Laos or Cambodia – Compare To Make A Wise Decision (Part 2)

Still can't decide between holidays to Laos or holidays to Cambodia to pair with Vietnam on your Southeast Asia trip? Which one is cheaper? Which offers more interesting things to do? Let's continue our Laos vs Cambodia comparison and help you make the right choice.

Should I spend my holidays in Laos or Cambodia? It's one of the most common questions travelers ask, especially those planning a long-haul trip combining Vietnam and Laos or Vietnam and Cambodia. We understand you may be in that tricky spot where a tight schedule simply won't allow all three countries in a single itinerary. So let's weigh up Cambodia vs Laos and settle the debate.

Round 3: The vibe and nightlife

This one really comes down to the destination as much as your own personality and mood.

1. Cambodia nightlife

Generally speaking, Cambodia is more touristy than Laos, which can make it feel busier and more high-energy, particularly in hotspots like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville. These are great picks if you're chasing a party atmosphere and plenty to do, rather than turning in early at your hotel.

Siem Reap at night

Nightlife in Cambodia is livelier too, with bigger crowds and more options across the board. From clubs to night bars, live music to bustling night markets, Cambodia genuinely comes alive after dark. In the touristy cities and towns, you'll find no shortage of restaurants, bars, clubs, and entertainment keeping things buzzing at all hours. On Cambodia holidays, the nightlife is run by locals for locals and visitors alike, which means you get an authentic taste of this kingdom of temples.

• In the capital, Phnom Penh, you'll discover a vibrant scene packed with clubs and live-music bars where locals and travelers belt out their favorite songs together.
• Siem Reap is the most colorful nightlife spot in the country. This gateway town to Angkor Wat draws a huge following, with lively streets full of backpacker-friendly bars, international restaurants, massage parlors, and boutique shops.
• Sihanoukville is a true late-night party town, offering everything from beach bars to night markets and plenty in between.

2. Laos nightlife

By contrast, Laos has a wonderfully restful feel, with very little mass tourism — ideal for slow overland travel or simply unwinding for a few days. It's a great escape from the relentless, high-intensity pace elsewhere, and a big reason Laos tourism continues to attract travelers seeking peace and quiet.

Compared with Cambodia, Laos is a laid-back country with a far smaller nightlife scene. It's a completely different experience depending on whether or not you like to party. Nightclubs and bars here often stay open only until around 11:00 during your Laos holidays. The nightlife still honors local tradition and the gentle Laotian way of life, which is exactly what charms travelers who'd rather skip the crowds and the noise.

• Vientiane nightlife: The capital isn't especially bustling and is known instead for its relaxed lifestyle. You might spend an evening making new friends and chatting away at bars and pubs, or, after dinner, take a stroll along the banks of the Mekong and lose yourself in the Vientiane night market.

Vientiane night market

• Pakse nightlife: The best way to start a night out in Pakse is to catch the sunset, watching darkness slowly settle over the town in a scene that's both stunning and peaceful. Soon after, the local nightclubs open their doors to party lovers. Alternatively, head to the Champasak Plaza shopping center for a little shopping and a glimpse of everyday local life.
• Luang Prabang nightlife: There's a saying that "Luang Prabang is the sleepy city of Laos." Even so, many travelers adore the gentle nightlife here, which captures the authentic spirit of the country. Browsing the local night market, or lounging on a riverside mattress at a relaxed restaurant, café, or bar, makes for a cozy and calming evening. For most visitors, Luang Prabang is the highlight of any Laos itinerary.

Luang Prabang at night

Round 4: Cuisine

When it comes to food, neither Laotian nor Cambodian cuisine is hugely famous on the world stage, and both draw heavy influence from Thai cooking. Even so, you'll find delicious and wonderfully exotic dishes in each country.

1. Cambodia Cuisine

Most Khmer food isn't as fiercely spicy as Thai cuisine; instead, it leans mild, with plenty of pickled and tangy flavors. Much like Vietnamese cooking, a hallmark of Khmer cuisine is the abundance of fresh herbs and condiments served with every meal. A typical Cambodian spread usually centers on rice and a soup, accompanied by three or four main dishes.

The signature dish of Khmer cuisine is Amok — a delicate fish mousse steamed in a banana leaf. It strikes a perfect balance of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and coconut milk.

As for dining out, Cambodia is brimming with cafés and restaurants, from high-end establishments to humble street food stalls. In a single city you can track down incredible noodles, mouth-watering French dishes, and traditional Khmer specialties.

2. Laos cuisine

Lao cuisine reflects the cooking traditions and style of the wider Lao people. As in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the diet revolves around sticky rice as its staple. Laotian food is fragrant, slightly bitter, spicy, and colorful, packed with herbs, chilies, and bold ingredient combinations.

Laos' famous fermented fish paste, padek, lends dishes a distinctive flavor. Insects such as silkworms, ants, and crickets even turn up on many menus. And it would be a shame to leave without trying the beer — while Vietnam and Cambodia both brew good ones, Beer Lao reigns supreme across Southeast Asia.

Round 5: Living cost

Which country is easier on the wallet? If you're traveling on a budget, this question matters a lot, and many people specifically ask is Laos cheaper than Cambodia. A typical day costs roughly $27 per person in Laos versus about $35 in Cambodia. Accommodation, food, and local transport all tend to be cheaper in Laos, and those savings add up noticeably on a longer Cambodia holiday. So if budget is your deciding factor, Laos generally comes out ahead — though pairing either destination with a well-planned Vietnam tour package or a combined Vietnam and Cambodia tour can stretch your money even further across the region.