Bangkok or Phnom Penh? Which city is better to visit?

Bangkok, Thailand is a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its ornate temples, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife, while Phnom Penh, Cambodia is a more laid-back capital city with a rich cultural heritage, interesting historical sites, and a lively street food scene. Both are popular tourist destinations in South East Asia. But which one is better?

Bangkok, Thailand has more to offer in terms of attractions and activities, with a wide range of cultural, historical, and recreational options. Phnom Penh, Cambodia is also a worthwhile destination, with a lower cost of living that is more suitable for budget travellers.

The highlights

Bangkok, Thailand and Phnom Penh, Cambodia are similar in that they are both capital cities in Southeast Asia with rich cultural histories and a mix of modern and traditional influences. Both cities are known for their temples, historical sites, and street food, and they have a vibrant energy and a diverse population. However, they also have their own unique characteristics and attractions that set them apart.

The highlights for Bangkok, Thailand

• The Grand Palace: This ornate palace complex is a must-see in Bangkok, with its beautiful temples and buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
• Wat Pho: This temple is home to the enormous Reclining Buddha statue, as well as a traditional Thai massage school.
• Wat arun: Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a famous Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand that is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is known for its ornate design, which features a central prang (tower) adorned with intricate mosaics and surrounded by four smaller prangs. Wat Arun is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok and is a must-see for visitors to the city.
• The Floating Market: One of the most popular attractions in Bangkok, the floating markets offer a unique opportunity to shop for souvenirs and try local food from boats.
• Shopping: Bangkok is a shopper's paradise, with everything from high-end malls to local markets selling a wide variety of goods.
• Street Food: Bangkok is known for its delicious street food, and there are many stalls and vendors selling all kinds of dishes.

Related: Is Bangkok worth it?

The highlights for Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

• The Royal Palace: This ornate palace complex is a major attraction in Phnom Penh, with its beautiful buildings and gardens.

  

• The National Museum: This museum houses a collection of Khmer art and artifacts, including some from the famous temple complex at Angkor Wat.
• Wat Phnom: Wat Phnom is the major temple of Phnom Penh and worth a visit. It is home to some local wildlife too, such as hornbill birds.

  

• The Killing Fields: This site is a sobering reminder of the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime, and a must-see for anyone interested in Cambodian history.
• Street Food: Phnom Penh also has a lively street food scene, with many vendors selling local dishes like fried insects, barbequed meat, and fresh fruit.
• Shopping: Phnom Penh has a range of shopping options, from local markets to high-end malls.

Related: Is Phnom Penh worth it?

Time required

Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh can be visited as a short stopover or as a longer destination, depending on your interests and how much time you have.

If you only have a few days to spend in either city, you can still see many of the major attractions and get a taste of the local culture. In Bangkok, you might want to focus on the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Floating Market, as well as some of the city's shopping and dining districts. In Phnom Penh, you could visit the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the Killing Fields, as well as some of the city's markets and restaurants.

If you have more time to spend in either city, you can explore some of the lesser-known attractions and really get to know the local culture. In Bangkok, you might want to visit some of the city's other temples, go on a boat tour of the canals, or take a day trip to one of the nearby beach towns. In Phnom Penh, you could visit some of the city's other museums and cultural attractions, take a trip to the countryside to see some of the temples, or visit one of the nearby beach towns.

Cost and Budget

The cost of a one week vacation in Bangkok and Phnom Penh can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation, activities, and other factors. Here is a breakdown of the cost of a one week vacation in each destination based on three tiers: luxury, mid-range, and budget.

As you can see, both places are very affordable. Phnom Penh is the more affordable of the two cities.

When it comes to accomodation, Phnom Penh is king of the budget! There are tons of affordable places to stay at when visiting this lively city. We were pretty much in the CBD and stayed in a great place, super cheap called The Peak with Swimming Pool, totally recommend! But you can also find other very cheap places and awesome deals here down below: On the other hand, accomodation in Bangkok is also quite affordable, in fact is not difficult to find hotels pretty upscale at a cheap price. Last time we visited Bangkok, we stayed at Sukhumvit 101 HOTEL and it was grand! But there are many other fantastic deals in the city, here below you can have a great overview:

Family friendlyness

How family friendly are the two cities? Which one is better for travelling families?

• Age-appropriate activities: Both cities have a variety of activities that might be of interest to kids, such as temples, museums, and zoos. In Bangkok, kids might enjoy visiting the floating markets, taking a boat tour of the canals, or visiting the Safari World theme park. In Phnom Penh, kids might enjoy visiting the Royal Palace, the National Museum, or the Central Market.
• Safety: Both cities are generally safe for tourists, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure the safety of your children.
• Health: It's important to take precautions to prevent illness when traveling with children, especially in developing countries where sanitation may not be up to Western standards. Take steps to prevent illness by washing your hands frequently, avoiding tap water, and carrying basic supplies such as hand sanitizer and insect repellent.

It's important to note that both Bangkok, Thailand and Phnom Penh, Cambodia are large cities with a range of activities and attractions, including some that may not be suitable for children. In both cities, there are areas known for their nightlife and entertainment, which can include red light districts where prostitution and other adult activities take place. If you are traveling with children, it's important to be aware of these areas and take steps to avoid them.

It's generally a good idea to avoid certain areas of Bangkok, Thailand with children, especially after dark. Two areas in particular that you may want to avoid are Soi Cowboy and Nana's Place. These areas are known for their nightlife and entertainment, which can include red light districts where prostitution and other adult activities take place. If you are traveling with children, it's important to be aware of these areas and take steps to avoid them.

Like Bangkok, Phnom Penh has some prostitution. In contrast to Bangkok, this activity takes place right next to the main attractions of the city. Be mindful of it, when travelling there.

Wildlife kids activities:

What are some activities with children in Bangkok and in Phnom Penh?

In Bangkok, there's Dusit Zoo, a popular zoo is located in the Dusit district of Bangkok and features a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and primates. Then there's Safari World, a theme park located on the outskirts of Bangkok that features both a safari park and a marine park. Visitors can take a tour through the safari park to see a variety of animals, or visit the marine park to see dolphins, sharks, and other marine life.

Phnom Penh has Phnom Tamao, a Wildlife Rescue Center: This center is located about an hour outside of Phnom Penh and is home to a variety of rescued animals, including elephants, primates, and bears. Visitors can take a tour to learn about the center's conservation efforts and see the animals.

Local transportation

What are the best ways to get around Bangkok and Phnom Penh? Which city has better transportation? Bangkok has a couple of ways to get around the city.

• Skytrain: The Skytrain is an elevated train system that runs through the city and is a convenient way to get around.
• Subway: Bangkok also has a subway system that can be used to get around the city. There are Subway stations close to the main attractions.
• Bus: There are both local and long-distance buses available in Bangkok, which can be a cheap way to get around.
• Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are small, three-wheeled vehicles that are commonly used as a form of transportation in Bangkok. They can be a fun way to get around, but be prepared for some traffic congestion. Tuk-tuks are usually found where tourists go and drivers are always keen to make a sale. Quoted prices are always overstated by at least 2 fold. If a driver wants 70 baht from you, you can usually get them down to 35. If not, somebody else will drive you for that rate.
• Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Bangkok and can be a convenient way to get around, although traffic can be heavy at times.
• Rideshare: Grab is the local alternative to Uber or Lyft. There's no need to negotiate rates and you can pay cash. You do not need to sign up with a credit card, a local sim card in the phone is sufficient for a data connection.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

Phnom Penh has a worse public transportation systemn than Bangkok. There is neither sky train nor Metro. Be mindful that Phnom Penh is not very walkable outside of the area with the main attractions

• Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are also commonly used as a form of transportation in Phnom Penh. They can be a cheap and convenient way to get around, but be prepared for some traffic congestion.

  

• Motorcycle taxi: Motorcycle taxis are also widely available in Phnom Penh and can be a quick way to get around, although they can be less safe than other forms of transportation.
• Bus: There are both local and long-distance buses available in Phnom Penh, which can be a cheap way to get around.
• Car rental: If you have a valid driver's license, you can rent a car in Phnom Penh to get around. Traffic is very chaotic though and driving standards are extremely poor. It's one of the worst places in the world in that sense. We suggest comprehensive insurance for peace of mind.
• Taxi: Taxis are also available in Phnom Penh, although they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.

Human development

Human development, which refers to the well-being of individuals and communities and includes indicators such as health, education, and standard of living, can vary significantly between Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Bangkok, Thailand.

Overall, Bangkok tends to have a higher level of human development compared to Phnom Penh. The city has a more developed infrastructure, including a well-established healthcare system and a higher quality of education. It is also a more affluent city, with a higher standard of living and a larger middle class.

In contrast, Phnom Penh tends to have a lower level of human development, with a less developed infrastructure and a lower standard of living. Poverty is more prevalent in Cambodia, and visitors to Phnom Penh may see evidence of this in the form of informal settlements and street beggars. It's important for visitors to be prepared for this and to be respectful and sensitive to the local culture and ways of life.

That being said, Phnom Penh is a city that is undergoing rapid change and development, and it has its own unique charm and attractions that make it worth visiting. It is also a city with a rich cultural heritage and a warm, welcoming population.

International Accessibility

Bangkok, Thailand is well-connected to major international destinations by air, with two major international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main international airport in Thailand and has flights to a wide range of destinations around the world, including cities in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Major airlines that operate flights to Bangkok include Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific, among others. Don Mueang Airport primarily serves low-cost carriers and domestic flights, although it also has some international flights.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia is also served by an international airport, Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which has flights to a number of international destinations in Asia, as well as some cities in Europe and the Middle East. Major airlines that operate flights to Phnom Penh include AirAsia, China Eastern, Korean Air, and Qatar Airways, among others.

Overall, Bangkok is better connected to major international destinations by air, with a wider range of destinations and airlines available at its two major airports. However, both Phnom Penh and Bangkok have good international air connections and are easy to reach from major cities around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Bangkok, Thailand and Phnom Penh, Cambodia are fascinating and vibrant cities with a rich cultural heritage and a mix of modern and traditional influences. Both cities have their own unique attractions and highlights, and there are many reasons to visit either one.

Bangkok is a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its ornate temples, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife. Some of the top attractions in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as well as the city's many markets, shopping malls, and street food stalls.

Phnom Penh is a more laid-back capital city with a rich cultural heritage and interesting historical sites. Some of the top attractions in Phnom Penh include the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, as well as the city's lively street food scene and its many temples and markets.

Ultimately, which city is better for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs and interests of your trip. This article was designed to provide an overview of the highlights and attractions of both cities and to help you make an informed decision about which one might be the better fit for you and your travel plans.

Why trust us and our judgment on Bangkok and Phnom Penh?

Jo and Amy, the couple behind iseeyoutravel.com recently spent some extended time in Southeast Asia, including visits to both Bangkok, Thailand and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. During our travels, we had the opportunity to experience both cities firsthand and see many of the sights and attractions that they have to offer.

We have come away with a deep appreciation for the rich cultural histories and diverse charms of both Bangkok and Phnom Penh, and we are excited to share our experiences and insights with others.

In this article, we are comparing the two cities using our personal experience and observations to provide an overview of the highlights and attractions of each place and to help others make an informed decision about which city might be the best fit for their own travel plans.

What do we like better?

In this article, we compared between Bangkok and Phnom Penh as objectively as we can for you. Let us now draw a subjective and personal conclusion as well, and for that, let us start with a short little story.

We recently arrived in Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from Phnom Penh using the bus and we got scammed on our Airbnb booking. Never book from a new host with no reviews on Airbnb.

Anyway, so there we are in District 1 Saigon, trying to figure out where to spend the night on short notice. A very friendly couple stops to ask us if we need help. He was an American from Alaska and she was Vietnamese, and we ended up talking. They wanted to travel to Cambodia or Thailand too, having never been there, and they asked us which city we liked better. Both Amy and I said 'Bangkok' in unison. We smiled at each other.

Why do we prefer Bangkok? Easy, the city is just better. It has decent infrastructure, the attractions are also better, there's more history, more to explore.

We also found that Thai locals were less invasive in their sales tactics. In Phnom Penh, it seemed like everyone who approached us was trying to sell something, and they approached us very frequently, to the point that it became annoying. This was not as much of an issue in Bangkok. While we did get the occasional "Tuk Tuk, Sir?" there (never Madam), overall it was much less of a problem. All in all, aggressive sales attempts are a way less common annoyance in Bangkok.

For us personally, staying in Bangkok was just more pleasant and enjoyable that way. And budget wise it's not much of a difference for us.