🇰🇭vs🇻🇳

Cambodia vs Vietnam: which is cheaper, and which should you visit?

Neither is meaningfully cheaper: both run around €30 a day. Which means the decision comes down to everything else — how safe each rates, when you can travel, and what each one is genuinely good at.

BudgetMuch the same — around €30 a day either way.
SaferVietnam, 79/100 against 72/100 — both generally safe, but Vietnam edges it.
When to goboth are good in spring; only Cambodia works in winter; only Vietnam works in autumn.
Best forboth deliver culture, nature and adventure; Vietnam adds cities.

Side by side

🇰🇭 Cambodia 🇻🇳 Vietnam
Daily cost~€30~€32
Safety score72/10079/100
Best time to goWinter, SpringSpring, Autumn
ClimateTropicalTropical
Best forCulture, Nature, AdventureCulture, Nature, Cities, Adventure
SuitsSolo travellers, Couples, Groups of friendsSolo travellers, Couples, Groups of friends
Budget levelBudgetBudget

The safety scores are general indicators, last reviewed in August 2026. They are not travel advice: conditions change, and official advisories often flag specific regions rather than whole countries. Check your own government’s advice before you book.

What the difference actually costs

On-the-ground spending only — flights aren't included, and they often matter more than the daily rate.

Trip lengthCambodiaVietnamDifference
A long weekend (3 days)~€90~€96€6
One week~€210~€224€14
Two weeks~€420~€448€28

Which one is for you

🇰🇭 Choose Cambodia if…

  • your dates fall in winter, which suits Cambodia and not Vietnam
See Cambodia in full →

🇻🇳 Choose Vietnam if…

  • you want the higher safety rating (79/100 against 72/100)
  • you're going for cities — a headline draw in Vietnam, less of a focus in Cambodia
  • your dates fall in autumn, which suits Vietnam and not Cambodia
See Vietnam in full →

In a line each

🇰🇭 Cambodia. Angkor Wat at sunrise, floating villages and the most humbling temples in Southeast Asia.

🇻🇳 Vietnam. Halong Bay karsts, lantern-lit Old Towns, motorbike chaos and pho at dawn.

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