Thailand and Cambodia, neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, offer unique cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Planning a combined trip to both countries requires careful consideration of various factors. In this guide, we will provide insights on how to create an itinerary that allows you to make the most of your time in Thailand and Cambodia.
Which Country to Enter First?
Before the pandemic, it was generally recommended to enter through Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, due to its extensive international flight options. However, with the decrease in international flights, the choice of whether to enter from Thailand first or Cambodia now depends on the flight availability from your departure point.
Traveling from Europe and Australia
For travelers from Europe and Australia, direct international flights to Cambodia are currently limited, often requiring a transfer in Singapore. On the other hand, direct flights to and from Thailand are readily available. Based on this, we typically suggest entering Cambodia and leaving from Thailand. This allows you to take a direct flight back home, providing a refreshing end to your holiday with a beachside stay in Thailand.
While it is possible to fly in and out from Thailand, it would require extra travel time to journey between Thailand and Cambodia.
Traveling from the US and Canada
For travelers from the United States and Canada, the availability of flights to either Thailand or Cambodia does not significantly impact the itinerary. Both countries require connecting flights, so you can decide based on the most convenient flight times, ticket prices, and your travel dates. Nonetheless, we still recommend entering Cambodia and exiting through Thailand for a relaxing beach finish.
Get Expert Itinerary Advice
If you are still uncertain about your tour arrangements, worry not. Our team is here to help. We will select the best tour route based on your needs, ensuring you make the most of your time, avoid any hassles, and have an enjoyable travel experience. Contact us for personalized itinerary advice.
How Do I Travel Between Thailand and Cambodia?
By far, the most convenient way to travel between Cambodia and Thailand is by air. Bangkok has direct flights to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, and Siem Reap, the most famous tourist city in Cambodia. The flight duration for both journeys is just over an hour.
Alternatively, you can choose to travel by land between Bangkok and Siem Reap. The Poipet/Aranya Prathet port on the Cambodian/Thai border is the most popular crossing point for tourists. The journey by land typically takes approximately 6-9 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased at travel agencies in Bangkok’s Khao San Road and Downtown Siem Reap.
How Many Days are Needed?
To fully experience the highlights of Thailand and Cambodia, it is recommended to allocate at least 10 days for your trip. Most travelers spend 3-5 days in Cambodia and 7-9 days in Thailand. Due to its larger size and diverse attractions, Thailand generally requires more time to explore fully.
In Thailand, popular destinations include Bangkok (the capital city), Chiang Mai (the largest city in northern Thailand), and one of the southern islands such as Phuket or Koh Samui. Phuket is the most popular choice, while Koh Samui offers a more romantic vibe for couples.
Cambodia, being a smaller country, typically revolves around visiting Siem Reap for its incredible Angkor Wat and possibly Phnom Penh for its temples and local markets.
Itinerary Suggestions
10-Day Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary
A 10-day itinerary allows you to explore the most popular attractions in both countries. Here’s a favorite way to organize the itinerary:
- Days 1-2: Siem Reap sightseeing
- Day 3: Fly to Bangkok
- Day 4: Visit Bangkok
- Day 5: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Days 6-7: Explore Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Phuket
- Days 8-10: Relax and enjoy the beaches of Phuket
A 2-Week Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary
With a two-week itinerary, you can spend more time exploring Siem Reap in depth. Here’s a recommended plan:
- Day 1-5: In-depth tour of Siem Reap
- Day 6: Fly to Bangkok
- Day 7-8: Explore Bangkok
- Day 9: Fly to Phuket
- Day 10-13: Explore the attractions of Phuket
- Day 14: Return to Bangkok
For more detailed 2-week itineraries, you can refer to our 9-Day Thailand Tour with Elephant Encounter and Island Escape and 5-Day Siem Reap in Depth Tour. These itineraries can be adjusted to suit your interests, group size, and other requirements.
3-Week Thailand and Cambodia Itineraries
If you have three weeks to spare, you can allocate more time for exploring Phnom Penh and other attractions in Thailand. This allows you to visit temples, palaces, national parks, and indulge in island hopping experiences in Thailand.
Some travelers also prefer combining Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia for an extended 2-to-3-week tour. You can check out our How to Plan a Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for more information.
How Much Does a Cambodia and Thailand Trip Cost?
Both Cambodia and Thailand cater to a wide range of budgets. Cambodia generally has slightly lower travel costs compared to Thailand, with a difference of around US$10-30 per day.
Travel Costs in Thailand
- Budget: Around 30 USD/day per person (hostels, street food, local public transportation)
- Medium: Approximately 50 USD/day per person (3-star hotels, sit-down restaurants, tuk-tuks, occasional taxis)
- High: US$100-150 per day per person (4/5-star hotels, quality meals, taxis or private transfers)
Travel Costs in Cambodia
- Budget: Around 15 USD/day per person (hostels, street food, local public transportation)
- Medium: Approximately 25-35 USD/day per person (3-star hotels, sit-down restaurants, occasional taxis)
- High: US$70-150 per day per person (4/5-star hotels, quality meals, taxis or private transfers)
Visa and Entry Requirements for a Thailand and Cambodia Trip
Thailand allows visa-free entry from 64 countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, the USA, and the UK. However, if you do not qualify for the visa-free policy, you will need to apply for a visa before visiting Thailand.
On the other hand, Cambodia requires visitors to obtain a tourist visa. This can be obtained online or upon arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Airport. For more information on applying for a Cambodia visa, refer to our detailed guide.
Best Times to Visit Thailand and Cambodia
Thailand and Cambodia share similar climates due to their proximity. The best time to visit both countries is from November to April when the weather is sunny and dry.
Do note that the Christmas/New Year holiday season is particularly busy. As international travel continues to recover, popular cities and islands such as Bangkok, as well as flights between destinations like Siem Reap and Bangkok, may be sold out in advance. It is advisable to plan ahead and make reservations in advance. Let us know your interests and requirements, and we’ll take care of everything. If you prefer to visit dry places in Southeast Asia during December, you can check out our guide on Southeast Asia Weather in December.
We guarantee a 100% refund of any payments made to Ekilove prior to 3 weeks before departure. This ensures you have peace of mind when planning your trip.
August to early October marks the rainy season in both countries, with short afternoon or dusk downpours. However, these showers are usually brief and should not significantly affect your travel experience.
Festival Tips
For those seeking vibrant festival experiences, we recommend visiting in April or November:
- April is the month of New Year celebrations in both Cambodia and Thailand (usually April 13-15). It is one of the biggest festivals in both countries.
- November is known for Thailand’s Lantern Festivals, a magical spectacle that attracts tourists from around the world.
Travel Tips
- Both Thailand and Cambodia are predominantly Buddhist countries. When visiting temples, dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees.
- Cambodia’s official currency is the Riel, but US dollars are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. In Thailand, only the local currency, the baht, is accepted.
- Tipping is common in both Cambodia and Thailand as a gesture of appreciation and to receive better service. A tip of one to two dollars is considered appropriate.
Related Articles
For more travel inspiration and guidance, check out the following articles:
- How to Plan a 3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary
- How to Plan a Trip to Cambodia and Vietnam
- Vietnam vs Thailand: Which to Visit (A Helpful Comparison for You)
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2023/2024)
Contact Us for Bookings/Inquiries
All our tours can be customized to suit your preferences. Our aim is to create the ideal itinerary based on your interests, group size, budget, and other requirements. Feel free to contact us for personalized assistance and advice.
- 11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
You can find more Thailand travel itineraries on our Most Popular Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam Tours page. For more information, visit Ekilove.com.
