Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia but not sure about the ideal duration? In this blog, I will share with you three exciting itinerary ideas to help you make the most of your time in these captivating countries. Whether you have 13 days, 15 days, or even longer I have got you covered with carefully crafted Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary suggestions that showcase the best of these two countries.
How long to spend in Vietnam and Cambodia?
As a general guideline, a minimum of 10 to 14 days is recommended to get a meaningful experience in both countries. This timeframe allows you to explore key destinations and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical attractions these countries have to offer.
For a more comprehensive journey, a duration of 2 to 3 weeks (14 to 21 days) is ideal. This allows you to delve deeper into the local culture, visit a wider range of destinations, and have a more relaxed pace during your trip. You can explore iconic sites such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Siem Reap. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to visit natural wonders like Halong Bay and the beautiful beaches of Cambodia’s southern coast.
If you have limited time for travel, you can still have a meaningful experience with a shorter trip of about 7 to 10 days. It’s best to focus on one country or combine a part of others instead of trying to cover both countries. You can choose to explore Vietnam and Cambodia, or just one of these countries.
>>> Check out this list of Vietnam and Cambodia tour packages to find more ideas
Vietnam and Cambodia 17 Days Itinerary
This 17-day itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of both Vietnam and Cambodia while providing ample time for exploration and relaxation.
Phase 1: Vietnam Tour (12 Days)
Day 1 – 2: Hanoi Arrival and City Tour
- Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel.
- Explore the bustling Old Quarter, witness the solemnity of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and indulge in the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
- Immerse yourself in the rhythm of local life with a visit to the local market as Cho Troi and a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 3 – 4: Halong Cruise Adventure
- Set sail on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, where limestone karsts tower majestically against the horizon.
- Kayak through hidden caves, visit floating fishing villages and marvel at the ethereal beauty of Sung Sot Cave.
- Engage with local fishermen and learn about their traditional way of life, deeply rooted in the maritime heritage of Vietnam.
Day 5 – 6: City tour to explore Hue’s Royal Legacy
- Discover the grandeur of the Imperial Citadel and the serenity of the Thien Mu Pagoda, icons of Vietnam’s royal legacy.
- Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Forbidden Purple City and uncover hidden gems tucked away in Hue’s historic neighborhoods.
Day 7 – 8: Hoi An’s Timeless Charm
- Step back in time as you wander through the cobblestone streets of Hoi An ancient town, adorned with colorful lanterns and preserved merchant houses.
- Participate in a hands-on lantern-making workshop, savor the delectable flavors of Cao Lau, and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Unwind on the pristine shores of An Bang Beach, where the azure waters of the South China Sea beckon.
Day 9 – 10: Ho Chi Minh highlights
- Flight to Ho Chi Minh City and check in hotel
- Take a city tour to the main attractions including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and delve into the depths of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s tumultuous past through immersive exhibits and firsthand accounts of wartime experiences.
Day 11 – 12: Mekong Delta Discovery
- Embark on a boat tour then navigate the labyrinthine waterways of the Mekong Delta, where life unfolds at a gentle pace amidst verdant rice paddies and swaying palm trees.
- Cruise along the Mekong River aboard a traditional sampan, encountering floating markets bustling with activity and serene rural landscapes.
- Interact with friendly locals as you visit riverside villages, where age-old traditions of artisanal crafts and agricultural practices continue to thrive.
Phase 2: Travel from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh (1 Day)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh
Transfer to Tan San Nhat airport for a flight to Phnom Penh, and check into the hotel.
You can spend the first day in Cambodia to explore the highlights of Phnom Penh including the Royal Palace complex. From there, it’s better to take a cyclo to Wat Phnom, the highest building in town and the heart of Phnom Penh.
Phase 3: Cambodia tour (4 Days)
Day 14: Unveiling Phnom Penh’s History
- Embark on a poignant journey through Cambodia’s tumultuous past with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the haunting Killing Fields.
- Dive into the vibrant tapestry of Cambodian culture with a stroll along the bustling riverfront promenade and a visit to the resplendent Royal Palace.
Day 15 – 17: Angkor Wat & Siem Reap Exploration
- Transfer to Siem Reap
- Marvel at the architectural splendor of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, and witness the ethereal beauty of sunrise over its ancient spires.
- Venture into the lesser-known temples of Ta Prohm and Bayon, where nature intertwines with history in a mesmerizing dance.
- Delve into the rural heartland of Cambodia with a visit to the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, where stilted houses and floating markets offer a glimpse into traditional Khmer life.
- Bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality of Vietnam and Cambodia.
>>> View tour details: Splendors Of Vietnam & Cambodia 17 Days
Vietnam Cambodia in 15 Days
If you have fewer days, you can choose to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in two weeks and still have a fulfilling travel experience. Consider spending more time in Hanoi and Siem Reap to fully absorb the cultural and historical significance of these cities. Additionally, you might choose to visit either Halong Bay or Hoi An, depending on your personal preferences.
Phase 1: Vietnam Travel (10 Days)
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
- Arrive in Hanoi and start your journey with a city tour around the bustling Old Quarter.
Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay
- Transfer to Halong Bay
- Embark on a luxurious cruise through the bay, where you’ll spend the day kayaking, swimming, and exploring hidden caves.
- Overnight on cruise
Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Night train to Sapa
- Wake up to the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay and enjoy a morning of leisure on board your cruise ship.
- Bid farewell to Halong Bay and return to Hanoi, where you’ll catch a train to Sapa.
Day 4 – 5: Sapa trekking adventure through villages – Night train to Hanoi
- Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sapa as you embark on a trekking adventure through the region’s lush valleys and terraced rice fields.
- Interact with local H’mong and Red Dao ethnic minority communities, learning about their traditional way of life and unique customs.
- After finishing the trekking tour in Sapa, you will be back to Lao Cai to catch the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi half-day city tour – Airport – Flight to Hue
- Spend the morning exploring the highlights of Hanoi, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Vietnamese Women’s Museum.
- After the tour, our driver will pick you up to get to the airport for your flight to Hue, where you’ll discover the ancient Imperial Citadel and the serene Thien Mu Pagoda.
Day 7: Full-day Hue city tour
- Delve into Hue’s rich history with a full-day tour of the Citadel in this former Imperial City with many well-preserved royal monuments in Hue.
- Gain insight into Hue’s cultural heritage with visits to local market and take a boat cruise along the Huong River.
Day 8: Hue – Danang – Hoi An
- Transfer to Hoi An
- Stroll around and explore the charm of Old Town, visiting attractions such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Quan Cong Temple.
Day 9: Hoi An – My Son half-day tour
- After breakfast, you take the half-day private tour to discover the My Son Sanctuary showcasing the remnants of the ancient Cham civilization.
- Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the pristine shores of An Bang Beach, indulging in water sports or simply lounging by the sea.
Day 10: Free Leisure Day in Hoi An
- Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace, exploring Hoi An’s quaint streets, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing at a sidewalk cafe.
- Dive into Hoi An’s vibrant culinary scene with a cooking class, or opt for a bicycle tour through the surrounding countryside.
Phase 2: Travel from Danang to Siem Reap (1 Day)
Day 11: Hoi An half-free day – Danang airport – Flight to Siem Reap
- Spend the morning exploring Hoi An’s hidden gems or relaxing at your hotel before catching a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Phase 3: Cambodia Travel (4 Days)
Day 12 – 15: Angkor Wat Discovery and Suburban Excursions
- Upon your arrival, our local driver and tour guide will be there to pick you up. We will then head to the central town for your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to yourself.
- Discover the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, where ancient ruins are intertwined with towering trees.
- Experience the vibrant culture of Cambodia with a traditional Apsara dance performance, explore the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, and visit the intricately carved temples of Banteay Srei.
- Bid farewell to the wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia, filled with unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
View tour details: Vietnam & Cambodia Holiday 15 Days
Discovery Southern Vietnam and Cambodia in 13 days
The suggested itinerary below would be to focus on either Vietnam or Cambodia for the majority of your trip. In Vietnam, you can focus on southern regions, while in Cambodia you can explore Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap.
Phase 1: Vietnam Exploration (5 Days)
Day 1 – 2: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival and City Tour
- Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
- Dive into the heart of the city with a guided tour that takes you to iconic landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Ben Thanh Market.
Day 3: Visit Cao Dai temple and Cu Chi tunnels
- Venture to the mystical Cao Dai Temple, where you’ll witness the unique fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Christian beliefs.
- Explore the intricate network of underground tunnels at the Cu Chi Tunnels, gaining insight into Vietnam’s wartime history and the resilience of its people.
Day 4 – 5: Mekong Delta Cruise and Rural Life
- Set sail on a scenic cruise along the Mekong Delta, where you’ll discover lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages.
- Immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural life as you visit local fruit orchards, rice paddies, and artisanal workshops, engaging with friendly locals along the way.
Phase 2: Across the border towards Phnom Penh (1 Day)
Day 6: Cross the Border
- Journey across the border into Cambodia, where you’ll arrive in the vibrant capital city of Phnom Penh.
- Dive into Cambodia’s rich history with visits to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Phase 3: Cambodia Exploration (6 Days)
Day 7 – 8: Battambang Discovery
- Take a scenic drive along the Sangker River, where you’ll find green landscapes and charming villages along the riverbanks.
- Discover Battambang highlights including the Phnom Sampeau, Wat Ek Phnom, and Provincial Museum, where you’ll gain insight into Cambodia’s tumultuous history.
- Drive to Phnom Banon and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains until sunset.
- Discover the energetic atmosphere of Prahoc Market, where locals come together to buy and sell fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and handcrafted items.
Day 9 – 13: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Exploration
- Arrive in Siem Reap
- Exploring the sprawling temple complex of Angkor, including iconic sites such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
- Don’t miss Beng Mealea temple if you are looking for a lesser-known temple without crowds.
- Immerse yourself in Cambodian culture with a traditional Apsara dance performance, a visit to the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, and a taste of authentic Khmer cuisine.
>>> View tour details: Discovery Southern Vietnam & Cambodia 13 days
In conclusion, crafting the Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary is an exciting experience that lets you fully immerse yourself in the rich cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and historical wonders. Whether you have 17 days, 15 days, or 13 days to spare, there are tailored options to suit your available time and travel preferences. You can request a quote by emailing us at [email protected] or filling out our contact form. We’ll respond within 12 hours.
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