Side-by-side
Both are first-timer-friendly from India in shoulder season. Cambodia leans temple-and-coast; Laos leans Mekong mist and night markets. Budgets below are rough planning bands as of Oct 2026, not quotes.
| Factor | Cambodia | Laos |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | Nov–Feb dry season; Oct still workable with afternoon showers | Nov–Feb; Oct can mean mist on the Mekong and muddy trails |
| Rough INR band | ₹4,000–₹9,000 pp/day mid-range on the ground (excl. flights) | ₹3,500–₹8,000 pp/day mid-range; Luang Prabang sits toward the top of the band |
| Visa / entry (Indians) | e-Visa / VOA common for Indians — always recheck official site | e-Visa / VOA routes exist for Indians — confirm before you book |
| Vibe | Angkor mornings, pepper coast, livelier towns | Mekong slow travel, night markets, softer nights |
| Pick this if… | Temples are the headline and you want more transport links between stops. | You want river pace, French-Lao food and fewer checklist crowds. |
| Our guide | Cambodia guide | Laos guide |
INR figures are planning ranges as of Oct 2026, not live quotes. Visa lines are reminders — always verify on the official embassy or immigration site before you book.