Visa
Cambodia: Requires visas for most nationalities, though travelers can easily obtain a 30-day eVisa online or visa on arrival at major airports and land crossings.
Laos: Allows Visa on Arrival and eVisas for most travelers, granting 30-day stays that can be extended once.
Time Zone
Cambodia & Laos: share the Indochina Time Zone (UTC+7)
Best time to go on Tours
Cambodia: The best time to visit Cambodia is during the cool and dry season from November to February, which offers ideal conditions for exploring outdoor sights like Angkor Wat. From March to May, the weather becomes hot and dry, while June to October brings the rainy season—perfect for those seeking fewer crowds and lush landscapes, though rural travel may be affected by muddy roads.
Laos: The cool and dry season from November to February is the most favorable time for trekking and sightseeing, while March to May can be hot, and June to October brings rains and lush green scenery.
Vaccines
Cambodia & Laos: Recommended vaccines include routine shots, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis, especially if visiting rural areas. Malaria precautions are also advisable in forested regions.
Currency
Cambodia: Cambodian Riel (KHR), though the US Dollar is widely accepted, with small change typically given in riel.
Laos: The Lao Kip (LAK) is the official currency, though USD and Thai Baht are sometimes accepted in tourist areas.
Food
Cambodia: The Khmer cuisine is flavorful and distinct dishes such as Fish Amok (steamed coconut fish curry), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef), and Nom Banh Chok (noodle breakfast soup) showcase local ingredients and influences.
Laos: Laotian food is fresh, herbal, and zesty—staples include Laap (minced meat salad), Tam Mak Hoong (papaya salad), Khao Piak Sen (noodle soup), and Or Lam (Luang Prabang stew). Visitors will also find French-inspired baguettes and pastries, a legacy of the colonial era.
Country Top things to do by interest
Nature & trekking
Cambodia: Nature enthusiasts can head to Bokor National Park, Tonlé Sap Lake, or go trekking in the Cardamom Mountains or Mondulkiri.
Laos: Nature lovers can’t miss Kuang Si Falls, the peaceful 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don), and boat rides on the Nam Ou River. For trekking, head to Luang Namtha, Nong Khiaw, or the Bolaven Plateau with its cool highlands and coffee plantations.
Beaches, Swimming & Relaxing
Cambodia: Cambodia’s best beaches lie on Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and the quieter shores of Otres Beach and Kep.
Laos: Laos is a landlocked country, so it doesn’t have ocean beaches. However, it offers river “beaches” and island escapes along the Mekong River, which can provide a similar laid-back, sandy experience—perfect for eco-tourism or nature-loving travelers.
Wildlife
Cambodia: visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, or engage ethically with elephants at the Mondulkiri Project.
Laos: Laos is home to ethical wildlife experiences like the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury, the Gibbon Experience in Bokeo, and Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park for serious wildlife enthusiasts.
Sightseeing
Cambodia: The country’s historical and cultural sites include the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the tree-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm, and somber memorials like Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.
Laos: Sightseeing in Laos includes the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, with its golden temples and riverside charm, ancient Wat Phou ruins, the quiet capital of Vientiane, and the mysterious Plain of Jars.
Shopping
Cambodia: Shoppers will enjoy markets such as Phnom Penh’s Russian Market and Siem Reap’s Angkor Night Market and Made in Cambodia Market, which promote local artisan goods.
Laos: Shopping is best enjoyed at the Luang Prabang Night Market, Vientiane’s Morning Market, or textile workshops like Ock Pop Tok.
Adrenaline
Cambodia: Adventure seekers can explore rural areas on ATVs and dirt bikes, rock climb in Kampot or Battambang, or zipline through Angkor Park.
Laos: Laos is a hidden gem for adrenaline and adventure tourism, thanks to its dramatic limestone mountains, vast cave systems, powerful rivers, and rugged jungle terrain.
Local Living Experiences
Cambodia: For a deeper connection with local life, try homestays in floating villages, rice farming, or Khmer cooking classes.
Laos: For adventure, activities like treehouse ziplining, kayaking in Vang Vieng, and rock climbing are available, especially in limestone karst regions.
Culture
Cambodia: Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage is on display in Apsara dance shows, Buddhist festivals like Khmer New Year (April), and Pchum Ben (Sept/Oct).
Laos: Travelers can engage with local life through village homestays, weaving workshops, or Lao cooking classes. Cultural highlights include Baci blessing ceremonies, alms giving rituals in Luang Prabang, and water festivities during Lao New Year (Pi Mai).
Children Theme Parks
Cambodia: Family-friendly attractions include the Angkor Zipline, Phnom Tamao Zoo, and water-based fun in Sihanoukville. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap also feature cafes and play areas for kids.
Laos: While Laos doesn’t offer major theme parks, families will enjoy COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Tad Sae Waterfalls, and calm boat tours in Don Det.