Where to go for 10-day backpacking, Cambodia or Vietnam?
By theredquill
@theredquill (586)
Philippines
November 4, 2010 12:23pm CST
Hello, friends! I have just gone home from a stressful two years working in Africa and have now decided to spend 10 days with my sister backpacking in one of the countries in Asia. Cambodia and Vietnam both tickle my fancy, but since I have limited time, I can only explore one, I'm afraid. Both countries have very rich histories and cultures, lots of good exotic foods, warm and hospitable people, fantastic attractions, so I can't really decide. Hope some of you can help me. Thanks.
6 responses
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
They're just neighboring countries, so why not go to both? Some backpackers do that. My friends are going there this December. I think they will enter Vietnam and exit Cambodia. Ten days is good enough for both countries, I heard.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
As much as I would love to go to both, I guess it will be very tight. I will be travelling with my sister, who wants the trip a bit relaxed and not rushed. We're going in January. If you don't mind, I would like to know how your friends' trip went. That might influence our decision. Thanks!
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
7 Nov 10
Sure. I will ask her after her trip. They go on the first week of December.
1 person likes this
@doggydimon (1369)
• Philippines
26 Dec 10
I really can't decide. They are both great. Why not cross the two countries? :D You are right there that both have good food and warm and hospitable people. But I think Cambodia has a deeper history and culture as you can see with their temples. On the other hand Vietnam has many natural attractions. I think. So its up to you. The deciding factor would be culture or nature. What do you like more?
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
6 Jan 11
Hi doggydimon, thanks for your response. After a lot of thinking, I have decided to extend my trip to 20 days and see both countries, plus Laos. I'm looking forward to it. My sister and I are leaving on the 22nd of this month. I'm sure it will be an enriching experience. :)
@saizo6 (2199)
• United States
4 Nov 10
I've never been to Vietnam so I can't help you there. But I went to Cambodia 5 years ago and I had a wonderful time. There are so many things to see and places to explore. I was mainly excited about seeing all the ancient temples. Since you have a limited time I'd probably suggest going there since it is a smaller country and you'd be able to cover more ground.
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
Thanks, saizo6. I was thinking it would be practical to go to Cambodia because, as you said, the country is smaller, so it will be easy to go around and see a lot of sights in the days that I'm there. Whereas in Vietnam, I guess I will spend most of my time on trains and buses rather than actually seeing the places.
@shia88 (4571)
• Malaysia
5 Nov 10
Hi,
I never been to cambodia and vietnam yet and
just curious how is these 2 countries.
I myself never do backpacking before.
So far, I only been to Hongkong,Australia,Singapore and Malaysia.
For Hongkong trip, I went with travel agent for the very first time
and my second trip to hongkong is free and easy.
I really enjoy the free and easy trip ...at least I have more free time to
walk around and no rushing.
I do watch from TV that Cambodia and Vietnam are nice countries and hope I will
have chance to travel to those 2 countries in future.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
Hi shia88, wow you've explored quite a lot of places already. Better try backpacking as well, for more adventure.
@puccagirl (7294)
• Israel
4 Nov 10
I have no ideas about Cambodia but I have heard wonderful things about Vietnam and also seen pics from there. So it is definitely a good choice!
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
Oh, I've seen wonderful photos of Vietnam too, and Ha Long Bay in the northern part is just gorgeous!
@Killer1VN (44)
• Vietnam
5 Nov 10
u want to visit VietNam? Great thats my country, i can give u some advice. U have 10day backpacking right? U want climb mount then visit some pagoda or ride a boat to blue ocean, swimming and eat lunch on a little island ( Ha Long bay - 1 of the Wonder of the World? Or explore our culture in some old town ( Hoi An did u ever hear, they creat ceramics? ) Interesting? No? Why? Bcuz u think it impossible to do all that in just 10day? No problem my friend, i can make u a trip in 10day-9night so u can go all around my beautiful country. Think about it. If u like contact me anytime u want. I Hope to meet u soon
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
Oh yeah, I would love to see all of Vietnam, if and when I have the time. And as you say, 10 days wouldn't be enough. That's too bad because I really want to see Saigon, Hue, My Son, Halong Bay, and Hanoi. And I heard Da Nang is good too. I'm not sure if I'll be able to fit all of those in the very limited time I have. But I appreciate your offer. I will definitely contact you if I decide to go to Vietnam instead of Cambodia.
