Thailand vs. Cambodia: Where to Go in 2025?
By Siri- 2/7/2025
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia but can’t decide between Thailand and Cambodia? 🤔
Both countries offer stunning landscapes, rich history, and incredible food, but they provide totally different experiences.
I’ve traveled extensively in both Thailand and Cambodia, and here’s my honest comparison to help you choose the perfect destination!
💡 Quick Answer: Thailand vs. Cambodia
👉 Thailand is best for beaches, food, cities, and adventure. 🌴
👉 Cambodia is best for history, off-the-grid travel, and budget trips. 🎭
✅ Best for beaches → Thailand
✅ Best for history & culture → Cambodia
✅ Best for adventure & nightlife → Thailand
✅ Best for budget travelers → Cambodia
Still not sure? Let’s break it down! ⬇️
🏝 Beaches & Islands – Thailand vs. Cambodia
Thailand: The Ultimate Beach Paradise
If dreamy beaches are your thing, Thailand wins hands down. 🏝️ The white sand, turquoise water, and stunning islands are world-famous.
Top beaches & islands in Thailand:
✔️ Koh Kood – Secluded & unspoiled paradise 🌿
✔️ Koh Lipe – The "Maldives of Thailand" 🐠
✔️ Krabi & Railay Beach – Dramatic limestone cliffs & epic scenery
✔️ Similan Islands & Koh Tao – Best snorkeling & diving spots
Cambodia: Underrated & Less Touristy
Cambodia’s beaches are less developed and more laid-back, perfect if you want a quiet escape.
Top beaches & islands in Cambodia:
✔️ Koh Rong – Crystal-clear water & party vibes 🎉
✔️ Koh Rong Samloem – Peaceful & secluded, perfect for sunsets 🌅
✔️ Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Samloem) – One of the best sunset spots in Southeast Asia!
💡 My take: If you want luxury resorts & easy island-hopping, Thailand is better. If you want raw nature & fewer tourists, Cambodia is perfect.
🏯 Culture & History – Thailand vs. Cambodia
Thailand: Temples & Traditions
Thailand is a cultural wonderland filled with ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and Buddhist traditions.
Must-visit cultural spots in Thailand:
✔️ Bangkok’s Grand Palace & Wat Pho – Home of the famous Reclining Buddha
✔️ Chiang Mai’s Old City & Doi Suthep – Stunning mountaintop temple
✔️ Ayutthaya – Ancient ruins & UNESCO World Heritage Site
✔️ Songkran & Loy Krathong Festivals – Water fights & floating lanterns 🎇
Cambodia: Home to Angkor Wat & Deep History
Cambodia’s history is both breathtaking and heartbreaking.
Must-visit cultural sites in Cambodia:
✔️ Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) – The largest temple complex in the world!
✔️ Beng Mealea & Koh Ker – Remote, jungle-covered temples
✔️ Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Killing Fields (Phnom Penh) – A sobering but important history lesson
💡 My take: If you’re fascinated by Buddhist culture & festivals, go to Thailand. If you want to dive deep into history & explore ancient ruins, Cambodia wins.
🍜 Food – Thailand vs. Cambodia
Thailand: The Ultimate Street Food Destination
Thailand’s food scene is legendary! Every street corner smells like fresh Pad Thai, grilled skewers, and spicy curries.
Must-try Thai dishes:
✔️ Pad Thai – Classic stir-fried noodles 🍜
✔️ Mango Sticky Rice – The best Thai dessert 🥭
✔️ Khao Soi (Chiang Mai) – Creamy coconut curry noodles
✔️ Boat Noodles (Bangkok) – Rich, spicy broth & beef
Cambodia: Underrated but Delicious
Cambodian food is less famous, but it’s full of unique flavors!
Must-try Cambodian dishes:
✔️ Amok – Coconut curry with fish 🍛
✔️ Lok Lak – Peppery stir-fried beef 🥩
✔️ Nom Banh Chok – Traditional Khmer noodle soup
💡 My take: Thailand wins for street food & variety, but Cambodia is great for authentic local dishes.
💰 Budget & Costs – Which Is Cheaper?
💵 Thailand: Affordable, but tourist areas are getting pricier (Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui). You can travel cheaply by:
✔️ Staying in hostels ($10 per night)
✔️ Eating street food ($2 per meal)
✔️ Taking public transport
💵 Cambodia: Super budget-friendly! You can find:
✔️ Dorm beds for $5
✔️ Private rooms for $10
✔️ Local meals for $2
💡 My take: Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries to visit, so if you’re on a tight budget, Cambodia wins.
🎢 Adventure & Nightlife – Which is More Exciting?
🌊 Thailand:
✔️ Scuba diving in Koh Tao 🐠
✔️ Rock climbing in Railay 🧗♂️
✔️ Jungle trekking in Khao Sok 🌿
✔️ Rooftop bars & wild nightlife in Bangkok 🍹
🌿 Cambodia:
✔️ Kayaking & jungle trekking in Mondulkiri 🛶
✔️ Exploring remote villages 🚲
✔️ Pub Street (Siem Reap) – The best nightlife in Cambodia 🎉
💡 My take: If you love non-stop adventure & nightlife, Thailand wins. If you prefer nature & off-the-grid experiences, Cambodia is better.
🚍 Getting Around – Thailand vs. Cambodia
✈️ Thailand:
✔️ Easy transport – domestic flights, trains, buses
✔️ Sleeper trains & budget airlines
🛵 Cambodia:
✔️ More challenging – buses are slow, roads are rough
✔️ Best explored by scooter (Kampot, Siem Reap)
💡 My take: Thailand has way better infrastructure. Cambodia is more of an adventure.
🔥 Hidden Gems – Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
🌴 Thailand:
✔️ Koh Kood – Secluded beaches
✔️ Pai – A laid-back mountain town
✔️ Khao Sok – Stunning jungle & lakes
🎭 Cambodia:
✔️ Kampot – A charming riverside town
✔️ Koh Ker – Remote jungle temple
✔️ Mondulkiri – Waterfalls & elephants
🏆 Final Verdict: Where Should You Go?
👉 Thailand if you want world-class beaches, buzzing cities & amazing food. 🍍
👉 Cambodia if you want a raw, authentic experience with deep history. 🎭
Honestly? Do both! They complement each other perfectly. Whatever you choose, an epic adventure awaits! 🌍