What's So Special About Vietnam & Cambodia?

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular travel regions in the world, and for good reason. But among all the incredible countries in the region, Vietnam and Cambodia stand out as two destinations you simply have to visit. They're budget-friendly, culturally rich, full of incredible food, and offer experiences you just can't find anywhere else. Here's what makes them so special.

Spending Less, Experiencing More

One of the biggest drawcards of Vietnam and Cambodia is just how affordable they are. Your money goes an incredibly long way in both countries, which means you can travel for longer, eat better, and do more — all without breaking the bank.

In Vietnam and Cambodia, you can comfortably travel on around $70 USD per day — and that includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities. If you're on a tighter budget, you can get by on even less.

Hostels start from as little as $12 USD per night for a clean, comfortable dorm bed in a social hostel. Private rooms in guesthouses and budget hotels are available from $15–30 USD per night. If you want to treat yourself, boutique hotels and even luxury resorts are a fraction of what you'd pay in Australia, Europe, or the US.

Street food meals cost as little as $1–2 USD, a local beer is around $0.50–1 USD, and a sit-down restaurant meal rarely costs more than $5–10 USD. Motorbike rentals, guided tours, cooking classes, and entrance fees are all remarkably affordable.

The value you get for your money in Vietnam and Cambodia is genuinely hard to beat anywhere in the world. You can live like royalty on a backpacker budget.

Rich Cultures and Histories

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have incredibly rich and complex histories that stretch back thousands of years. Understanding even a little of this history makes visiting these countries so much more meaningful.

Vietnam has a recorded history spanning over 20,000 years. From the ancient Dong Son culture and the thousand-year Chinese occupation to the French colonial period, the devastating wars of the 20th century, and the reunification and rapid modernisation that followed, Vietnam's story is one of resilience, determination, and pride. You'll feel this history everywhere — in the architecture of Hanoi's Old Quarter, in the tunnels of Cu Chi, in the imperial citadel of Hue, and in the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cambodia's history is equally fascinating. The Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th century, was one of the most powerful civilisations in Southeast Asia. At its peak, it controlled much of what is now Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The empire's crowning achievement was Angkor Wat — the largest religious monument in the world and one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites on the planet.

Cambodia's more recent history is deeply sobering. The Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s left deep scars on the country, and visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh is a confronting but essential experience. Understanding this history gives you a deeper appreciation for the warmth, resilience, and optimism of the Cambodian people today.

Incredible Food at Every Turn

If you're a food lover, Vietnam and Cambodia will blow your mind. Both countries have vibrant culinary traditions that are best experienced on the street, in bustling markets, and in family-run restaurants where the recipes have been passed down through generations.

Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese food is fresh, fragrant, and beautifully balanced. It's lighter than many other Asian cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh herbs, rice noodles, and clean flavours. Here are three dishes you absolutely must try:

• Pho — Vietnam's national dish. A steaming bowl of rice noodle soup with a rich, aromatic broth that's been simmered for hours, topped with thin slices of beef or chicken, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chilli, and lime. Every region has its own variation, and the debate over whether Hanoi or Saigon does it better is one that will never be settled. Either way, eating a bowl of pho from a street-side stall at 7am is one of life's great pleasures.
• Banh Mi — The Vietnamese baguette sandwich, and a perfect example of the French-Vietnamese fusion that defines much of Vietnam's cuisine. A crispy baguette filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled daikon and carrot, fresh cucumber, coriander, chilli, and a drizzle of soy sauce. It's crunchy, fresh, flavourful, and costs about $1 USD. You'll eat one every day.
• Bun Cha — A Hanoi speciality that gained international fame when Barack Obama ate it with Anthony Bourdain at a tiny restaurant in the city. Grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served with rice vermicelli noodles, a tangy dipping broth, and a plate of fresh herbs and lettuce. It's smoky, sweet, sour, and utterly addictive.

Cambodian Cuisine

Cambodian food (known as Khmer cuisine) is less well known internationally but absolutely deserving of attention. It's aromatic, complex, and full of unique flavours. Here are three must-try dishes:

• Fish Amok — Cambodia's most famous dish. A creamy, fragrant curry made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kroeung (a Khmer spice paste). It's traditionally steamed in a banana leaf cup, which gives it a delicate texture. It's rich, aromatic, and not too spicy — a perfect introduction to Cambodian cuisine.
• Kuy Teav — Cambodia's answer to pho. A hearty rice noodle soup with a pork or beef broth, topped with your choice of meat, fried garlic, bean sprouts, and herbs. It's a breakfast staple across the country, and every family has their own version. The broth is the star — clear, fragrant, and deeply savoury.
• Beef Loc Lac — Tender cubes of stir-fried beef served on a bed of fresh salad with tomatoes, onions, and a tangy lime and pepper dipping sauce. It's a dish with French colonial influence (the name comes from the French "le lac"), and it's one of the most popular dishes in Cambodia for both locals and visitors.

Experiencing a Different Way of Life

One of the most enriching aspects of travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia is experiencing a way of life that's fundamentally different from what most Western travellers are used to. These are countries rooted in Eastern culture — where community, family, spirituality, and tradition play a central role in everyday life.

In Vietnam, you'll see families of four on a single motorbike, grandmothers practising tai chi in the park at dawn, and entire neighbourhoods gathered around tiny plastic stools eating street food together. Life happens outdoors, in markets, on street corners, and in communal spaces. There's an energy and a connectedness to daily life that's genuinely refreshing.

In Cambodia, Buddhism permeates every aspect of life. Saffron-robed monks are a common sight on the streets, temples are centres of community life, and there's a gentleness and generosity of spirit that's immediately apparent. Despite the hardships of the past, Cambodians are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you'll ever meet. The smiles are genuine, the curiosity about foreign visitors is warm, and the hospitality is deeply felt.

Travelling in Vietnam and Cambodia gives you a new perspective. It slows you down, opens your eyes, and reminds you that there are many different ways to live a good life. That's what travel is really about.

Natural Beauty

Both Vietnam and Cambodia are blessed with stunning natural landscapes that go far beyond the tourist highlights.

In Vietnam, the diversity of landscapes is extraordinary. The towering limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh (often called "Ha Long Bay on land") are otherworldly. The terraced rice fields of Sapa in the northern mountains are among the most beautiful in Asia. The Mekong Delta in the south is a vast, lush, watery world of floating markets, fruit orchards, and narrow canals. And the beaches of Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang are world-class.

In Cambodia, Tonle Sap — Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake — is home to floating villages where entire communities live on the water. The Cardamom Mountains in the southwest are a vast wilderness of primary rainforest, waterfalls, and wildlife. And the southern coast offers beautiful, relatively undeveloped beaches on islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

Whether you're trekking through mountains, cruising down rivers, or lying on pristine beaches, the natural beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia will take your breath away.

Plan a Trip with iFlyGo

Vietnam and Cambodia are two of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world. They're affordable, culturally rich, stunningly beautiful, and full of experiences that will stay with you long after you return home. Whether you want to explore ancient temples, eat your way through street markets, cruise through limestone karsts, or simply slow down and experience a different way of life, these two countries deliver in every way.

At iFlyGo, we specialise in helping travellers plan unforgettable trips to Southeast Asia. Whether you're looking for a guided group tour, an independent itinerary, or a completely tailor-made adventure, we'll handle the flights, accommodation, transfers, and activities so you can focus on the experience. Get in touch with our team today and let's start planning your Vietnam and Cambodia adventure.