5 Reasons to Visit Cambodia on your trip to Vietnam

If you are considering traveling to Vietnam, let us give you some very good advice: visit Cambodia too! Without having to extend the trip a lot or increase your budget, you will be able to visit two different and incredible countries on the same trip.

Traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia is a perfect option if you want to make the most of your trip to Southeast Asia.

The problem of visiting more than one country in a single trip sometimes comes from the hassle of long hours of flight between countries or not having enough time to visit each country properly. In this article, we are going to give you the 5 reasons why you should take a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia and you will see how all are advantages.

1. Cambodia is only 1 hour by plane from Vietnam

From Tan Son Nhat International Airport, in Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) to Siem Reap International Airport (Cambodia) there is only one hour by plane. So changing countries seems more like a short excursion than an embarrassing trip.

Vietnam and Cambodia are two border countries and if you visit Vietnam from north to south, when you arrive in Ho Chi Minh you will be able to catch a flight that will take you directly to Cambodia. Another different country in just 1 hour of travel!

2. Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia: two very different countries in one trip

Vietnam and Cambodia share a common origin, and that is that the two countries were part of the former Indochina. Despite this, there are important differences in its culture, its people and its monuments.

In Vietnam you will discover imposing rice fields: endless green terraces make up a spectacular landscape. Traveling to Vietnam is knowing its past, both its origins and its most recent history, marked by the Vietnam War (1955-1975). This fact has deeply influenced the Vietnamese to the present day.

On the other hand, traveling to Cambodia is discovering a country that stands out for its cultural legacy: who wouldn’t want to get lost in the incredible ruins of Angkor, in the middle of the jungle? These ancient monuments were the setting for the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, in 2001.

Therefore, Traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia is to know two very different countries in one trip. It is to discover the peculiarities of its people who, despite being different, both are characterized by their hospitality with travelers.

Related post: The 7 Reasons to visit Cambodia

3. Explore Cambodia with hidden places

Cambodia is a country known among travelers especially for Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor. But Cambodia is so much more! It is an exotic country with hidden places yet to be explored.

Less known than Siem Reap is Phnom Penh, the country’s capital. If you have more time to visit Cambodia, we offer extensions to our Cambodia itineraries too, in addition to Siem Reap, also visit Phnom Penh. This is a city steeped in history, ideal for travelers who have concerns about the country’s past.

If you would like to discover the most remote places in Cambodia, we recommend that you customize your trip to visit:

• Battambang: This city, located in the northwest of the country, is the second-most populous city in Cambodia. It is an interesting tourist destination due to the many temples and shrines that it houses around it, which contrast with how modern the city is. Another activity that does not leave travelers indifferent is riding the famous Battambang bamboo train (or lorry as they call it there).
• Koh Kong – Koh Kong Island is the capital of the Koh Kong province and is located in western Cambodia. It stands out for being a virgin island and for the impressive waterfalls. A perfect destination for lovers of nature in its purest form.
• The beaches: Cambodia is also a country where you can enjoy its beaches. The best are on the west coast, in the Gulf of Thailand. The most famous are those of the city of Sihanoukville or those of the town of Kep.

4. Discover the unknown beaches of Cambodia

Cambodia is not a destination well known for its beaches, and not because they are not spectacular. This small Indochina country offers exceptional beaches, among which those of Sihanoukville, Kep and Koh Rong stand out.

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is a lively city on the southwest coast of Cambodia. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is a destination that stands out for its beaches and its commercial activity. In recent years, tourism in this area has been on the rise, making it the most popular beach destination in Cambodia.

The most famous beach in Sihanoukville is Serendipity. Around this beach, you will find most of the city’s restaurants, bars and hotels. Serendipity is a very lively beach. Another beach that also stands out is Otres beach, quieter and with good beach bars where to eat.

In front of the beaches of Sihanoukville, there are small islands, some unspoiled and very quiet, where you can take day trips.

Koh Rong

Koh Rong is an island located 40km from Sihanoukville and is the second largest in Cambodia. In recent years the island has developed rapidly as a tourist destination and is popular, especially among young people.

One of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Rong is Koh Rong Samloem. A place that is still not very exploited and where you can find peace and calm.

Kep

Kep is a town located in the south of the country, about 80 km from Sihanoukville. It is also located just a few kilometers from the border between Cambodia and Vietnam.

Until the 1960s, Kep was Cambodia’s most popular beach destination, until Sihanoukville took it away. It is a small town but it has a good promenade and its beach is clean and pleasant.

On a gastronomic level, we cannot talk about Kep without mentioning its crabs. There the restaurants serve them in different specialties and it is worth trying them because they are really rich.

5. Visit Vietnam and Cambodia without doubling your travel budget

Traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia is not an expensive trip for the simple fact of visiting two countries in a single trip. Unlike! If you take advantage of your trip to Vietnam to take a trip to Cambodia for a few days, you will discover, for little more, a new country and culture.

Few trips will seem more profitable and incredible than those that give you the opportunity to get to know two countries: discover two different cultures, eat the gastronomy of each country and see two different ways of living that you are used to.