So that you’ve selected South East Asia. And also you’ve narrowed it all the way down to Cambodia and Thailand. However now you’re torn…
Each nations boast tropical year-round climate, picture-perfect seashores, implausible cuisines and alluring cities that’ll maintain bringing you again for extra. That being mentioned, Thailand and Cambodia are fairly completely different in some methods, too. Whereas I’m certain you’ll have an unbelievable journey regardless of which nation you select, annual depart is treasured, so we’ve damaged down a few of the high issues to (hopefully) make the choice a tad simpler. Prepared?
Delicacies
Firstly, and maybe most significantly, let’s discuss meals. You’ll discover Thai eating places worldwide, and there’s a motive for that. Who can resist the contrasting textures of pad Thai or the aromatic aromas of tom yum? Not me! However Thai meals is way more than the classics you recognize and love. Every area has its personal cooking kinds and flavours, from khao niaow (sticky rice) and som tum (papaya salad) within the north to pla thot khamin (deep-friend turmeric fish) and khao yam (rainbow rice salad) within the south.
Read more: Foodie? Here’s why you should travel to Thailand
However the factor that makes Thai delicacies so nice is its scorching road meals scene. Whether or not exploring the slender laneways of Bangkok’s China City or strolling the beachfront in Phuket, you’ll see woks of noodles being tossed within the air or distributors grilling prawns or meat skewers. Sitting on a tiny stool at a road meals market is a spotlight of any Thailand journey.
What involves thoughts once you hear ‘Cambodian delicacies’? Maybe a generic-looking dish of noodles, stir fry or curry? It’s okay; you’re off the hook. Most individuals don’t know a lot about Cambodian meals, which is an enormous disgrace… as a result of it’s scrumptious! Not like its South East Asian neighbours, the spiciness of Cambodian meals is predominantly from pepper, not chilli. The truth is, high cooks take into account Kampot pepper to be the world’s best.
Discover Cambodian food on a Real Food Adventure
Conventional Khmer delicacies revolves round rice, fish, prahok (a fermented fish paste) and kroeung (a aromatic curry paste), however you’ll additionally recognise the culinary influences of France, China and India on the menu. Widespread dishes to attempt embody fish amok (coconut fish curry in banana leaf), samlor machu (candy and bitter soup), nom banh chok (Khmer noodles) and pleah sach ko (beef ceviche). The nation additionally boasts a growing craft beer scene in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Winner: Thailand (I’m a sucker for the lemongrass-y, galangal-y goodness of Thai meals)
Cities
Thailand’s cities are larger and extra energetic than Cambodia’s (*cough* The Hangover Half II *cough*). Okay, you won’t be seeking to pull all-nighters and rise up to the identical mischief as Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug, however the film paints a reasonably correct image of the thrill and vibrancy of Bangkok. There are countless issues to do whether or not you need to zip by means of the maze-like streets of Rattanakosin (Outdated Metropolis) in a tuk-tuk, watch a Muay Thai present or go to a floating market to see locals whip up culinary wonders from a tiny picket canoe. It’s a metropolis you can spend months exploring, but nonetheless really feel such as you’ve solely scratched the floor.
Read more: What to do, eat and drink in Bangkok
Thailand’s second-largest metropolis, Chiang Mai, has a way more relaxed vibe. Town is house to over 300 lovely Buddhist temples that glisten within the solar, buzzing evening bazaars and a surprising outdated city surrounded by a moat. It’s additionally the gateway to the plush Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park.
Phnom Penh won’t be as well-known as Bangkok, however it shares the identical organised chaos (and the thrill that comes with it). Town is house to vibrant markets, various structure and a occurring waterfront with round the clock exercise, from locals doing morning aerobics lessons to households taking part in video games at sundown. There are fewer stylish bars and rooftops than in Bangkok, however pockets do exist – together with the bustling Bassac Quarter which comes alive after darkish.
In the event you’re on the lookout for slightly extra peace and quiet, Cambodia additionally has loads of smaller cities and charming cities to discover. Go to Kampot to be taught why the pepper grown right here is so scrumptious, head to the coastal city of Kep to feast on crab (flavoured with mentioned peppercorns), or go north to Siem Reap for sprawling temple ruins, laid-back cafes and floating villages.
Read more: 5 of the best small towns in Cambodia
It’s necessary to keep in mind that Cambodia was a really completely different place 45 years in the past. The atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975-1979 triggered devastation past something I can convey with phrases. The aftermath crippled the nation’s growth, which is why travelling to Cambodia – and studying about its tragic previous and the tales of its folks – is so necessary.
Read more: What it’s really like visiting Cambodia’s Killing Fields and S21
Winner: Thailand
Temples
Prepare for lovely temples galore. Buddhism is the principle faith in Thailand and Cambodia, and temples play a major position in on a regular basis life. A number of the most iconic temples to go to in Thailand embody Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, a powerful mountaintop pagoda distinguished by 5 huge white Buddha statues; the fairytale-like Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Chiang Rai, and Bangkok’s Wat Pho which includes a 46-metre-long reclining Buddha statue.
One phrase: Angkor. Spanning 400 acres, this historic web site is without doubt one of the world’s largest archaeological websites. It’s additionally some of the standard, attracting over 2 million folks yearly. Angkor was constructed within the early twelfth century and was as soon as a totally functioning metropolis (historians imagine it had a inhabitants of as much as a million). From the traditional passageways of Angkor Wat to the smiling statues of the Bayon Temple and the large tree roots which have taken over Ta Prohm (AKA, ‘Tomb Raider temple’), exploring these ruins is like being in one other world.
Winner: Cambodia
Seashores
If being horizontal on white sand with a coconut (or cocktail) in hand is your concept of time, you’ll be happy to know you will get your seaside fill in each nations. However, with over 2,500 kilometres of shoreline and 1400 islands – a few of which have been voted the world’s finest – Thailand has the higher hand. Iconic spots embody Koh Hong with its turquoise lagoons, the karst-studded Railay Seashore and the majestic Maya Bay, which earned star standing within the cult traditional, The Seashore (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
It’s exhausting to compete with Thailand right here, however Cambodia could also be a better option if you happen to’re not eager on touristy bars and crowds. The perfect islands and seashores are off the south coast, together with Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev. Cambodia’s seashores have a country attraction with easy lodging (in addition to just a few snazzy resorts), and there are many alternatives to benefit from the white sand and glowing waters all to your self.
Winner: Thailand (however Cambodia provides it a run for its cash)
Climate
Thailand and Cambodia are each year-round locations. They share a tropical local weather with a definite moist and dry season, with common temperatures lingering between a balmy 18-38°C in Thailand and 22-35°C in Cambodia. The moist season runs roughly from Might to September/October, and whereas it normally rains every single day, it’s typically within the type of heavy, albeit temporary, afternoon downpours, so it shouldn’t be sufficient to disrupt your journey. Plan your journey between November and March if you need constantly dry climate.
Winner: Draw
The decision
Being geographical neighbours, Thailand and Cambodia share many similarities. They each boast unbelievable seashores, lip-smacking meals and vibrant cities jam-packed with tradition. Thailand is extra developed and has extra vacationer infrastructure, however this could be another excuse to go to Cambodia relying on what you’re on the lookout for.
Nonetheless torn? Why not tick off both countries (and then some) on Intrepid’s 30-day South East Asia Loop by means of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam? Blissful travels!
Take a look at Intrepid’s vary of small group adventures in Thailand and Cambodia.
