Is Cambodia or Laos cheaper?

They sit in a similar bracket — roughly under $35–65/day in Cambodia, under $35–65/day in Laos.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia vs Laos?

Cambodia is at its best in November–February; Laos peaks in November–February.

Is Cambodia or Laos better in August?

Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Laos has the edge in September, and both are at their best in January, February, November, December.

How long do you need in Cambodia vs Laos?

Plan 1–2 weeks for Cambodia and 2–3 for Laos.

Should I choose Cambodia or Laos?

Pick Cambodia if you want somewhere stronger for history. Pick Laos if you want somewhere stronger for culture, nature, more urban / city-focused, more off-the-beaten-path.

Cambodia vs Laos

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

Southeast Asia

Cambodia

Angkor is one of the great sights on earth. Build the trip around it.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: fine
April: avoid
May: avoid
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: avoid
October: fine
November: peak
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

Southeast Asia

Laos

The slowest, gentlest country in Southeast Asia, and the better for it.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: fine
April: avoid
May: avoid
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: fine
October: fine
November: peak
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Cambodia and Laos.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Cambodia	Laos
Best time	November–February	November–February
Climate	warm	warm
Budget	Backpacker – Budget · under $35–65/day	Backpacker – Budget · under $35–65/day
Trip length	1–2 wks	2–3 wks
Visa	eVisa or visa-on-arrival, around 30 USD.	Visa on arrival or e-visa for most nationalities (30 days). Verify before travel.
Currency	Riel (KHR), but US dollars are used everywhere.	LAK (Lao Kip). USD and Thai baht sometimes accepted.
Language	Khmer. English in tourist areas.	Lao. Limited English outside tourist spots.
Tap water	Stick to bottled water.	Stick to bottled or filtered water; avoid the tap.
Safety	Generally safe; watch traffic and the usual scams.	Generally safe and calm; petty theft is the main concern.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Cambodia or Laos, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Cambodia if:

You want somewhere stronger for history.

Choose Laos if:

You want somewhere stronger for culture, nature.
You want somewhere more urban / city-focused.
You want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path.

Common questions

Is Cambodia or Laos cheaper?: They sit in a similar bracket — roughly under $35–65/day in Cambodia, under $35–65/day in Laos.
When is the best time to visit Cambodia vs Laos?: Cambodia is at its best in November–February; Laos peaks in November–February.
Is Cambodia or Laos better in August?: Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Laos has the edge in September, and both are at their best in January, February, November, December.
How long do you need in Cambodia vs Laos?: Plan 1–2 weeks for Cambodia and 2–3 for Laos.
Should I choose Cambodia or Laos?: Pick Cambodia if you want somewhere stronger for history. Pick Laos if you want somewhere stronger for culture, nature, more urban / city-focused, more off-the-beaten-path.