Cambodia or Laos? | Intrepid Travel Blog

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Cambodia or Laos? | Intrepid Travel Blog


Sometimes ticking a rustic off the bucket listing might be tougher than you suppose…

It’s by no means simple selecting the place to vacation subsequent, particularly while you’ve settled on a continent however can’t choose the nation. There are loads of fascinating locations in Southeast Asia to discover however each Cambodia and Laos are merely one thing else.

From landscapes stuffed with rice paddies and luscious tropical jungles to cultural temples and buzzing cities, these bucket-list locations are value visiting, however which one to journey to first?

To make sure you’re contemplating all bases, we’ve put collectively a information on the three c’s – tradition, cities, and delicacies – within the hopes that making the choice between Cambodia and Laos will get a bit of simpler. Fingers crossed.

Culture

A group of Cambodian women dancing a traditional routine dressed in bright orange.
Traditional dance, Cambodia

As fascinating because the landscapes are unforgettable, Cambodia’s tradition is centuries within the making with roots in acknowledging and respecting ancestors, in addition to behaving with honour, kindness, and humility. Religion is a giant a part of on a regular basis life in Cambodia with many households and companies providing up small shrines and presents that orange-robed monks will pray over – you might also see them strolling the streets or visiting bigger temples.

These temples are sometimes intricately sculptured and dramatically breathtaking with particular designs carved into the stone facades and surrounding constructions. One of probably the most well-known and immediately recognised temples in all of Cambodia is Angkor Wat, a unprecedented spiritual monument courting again to the ninth century.

LEARN ABOUT CAMBODIA’S CULTURE ON OUR CAMBODIA TRAVELLER TOUR

A group of orange-robed Monks lining up to receive Alms.
A line of Monks, Laos

A way of group is a giant factor for Laotians with most of them selecting to remain near household when it’s time to maneuver out. Religion can also be an vital a part of day by day life with choices to ancestors and visits to historic temples a daily incidence. It’s this blended focus that sees folks come collectively to have a good time Buddhist holidays, holy intervals, and conventional festivals with a giant deal being revamped respect, connection, and kindness.

EXPLORE LAOS ON OUR THAILAND AND LAOS ADVENTURE

Cities

The neon lit streets of Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
The streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

You may already be accustomed to the distinctive and diversified landscapes of Cambodia, however are you aware as a lot concerning the nation’s bustling and exquisite cities? Yes, they might be chaotic however they’re additionally unforgettable. Whether you wish to spend your time strolling by means of busy markets, visiting elaborate temples, or taking within the epic views from a riverfront bar, there’s a lot to do in Cambodia’s populated cities.

From the fashionable eating places of Siem Reap to the tantalizing meals scene within the nation’s capital, Phnom Penh, and each metropolis and small village in between, there’ll by no means be a uninteresting second in your vacation in Cambodia.

RELATED: CAMBODIA OR VIETNAM?

The ornate and detailed Laotian version of the Arc de Triomphe in Vientiane.
Patuxai, Vientiane

Laos doesn’t have so much in the best way of larger cities filled with folks however the cities it does supply an actual native perception into how it could be to reside on this breathtaking nation. Boasting extra of a small-town, group really feel, Laos’ capital metropolis, Vientiane is each charming and vibrant with sprawling markets, ornate temples, and the Patuxai – the Laotian model of the Arc de Triomphe.

Some different cities and villages to take a look at are Luang Prabang with its stylish cafes and UNESCO world heritage listed websites, Muang Xay with its mountain ranges and buzzing storefronts, and Pakse with its natural saunas and seafood-filled eating places.

RELATED: 9 REASONS LAOS SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

Cuisine

Two plates piled high with traditional Cambodian food.
Plates of conventional Cambodian meals

The meals in Cambodia is epic and we’re not even exaggerating. From dishes filled with oodles and oodles of flavour to meals truly stuffed with noodles, Cambodian delicacies delivers large time with regards to style and flavour. Drawing a number of affect from its Asian neighbours, conventional Cambodian meals normally include rice and noodles and your alternative of protein whether or not that’s hen, pork, or fish.

Some noteworthy dishes to strive embody fish amok, Cambodia’s nationwide dish, nang soup, vegetable spring rolls, and the well-known Khmer – fermented fish that’s deep fried and served with recent greens and thinly sliced hen.

TRY CAMBODIAN FOOD ON OUR PREMIUM CAMBODIA TOUR

Thousands of red chillis drying in the sun.
Chillis drying

One of the very best methods to immerse your self in another country is to let your tastebuds do all of the exploring, and fortuitously, we’re fairly positive they’re going to wish to get straight to work in Laos. Drawing inspiration from neighbouring international locations’ cuisines, dine out in banquets, munch on road meals, and seek for some market snacks with the flavours of China, Vietnam, and Thailand in your thoughts.

If you’re an enormous foodie, you’re going to wish to strive larb, a spicy meat salad served with greens and sticky rice, in addition to Khao poon, a meaty soup stuffed with rice noodles, chilli, lime leaves, and garlic paste.

RELATED: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST FOOD IN LAOS

The verdict

Just as a result of Laos isn’t as well-visited doesn’t imply it doesn’t deserve a go to from you, however Cambodia is a tricky nation to beat with regards to delicacies and cities. For this motive, we predict Cambodia edges previous Laos to take the win.

However, if you wish to go to Cambodia and go to Laos on the identical journey, leap on our southeast Asia loop journey. 

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