As of November 12, 2026, Cambodia is cheaper than Vietnam for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $62 in Cambodia against $64 in Vietnam, a gap of 4.1%. Over the past year Cambodia has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+0.9% after inflation, against −3.5%). Vietnam carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2). Vietnam is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Cambodia | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $62 | $64 |
| Lean day | $29 | $30 |
| Comfortable day | $134 | $150 |
| Real change, 12 months | +0.9% | −3.5% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +2.5% | −2.6% |
| Versus 5-year average | +3.0% | +6.0% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 3.4 · Workable | 4.0 · Well set up |
| Index score | 67 | 72 |
| Best months | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb | Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec |
| Shoulder months | Mar, Oct | May, Sep, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Angkor, a relaxed coast, and a dollarized economy that hides currency moves.
The catchMost prices are quoted in US dollars, so a weak riel does little for you. Healthcare is thin: serious cases go to Bangkok.
A long, thin country that feeds you extraordinarily well for almost nothing.
The catchE-visa required for most passports, traffic is the main physical risk, and the north is cold and gray from December to February.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.