Myanmar Or Cambodia: Where Should You Go First?

Where to begin in Southeast Asia? The region is full of new places to explore, exotic foods to try, and unfamiliar faces. So, should you head for the hidden gems in Myanmar? Or the popular temples in Siam Reap? Either way, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime in a unique country with rich history. We’re here to help you decide.

Visiting Myanmar

If you’ve never been to Southeast Asia, Myanmar can be quite a shock. It is one of the least developed Southeast Asian countries in terms of infrastructure, and it isn’t as cheap as its neighbors. However, if you’ve got an adventurous soul and a love for bustling markets, enchanting lakes, and deserts populated with temples, then Myanmar might be the place for you to visit. It is bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand, and is home to over 100 ethnic groups.

Travelling around Myanmar takes time. Overnight buses are the cheapest way to get around the country. However, even the VIP buses can be uncomfortable for an entire night, and depending on where you go, you may end up at your destination at 4 or 5 am. The alternative is to fly, but flights cost approximately $100 each and can be delayed.

Visiting Cambodia

Cambodia is much more visited than Myanmar. That means the paths are well worn and easier to get around. The country has an abundance of history, and the landscape varies between the Mekong Delta and numerous mountains. The capital, Phnom Penh, has the Royal Palace, National Museum, and many delicious street eats. Angkor Wat, the stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire and competes with Myanmar’s Bagan for beautiful sunsets.

There is mystery behind Cambodia’s temples, and a complicated history; picturesque fishing villages dot the palm-fringed coast. But arguably the best part of travel in Cambodia is hearing people’s stories about the country’s turbulent history. Modern Cambodia emerged from the Khmer Empire, which used to rule over what are now Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Travelling throughout Cambodia, accommodation is cheaper than in Myanmar. There are many modes of transportation and all are reasonably priced. Roads are still bumpy, but Cambodia does have a national highway network that has improved conditions in recent years.

So, Which Country Should You Choose?

Both countries are interesting because their political histories have made them less accessible than neighboring Thailand. If you don’t have enough time to visit both, Cambodia may be a better place to ease into Southeast Asia. However, the two countries are so different, with such amazing experiences to be had and so much to learn that a visit to both would be ideal.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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