Is Laos or Cambodia better to visit?

Are you dreaming of a Southeast Asian adventure but can't decide between Laos and Cambodia? Well, you're not alone! It is a very common dilemma when travelling around South East Asia.

Laos and Cambodia are two neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia that are known for their unique blend of history, stunning natural beauty, and striking cultures.

Both destinations offer a wealth of attractions and experiences that are hard to resist, but is Laos or Cambodia better to visit?

Laos is the better country to visit as it offers a combination of cultural experiences, natural beauty, delicious food, affordable prices, friendly people, fun adventures and safety.

Shot at sunrise of a wood bridge next to the river in Luang Prabang, Laos — The wood bridge next to the river in Luang Prabang is particularly gorgeous at sunrise

As travellers who have been lucky enough to explore both destinations, we will be here to share our personal experiences and explain why Laos has a special place in our hearts.

Let us start by describing these countries on the global map. Laos is a landlocked country bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, China, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Both countries are known for their lush greenery, dramatic karst mountains, hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and peaceful Buddhist temples that depict the region's unique blend of spirituality.

Cambodia is located in the southern part of the Indochina Peninsula and shares borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

It is most known for its incredible Angkor Wat temple complex, which draws millions of visitors each year and leaves you truly awe-inspiring!

Frontal shot of the majestic Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia reflected in the water — The stunning and once-in-a-lifetime Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia

Cambodia also boasts stunning beaches, bustling markets, and a fascinating history shaped by the Khmer Empire.

In this article, we will share why we personally prefer Laos over Cambodia, despite the many amazing things that Cambodia has to offer.

By the end of this post, hopefully, you will have a better understanding of what each country has to offer and which one might be the right choice for your next adventure.

While we have incredible memories of our time in Cambodia, we personally felt that Laos was a better fit for our travel style and interests.

Girl sitting on the floor with the giant sun clock on the floor of Phom Penh, Cambodia — One of the beauties of Phom Penh is the giant sun clock on the floor

But that's the beauty of travel, isn’t it? - everyone has different preferences and priorities, and there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a destination.

If you only have a couple of days and a limited budget, and you had to pick one over the other, then it would depend on your interests and preferences.

If you were interested in exploring ancient temples and historical landmarks, and you had a limited budget, then Cambodia may be the better choice for you. The Angkor Wat complex, which is one of the most visited cultural sites in Southeast Asia, can be explored in a couple of days and has affordable options for accommodation and food.

Shot of a palace balcony within the Angkor Tom temple coplex — Angkor Wat is a huge temple composing the complex of Angkor Tom

If you were interested in a more nature-focused trip and want to experience the laid-back atmosphere of Southeast Asia, then Laos may be the better choice for you. There are several affordable activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, trekking, and visiting waterfalls.

Our experience:

When we first started planning our trip to Southeast Asia, we knew we wanted to explore both the cultural and natural aspects of the region. Cambodia was high on our list, with the famous Angkor Wat complex calling to us from our Instagram feed, youtube and pages of travel magazines.

But when we arrived in Laos, we were immediately struck by how it combined both the cultural and natural vibes that we were looking for. We never felt disconnected from the local culture and we felt welcomed by the friendly vibe of Laos.

Panoramic views at sunset with the national Laos flags from Nam Xay Viewpoint, Vang Vieng, Laos — Nam Xay Viewpoint is an absolute must when visiting Vang Vieng, Laos

In the end, we realised that while Cambodia and Laos both have their own unique charms, it was Laos that truly combined both the cultural and natural experiences that we were looking for in our travels.

What are some major differences between Laos and Cambodia?

One of the main reasons why we personally prefer Laos over Cambodia is the distinct differences in their culture, history, and tourism industry.

While both countries are located in Southeast Asia and share some similarities, they each have their own unique flavour that sets them apart.

Laid-back atmosphere and fewer tourists

Laos is known for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, with a slower pace of life compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Thus, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Girl sitting on a bench watching over the Nam Khan river Luang Prabang at sunset — Sipping cocktails or fresh fruit smoothies in the multiple Nam Khan river Luang Prabang is a must!

There are certainly tourist hotspots in Laos, such as Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, but these places tend to be less crowded and more affordable than Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

In contrast, Cambodia can be more hectic and crowded, especially in popular tourist areas. Laos is less developed in terms of tourism compared to Cambodia, which means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.

This is particularly true in more remote areas of the country, where visitors can often have the opportunity to explore the untouched wilderness and interact with locals.

While Cambodia has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions, some of the most popular sites can become quite crowded and busy.

Shot at night of a busy street in Phom Pehn, Cambodia — There is a vibrant and lively nightlife in Phom Pehn, Cambodia

Natural beauty and authentic culture

Laos is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Southeast Asia, including the Mekong River, the mountains and rice fields of Vang Vieng, and the waterfalls in Luang Prabang.

Shot at sunset of Vieng Tara rice field in Vang Vieng, Laos — Vieng Tara rice field is a striking rice paddie in Vang Vieng worth going for a fancy dinner

Cambodia also has some beautiful natural sites, but they are not as varied as those found in Laos. Cambodia displays a more plain and dull landscape, with the exception of some of the tropical islands.

When it comes to culture and rooted history, Laos has a unique and authentic culture that has remained relatively untouched by modernisation. The country's rich cultural heritage can be experienced through its distinctive traditional ceremonies, festivals, and crafts.

Some of them like the Almsgiving Ceremony, is an incredibly spiritual ritual, that takes place early in the morning in Luang Prabang, where monks from the local temples walk through the streets to collect offerings of food from the local people.

Also and not least importantly, the Bacwe Ceremony is an ancient ceremony that is performed by monks’ blessings to bring good luck, health, and prosperity to a person or a group of people.

In comparison to Laos, we felt that Cambodia has been more heavily influenced by foreign cultures, particularly those of India, China, and France, due to its history of colonization and trade.

While Cambodia has its own unique cultural traditions and festivals, such as the Water Festival and Khmer New Year, the country can sometimes feel more touristy due to the prevalence of tourist-oriented businesses and attractions.

However, Cambodia still boasts many beautiful and historically significant sites, such as the temples of Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, which continue to draw visitors from all over the world.

Shot of a party boat in the river at night in Phom Penh, Cambodia — One of the popular nightlife activities in Phom Penh is the party boat in the river

In terms of spirituality, Cambodia’s culture is more influenced by a mix of Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism, which creates a more complex and diverse cultural landscape. While both countries have a deep respect for their traditions and heritage, we found that Laos' cultural offerings were more accessible and immersive for travellers.

Affordability and value for money

Laos offers more affordable accommodation options than Cambodia, with budget guesthouses available for as little as $5-$10 per night in Laos and $10-$15 per night in Cambodia.

Street food in Laos is also generally cheaper than in Cambodia, with prices starting from just a few dollars for local specialties.

Shot of a typical dish with soup, noddles and vegetables in Phom Penh, Cambodia — Food in Phom Penh is cheap and rich in flavour

Shot of a typical street food dish in Vang Vieng, Laos — Food in Vang Vieng is cheap, tasty and super local

Laos' popular attractions, such as the Kuang Si Waterfalls, the Plain of Jars and Vientiane Buddha Park, have lower entrance fees compared to Cambodia's major attractions, like Angkor Wat. For instance, the entrance fee for the Kuang Swe Waterfalls is just $2 per person, while the admission fee for Angkor Wat starts from $37 for a one-day pass.

Shot of the multiple Buddha sculptures in The Buddha Park in Vientiane, Laos — The Buddha Park in Vientiane is worth a visit

Furthermore, tours and activities in Laos tend to be more affordable than those in Cambodia, with budget-friendly options available for a more personalised experience.

A half-day city tour of Luang Prabang can be found for around $15-$20 per person in Laos, while a full-day trekking tour in the countryside can cost around $50-$60 per person.

Shot of the natural blue water waterfalls of Luang Prabang called Kuang Si Falls — Kuang Si Falls are unique natural blue waterfalls in Luang Prabang

On the other hand, in Cambodia, tour prices can be higher due to the country's well-developed tourism infrastructure and higher demand for popular attractions.

Food

Laos can be considered a better choice of food compared to Cambodia for several reasons.

Firstly, Laotian cuisine is known for its unique flavours and fresh ingredients and is heavily influenced by neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. Laotian dishes typically include sticky rice, noodle soups, and spicy salads made with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Street food in Laos is widely available and very affordable, with prices starting from just a few dollars for local specialties such as noodle soup, sticky rice, and Lao-style papaya salad.

Shot of a big dish with chicken and rice which costs about 1-2 dollars! — A typical large food dish with chicken and rice can cost as little as 1-2 dollars!

Girl having street food in Siem Reap, Cambodia — Street food in Siem Reap in very tasty and you can eat a full meal for two dollars!

Food markets and night markets can also be found in many towns and cities, offering a wide variety of affordable street food options.

In contrast, Cambodian cuisine is often described as simpler and less flavorful than its neighbours, with less emphasis on herbs and spices. While Cambodian dishes like amok (fish curry) and lok lak (stir-fried beef) can be delicious, the options for street food in Cambodia may be more limited than in Laos.

Girl shopping fresh fruit in Siem Reap, Cambodia — You can find fresh fruit everywhere in Siem Reap!

Additionally, street food prices may be slightly higher, but still relatively cheap, with prices starting from around $1-$2 per meal.

Activities

Laos is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its rugged terrain offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more. We spent several time trekking in the mountains of Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, where we were able to explore remote villages and experience traditional village life on top of being mind blown by the stunning landscapes.

In Laos, outdoor fun is guaranteed with tons of river, rapids, jungle and cliff activities!

On the other hand, while Cambodia does offer some adventure activities such as cycling, hiking, and kayaking, these are not as prevalent as they are in Laos.

Shot of the sunset from Phangern mountain in Vang Vieng, Laos — Sunsets from Phangern mountain are breath taking

Cycling or hiking around the temples of Angkor is one of the popular outdoor activities in Cambodia. However, compared to Laos, we found that the adventure tourism industry in Cambodia is not as well-developed.

Which country is cheaper Laos or Cambodia?

Both Laos and Cambodia are relatively affordable travel destinations, with a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries.

However, in general, we found that Laos tended to be slightly cheaper than Cambodia, particularly when it came to accommodation and food. Accommodation options in Laos include budget guesthouses, homestays, and hostels, which are often cheaper than equivalent options in Cambodia.

Similarly, food in Laos is known for being flavourful and affordable, with street food and local markets offering a wide variety of dishes at very reasonable prices.

We believe that Laos is still relatively off the beaten path for many travellers, and as a result, prices for things like accommodation, food, and transportation tend to be lower than in Cambodia.

The cost of living in Laos is generally lower than in Cambodia, making everyday items like groceries, transportation, and entertainment to be less expensive in Laos than in Cambodia.

Which country is more fun to visit: Laos or Cambodia? Why?

When it comes to choosing between Laos and Cambodia in terms of which country is more fun to visit, we have to say that we found Laos to be the clear winner.

While Cambodia certainly has its own unique attractions and experiences, there was something about Laos that just felt more fun and exciting to us.

Girl sitting on a boat facing the river at sunset in the Floating Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia — Floating Village in Siem Reap is gorgeous from the river side at sunset

From ziplining through the jungle and hot air ballooning to kayaking and tubing down the Nam Song River and there was always something new and adventurous to try.

In particular, Vang Vieng - a small town known for its stunning scenery and outdoor pursuits - was a highlight of our time in Laos. Even though Amy broke a rib on her way down from Nam Xay Viewpoint… oops! Still, it was awesome and fun to do! The broad variety of activities available is an incredibly fun and dynamic destination.

When it comes to nightlife, we have to say that Laos definitely held its own. In particular, the party scene in Vang Vieng was legendary, with lively bars, clubs and hostels that stayed open late into the night.

Everyone was super open and friendly and we met tons of fellow travellers like us throughout the country. While there were certainly some fun experiences in Cambodia, we didn't find the overall vibe to be as energetic or exciting.

The nightlife in Siem Reap, for example, was mostly centred around Pub Street - a touristy area that felt a bit manufactured and inauthentic and sellers can get pretty aggressive in their sales tactics. It was an ok place to have a drink and a quick bite but definitely not the nightlife vibrations that a traveller might be looking for in a place like that!

Final Thoughts. Should we go to Laos or Cambodia?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to visit Laos or Cambodia comes down to your personal preferences and travel style. Both countries offer a wealth of unique experiences, from exploring ancient temples to trekking through stunning natural landscapes.

However, based on our personal preferences, we would highly recommend visiting Laos over Cambodia. Laos offers a more laid-back atmosphere, a less touristy vibe, and a more affordable travel experience.

On top of that, Laotian people are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion. That being said, Cambodia is still a fantastic destination in its own right, and should not be overlooked!