaving us a tip via BuyMeACoffee!
