Cambodia and Thailand Tours
Traveling to Cambodia and Thailand: An Overview
Why book separate Cambodia and Thailand tours when you can combine both into one exhilarating itinerary?
Fly into one country and out of the other to minimize travel time. Bangkok is Thailand’s central aviation hub, though Phuket also has international connections. Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) is Cambodia’s most popular gateway, but its capital, Phnom Penh, is another viable option.
Getting from Cambodia to Thailand
Fast, frequent, and affordable flights zip between Bangkok’s two airports and Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Limited direct flights go to other destinations.
If you don’t fancy flying, express buses run between Bangkok and Battambang/Siem Reap via the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border crossing. It’s worth paying a little more for VIP services, where extra-large seats afford ample legroom.
Don’t forget to adjust your clock—Cambodia is one hour ahead of Thailand.
The best time to visit Cambodia and Thailand
These two neighboring nations encompass a variety of climatic zones. On the whole, however, the best time to visit Thailand and Cambodia is from November to February due to lower temperatures and infrequent rainfall. The downside is that the high season brings higher prices and thicker crowds.
The rainy season runs roughly from June to October, though this can vary between destinations. While rainfall can occur almost daily in places, it often only lasts an hour or two, and you’ll get clear blue skies the rest of the day. The rain also brings a welcome respite from the heat.
The hot “summer” season generally runs in April and May. Temperatures can become oppressive, making outdoor activities a chore. Both countries celebrate a New Year Songkran festival, with wild public water fights to combat the heat.
Read our guide on the best time to visit Cambodia and the best time to visit Thailand for a full overview.
Highlights of a Cambodia and Thailand trip
- Explore iconic monuments and thriving street food scenes in Phnom Penh and Bangkok, the bustling capitals.
- Marvel at magnificent ancient temples at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat or Thailand’s Ayutthaya Historical Site.
- Scuba, snorkel or sunbathe at a sparkling palm-fringed island, such as Koh Phi Phi in Thailand or Koh Rong in Cambodia.
- Embark on an adventurous jungle trek in the hills near Chiang Mai or Cambodia’s far-flung Cardamom Mountains.
- Glide across the floodplains and savor the slow life on a relaxing Mekong Delta river cruise.
- Party, hippie-style, on Koh Phangan, home of Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Party but otherwise a fairly laid-back destination.
- Learn about Cambodia’s heart-breaking contemporary history at the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center.
- Visit mind-blowing temples and experience traditional Northern Thai culture in the easy-going city of Chiang Rai.
Cambodia and Thailand Travel Tips
- Respect local traditions: Dress modestly at temples and avoid touching furniture or pointing at people with your feet.
- Research your visas: Travelers from many nations can enter Thailand with a visa exemption, while most require a visa (available on arrival) to enter Cambodia.
- Bargain gracefully: Haggling is the norm at markets but not at malls or convenience stores. Pack plenty of patience and a smile.
- Watch out for mosquitos: Dengue fever is prevalent in the wet season.
At a Glance: Cambodia Vs Thailand
| Cambodia | Thailand | |
| Annual visitors | About 6 million | About 40 million |
| Ideal duration | One week | Two to three weeks |
| Transportation | Domestic flights often go via Bangkok. Tourist-orientated shuttle buses are fast and inexpensive but can be cramped. Consider trains between Bangkok-Chiang Mai and Bangkok-Surat Thani. An extensive ferry network serves the southern islands (speed boats can get bumpy!) | Domestic flights are a good option between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap or Battambang. VIP bus services, shared taxis, and tourist shuttle buses ply shorter routes. |
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| Affordability | Some southern islands and cities are becoming more expensive in the high season but Thailand is generally very affordable. | Prices for food and services can be slightly higher than in Thailand, but Cambodia is still extremely cheap. |
