{"id":56797,"date":"2022-09-04T09:18:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-03T23:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=56797"},"modified":"2025-06-19T13:23:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T03:23:45","slug":"cambodia-or-laos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/cambodia-or-laos\/","title":{"rendered":"Cambodia or Laos? Where to go on your next trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Sometimes ticking a country off the bucket list can be harder than you think\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s never easy choosing where to holiday next, especially when you\u2019ve settled on a continent but can\u2019t settle on the country. There are plenty of fascinating destinations in <a href=\"\/southeast-asia\">South East Asia<\/a> to explore but both <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/cambodia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cambodia<\/a> and <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/laos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laos<\/a> are simply something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From landscapes full of rice paddies and luscious tropical jungles to cultural temples and buzzing cities, these bucket-list destinations are worth visiting, but which one to travel to first?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure you\u2019re considering all bases, we\u2019ve put together a guide on the three c\u2019s \u2013 culture, cities, and cuisine \u2013 in the hopes that making the decision between Cambodia and Laos gets a little easier. Fingers crossed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-cambodia_traditional-dance_landscape.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-cambodia_traditional-dance_landscape.jpg\" alt=\"A group of Cambodian women dancing a traditional routine dressed in bright orange.\" class=\"wp-image-56802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-cambodia_traditional-dance_landscape.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-cambodia_traditional-dance_landscape-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-cambodia_traditional-dance_landscape-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-cambodia_traditional-dance_landscape-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional dance, Cambodia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As fascinating as the landscapes are unforgettable, Cambodia\u2019s culture is centuries in the making with roots in acknowledging and respecting ancestors, as well as behaving with honour, kindness and humility. Religion is a big part of everyday life in Cambodia with many families and businesses offering up small shrines and gifts that orange-robed monks will pray over \u2013 you may also see them walking the streets or visiting larger temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"ipf-title\">Cambodia&#039;s Calling<\/h2><div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-has-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TKRR\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TKRR.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkrr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Cambodia Adventure<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">12 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkrr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TKPC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TKPC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkpc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Premium Cambodia<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">6 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkpc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TKSM\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TKSM.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tksm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Best of Cambodia<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">14 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tksm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These temples are often intricately sculptured and dramatically breathtaking with special designs carved into the stone facades and surrounding structures. One of the most famous and instantly recognised temples in all of Cambodia is Angkor Wat, an extraordinary religious monument dating back to the 9th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_recieving-alms_03.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_recieving-alms_03.jpg\" alt=\"A group of orange-robed Monks lining up to receive Alms. \" class=\"wp-image-56805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_recieving-alms_03.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_recieving-alms_03-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_recieving-alms_03-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_recieving-alms_03-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A line of Monks, Laos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A sense of community is a big thing for Laotians with most of them choosing to stay close to family when it\u2019s time to move out. Religion is also an important part of daily life with offerings to ancestors and visits to ancient temples a regular occurrence. It\u2019s this mixed focus that sees people come together to celebrate Buddhist holidays, holy periods, and traditional festivals with a big deal being made over respect, connection, and kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Phnom-Penh_street-night-Ryan-Bolton4368.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Phnom-Penh_street-night-Ryan-Bolton4368.jpg\" alt=\"The neon lit streets of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. \" class=\"wp-image-56808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Phnom-Penh_street-night-Ryan-Bolton4368.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Phnom-Penh_street-night-Ryan-Bolton4368-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Phnom-Penh_street-night-Ryan-Bolton4368-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Phnom-Penh_street-night-Ryan-Bolton4368-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You might already be familiar with the unique and varied landscapes of Cambodia, but do you know as much about the country\u2019s bustling and beautiful cities? Yes, they may be chaotic but they\u2019re also unforgettable. Whether you want to spend your time walking through busy markets, visiting elaborate temples, or taking in the epic views from a riverfront bar, there\u2019s plenty to do in Cambodia\u2019s populated cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the trendy restaurants of Siem Reap to the tantalizing food scene in the country\u2019s capital, Phnom Penh, and every city and small village in between, there\u2019ll never be a dull moment on your holiday in Cambodia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/adventures\/cambodia-homestay-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Related: What to expect at a Cambodia homestay<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_vientiane-patuxai-monument-road.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_vientiane-patuxai-monument-road.jpg\" alt=\"The ornate and detailed Laotian version of the Arc de Triomphe in Vientiane.\" class=\"wp-image-56812\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_vientiane-patuxai-monument-road.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_vientiane-patuxai-monument-road-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_vientiane-patuxai-monument-road-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_vientiane-patuxai-monument-road-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Patuxai, Vientiane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Laos doesn\u2019t have a lot in the way of bigger cities packed with people but the cities it does offer a real local insight into how it would be to live in this breathtaking country. Boasting more of a small-town, community feel, Laos\u2019 capital city, Vientiane is both charming and vibrant with sprawling markets, ornate temples, and the Patuxai \u2013 the Laotian version of the Arc de Triomphe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"ipf-title\">Discover the laidback charm of Laos<\/h2><div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-has-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TLSV\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TLSV.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlsv\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Thailand & Laos Adventure<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">13 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlsv\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TLYS\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TLYS.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlys\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Real Thailand & Laos<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">13 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlys\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TLSXC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TLSXC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlsxc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">South East Asia Uncovered<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">22 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlsxc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Some other towns and villages to check out are Luang Prabang with its trendy cafes and UNESCO world heritage listed sites, Muang Xay with its mountain ranges and buzzing storefronts, and Pakse with its herbal saunas and seafood-filled restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/adventures\/nine-reasons-laos-bucket-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Related: 9 reasons Laos should be on your bucket list <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cuisine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Homestay_Ryan-Bolton3932.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Homestay_Ryan-Bolton3932.jpg\" alt=\"Two plates piled high with traditional Cambodian food. \" class=\"wp-image-56816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Homestay_Ryan-Bolton3932.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Homestay_Ryan-Bolton3932-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Homestay_Ryan-Bolton3932-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Cambodia_Homestay_Ryan-Bolton3932-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Plates of traditional Cambodian food<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The food in Cambodia is epic and we\u2019re not even exaggerating. From dishes packed with oodles and oodles of flavour to meals actually full of noodles, Cambodian cuisine delivers big time when it comes to taste and flavour. Drawing a lot of influence from its Asian neighbours, traditional Cambodian meals usually consist of rice and noodles and your choice of protein whether that\u2019s chicken, pork, or fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some noteworthy dishes to try include fish amok, Cambodia\u2019s national dish, nang soup, vegetable spring rolls, and the famous Khmer \u2013 fermented fish that is deep fried and served with fresh vegetables and thinly sliced chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_chillies-drying.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_chillies-drying.jpg\" alt=\"Thousands of red chillis drying in the sun. \" class=\"wp-image-56817\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_chillies-drying.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_chillies-drying-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_chillies-drying-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-laos_chillies-drying-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chillis drying<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a foreign country is to let your tastebuds do all the exploring, and luckily, we\u2019re pretty sure they\u2019re going to want to get straight to work in Laos. Drawing inspiration from neighbouring countries\u2019 cuisines, dine out in banquets, munch on street food, and search for some market snacks with the flavours of <a href=\"\/china\">China<\/a>, Vietnam, and Thailand on your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a massive foodie, you\u2019re going to want to try larb, a spicy meat salad served with vegetables and sticky rice, as well as Khao poon, a meaty soup full of rice noodles, chilli, lime leaves, and garlic paste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/adventures\/food-guide-to-laos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Related: Your ultimate guide to the best food in Laos<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just because Laos isn\u2019t as well-visited doesn\u2019t mean it doesn\u2019t deserve a visit from you, but Cambodia is a tough country to beat when it comes to cuisine and cities. For this reason, we think Cambodia edges past Laos to take the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"ipf-title\">But there&#039;s no wrong choice...<\/h2><div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-has-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TKSE\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TKSE.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkse\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Cambodian Traveller<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">9 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkse\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TLYS\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TLYS.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlys\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Real Thailand & Laos<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">13 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tlys\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"TKKS\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/TKKS.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Classic Cambodia<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">6 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/tkks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who knew this would be the toughest decision you&#8217;d have to make today? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16234,"featured_media":56801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[455,1313,14],"tags":[180,43,71],"class_list":["post-56797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-guides","category-news","tag-asia","tag-cambodia","tag-laos"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Cambodia or Laos? | Intrepid Travel Blog - The Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover whether Cambodia&#039;s intricate temples and bustling cities or Laos&#039; quiet towns, trendy cafes and unique cuisine are the perfect destination for you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/cambodia-or-laos\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cambodia or Laos?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The question of whether to visit Cambodia or Laos is a hard one - let us help make choosing which country to visit easier for you...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/cambodia-or-laos\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Good Times by Intrepid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/intrepidtravel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-09-03T23:18:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-19T03:23:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Intrepid-Travel-cambodia_siem-reap_face-sculpture-line.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"450\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kate Gazzard\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Cambodia or Laos?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"The question of whether to visit Cambodia or Laos is a hard one - let us help make choosing which country to visit easier for you...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Intrepid_Travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Intrepid_Travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kate Gazzard\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/cambodia-or-laos\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/cambodia-or-laos\/\",\"name\":\"Cambodia or Laos? 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