Sometimes ticking a country off the list can be harder than you think...
It's never easy choosing where to spend your next vacation, especially when you've settled down on a continent but can't afford to settle down in the country. There are so many great destinations in the Southeast Asia To explore but both Cambodia And the Laos It is simply something else.
From landscapes dotted with rice paddies and luscious tropical jungles to cultural temples and bustling cities, these bucket-list destinations are worth a visit, but which one should you travel to first?
To make sure you consider all the bases, we've put together a guide on all three - culture, cities, and cuisine - in hopes that making the decision between Cambodia and Laos will get you a little easier. Fingers crossed.
culture
Despite the unforgettable splendor of the landscape, Cambodia's culture is centuries in the making and is rooted in recognizing and respecting ancestors, as well as acting with honour, kindness, and humility. Religion is such a big part of daily life in Cambodia that many families and businesses offer small shrines and gifts that the orange-robed monks will pray over - you might also see them walking the streets or visiting large temples.
These temples are often intricately carved and highly impressive with special designs carved into the stone facades and surrounding structures. One of Cambodia's most famous and iconic temples, Angkor Wat is an exceptional religious monument dating back to the 9th century.
Learn about the culture of Cambodia on our Cambodia sightseeing tour
A sense of community is important to Laotians with most choosing to stay close to family when it is time to leave. Religion is also an important part of daily life with offerings to ancestors and visits to ancient temples on a regular basis. It is this mixed focus that sees people come together to celebrate Buddhist holidays, sacred periods, and traditional festivals with a great deal of respect, connection, and kindness.
Explore Laos on our Thailand-Laos adventure
cities
You may already be familiar with the unique and diverse landscapes of Cambodia, but do you know much about the country's bustling and beautiful cities? Yes, it may be messy but it's also unforgettable. Whether you want to spend your time walking through bustling markets, visiting elaborate temples, or enjoying epic views from a riverside bar, there is plenty to do in Cambodia's populated cities.
From the trendy restaurants in Siem Reap to the impressive food scene in the country's capital, Phnom Penh, and every little town and village in between, there will never be a dull moment on your Cambodia vacation.
Laos doesn't have much in the way of big cities full of people, but cities that do offer a true local's insight into what it's like to live in this picturesque country. Small-town, community-feeling and the capital of Laos, Vientiane is charming and vibrant with sprawling markets, ornate temples, and Patuxay - the Laotian version of the Triumphal Arch.
Some other must-check towns and villages are Luang Prabang with its trendy cafes and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Muang Xay with its mountain ranges and crowded storefronts, and Pakse with its herbal saunas and seafood-filled restaurants.
Related: 9 Reasons Laos Should Be On Your Pin List
dishes
The food in Cambodia is epic and we're not even exaggerating. From bowls packed with noodles and flavours, to meals packed with noodles, Cambodian cuisine delivers big time when it comes to taste and flavour. Due to the influence of its Asian neighbours, traditional Cambodian meals usually consist of rice, noodles and a choice of protein be it chicken, pork or fish.
Some noteworthy dishes to try include smoked fish, the national dish of Cambodia, nang soup, vegetable rolls, and the famous khmer fish – fermented fish deep fried and served with fresh vegetables and thinly sliced chicken.
Try Cambodian food on our signature Cambodia tour
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a foreign country is to let your pals do all the exploring, and luckily, we're sure they'll want to work right in Laos. Take inspiration from the kitchens of neighboring countries, dine at banquets, eat street food and find some market snacks with the flavors of China, Vietnam and Thailand on your mind.
If you're a massive foodie, you'll want to try the spicy meat salad served with vegetables and sticky rice, as well as the khao bun, which is a meat soup filled with rice noodles, chili peppers, lime leaves, and garlic noodles.
Related: Your ultimate guide to the best food in Laos
verdict
Just because you haven't visited Laos well doesn't mean it isn't worth a visit from you, but Cambodia is a country that's hard to beat when it comes to cuisine and cities. For this reason, we believe Cambodia is moving past Laos to take the win.
However, if you want to go to Cambodia and visit Laos on the same trip, hop on our flight Adventure Loop Southeast Asia.
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