Planning a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam? You’re in for a treat! As I started my journey through these two amazing countries, I realized just how much there is to see and do.
Let me share my Cambodia Vietnam travel itinerary and some tips to make the most of your experience.
14-Day Cambodia Vietnam Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Morning: Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport. After clearing customs, take a tuk-tuk to your hotel (average cost: $30-$50 per night). I recommend staying at places like The Aviary Hotel or Borey Angkor Resort for comfort and convenience.
- Afternoon: Visit the Angkor National Museum. It’s a great way to understand the history and culture of the Khmer Empire before you visit the temples. Entry fee: $12. Spend about 2 hours here.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Cambodian dinner at Koulen Restaurant, where you can also watch cultural performances (dinner cost: $10). Don’t forget to try amok, a famous Cambodian curry!
| Day 1 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Accommodation | The Aviary Hotel / Borey Angkor Resort (Cost: $30-$50) |
| Activities | Angkor National Museum (Entry: $12), Dinner at Koulen Restaurant (Cost: $10) |
| Transport | Tuk-tuk from airport |
| Notes | Try the amok curry |
Day 2: Angkor Wat
- Early Morning: Set off early (around 4:30 AM) to Angkor Wat to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Bring your camera; it’s a sight you won’t forget! The entry fee for Angkor Wat is $37 for a one-day pass.
- Morning: After sunrise, explore the temple complex at your own pace. Don’t miss the intricate bas-reliefs and the central tower that represents Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
- Lunch: Have lunch at Sister Srey Café, a local spot known for its healthy menu (lunch cost: $5).
- Afternoon: Visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and see the Bayon Temple with its giant stone faces. Then, head to Ta Prohm, known for the trees intertwining with the ruins—perfect for Instagram!
- Evening: Return to Siem Reap and relax at your hotel or enjoy a foot massage (cost: $5-$10) to unwind after a long day.
| Day 2 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 1 |
| Activities | Angkor Wat (Entry: $37), Lunch at Sister Srey Café (Cost: $5), Visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm |
| Transport | Tuk-tuk within Angkor complex |
| Notes | Bring water and snacks for the day |
Day 3: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
- Morning: After breakfast, board a bus to Phnom Penh (cost: $12, journey takes about 6 hours). I recommend Giant Ibis or Mekong Express for comfortable travel.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel, such as Okay Boutique Hotel. Then, visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda (entry fee: $10). Take your time admiring the stunning architecture and the gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Friends the Restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine and supports a good cause by training street kids in hospitality (dinner cost: $10).
| Day 3 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| Accommodation | Okay Boutique Hotel (Cost: $30-$50) |
| Activities | Bus to Phnom Penh (Cost: $12), Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (Entry: $10), Dinner at Friends the Restaurant (Cost: $10) |
| Transport | Bus and tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh |
| Notes | Try to interact with the staff at Friends; they have great stories! |
Day 4: Phnom Penh
- Morning: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime (entry fee: $5). This site offers a harrowing yet essential insight into Cambodia’s past.
- Lunch: Eat at Malis Restaurant, known for its upscale Cambodian dishes (lunch cost: $10).
- Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (entry fee: $3). It’s a sobering experience, but important to understand the history.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River (cruise cost: $10). The views of the city skyline and the riverside life are beautiful.
| Day 4 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 3 |
| Activities | Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Entry: $5), Lunch at Malis (Cost: $10), Killing Fields Tour (Entry: $3), Sunset cruise (Cost: $10) |
| Transport | Tuk-tuk to various locations |
| Notes | Bring water for the Killing Fields tour. |
Day 5: Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Morning: Travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City by bus (cost: $15, 6 hours). Bring snacks and water for the ride.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. I recommend staying at Hotel Nikko for luxury or Funtastic Saigon for budget options. Visit Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and a taste of local street food.
- Evening: Dinner at Quan An Ngon, known for its wide variety of Vietnamese dishes (dinner cost: $10).
| Day 5 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Hotel Nikko or Funtastic Saigon (Cost: $50-$100) |
| Activities | Bus to Ho Chi Minh City (Cost: $15), Ben Thanh Market, Dinner at Quan An Ngon (Cost: $10) |
| Transport | Bus and local taxis |
| Notes | Bargain at Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs! |
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum (entry fee: $2). This museum provides a powerful look at the Vietnam War through photographs and exhibits.
- Lunch: Try a bowl of pho at Pho 2000, famous for being visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton (cost: $3).
- Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, you can crawl through sections of the tunnels and learn how they were used during the war (tunnel tour cost: $10).
- Evening: Explore the nightlife in District 1. Visit a rooftop bar like Sky Deck at Bitexco Tower for stunning views of the city (drinks cost: $5-$10).
| Day 6 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 5 |
| Activities | War Remnants Museum (Entry: $2), Lunch at Pho 2000 (Cost: $3), Cu Chi Tunnels Tour (Cost: $10) |
| Transport | Local taxi and bus |
| Notes | Bring your ID for the museum. |
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
- Morning: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (flight cost: $50). Consider booking with VietJet Air or Bamboo Airways.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Hanoi. I recommend the Old Quarter for a central location. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can take a leisurely stroll.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the Old Quarter, trying dishes like bun cha or cha ca (cost: $10).
| Day 7 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Old Quarter (Cost: $30-$60) |
| Activities | Flight to Hanoi (Cost: $50), Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinner in Old Quarter (Cost: $10) |
| Transport | Taxi to airport and local transport |
| Notes | Explore nearby shops at the lake. |
Day 8: Hanoi
- Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda (entry fee: free). It’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local meal at Cha Ca Thang Long, famous for its grilled fish (lunch cost: $7).
- Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, which is a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture (entry fee: $1).
- Evening: Attend a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (ticket cost: $5).
| Day 8 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 7 |
| Activities | Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Free), Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long (Cost: $7), Temple of Literature (Entry: $1), Water Puppet Show (Cost: $5) |
| Transport | Local taxi and walking |
| Notes | Arrive early for the Mausoleum. |
Day 9: Hanoi to Halong Bay
- Early Morning: Depart for Halong Bay (cost: $30 for bus transfer). It takes about 3-4 hours, so leave early to maximize your time.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Halong Bay and board your cruise (2-day/1-night cruise package costs around $100). Enjoy lunch on the boat as you cruise through the stunning limestone karsts.
- Evening: Participate in activities like kayaking or swimming (included in the cruise package). Dinner is served on board.
| Day 9 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Halong Bay, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Overnight cruise (Cost: $100) |
| Activities | Bus to Halong Bay (Cost: $30), Cruise activities (Included in package) |
| Transport | Bus and boat |
| Notes | Bring swimwear and sunscreen! |
Day 10: Halong Bay to Hanoi
- Morning: Enjoy breakfast on board and continue your cruise. Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) to explore its vast chambers and impressive formations.
- Lunch: Return to the harbor for lunch at a local restaurant (cost: $10).
- Afternoon: Travel back to Hanoi (bus cost: $30). Check into your hotel and relax.
- Evening: Stroll around the Old Quarter and grab dinner at Banh Mi 25 (cost: $3 for a delicious banh mi).
| Day 10 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 8 |
| Activities | Cruise activities, Lunch at local restaurant (Cost: $10), Return to Hanoi (Cost: $30), Dinner at Banh Mi 25 (Cost: $3) |
| Transport | Boat and bus |
| Notes | Sample different banh mi fillings! |
Day 11: Hanoi to Hoi An
- Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (flight cost: $50), then transfer to Hoi An (cost: $20).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel. I recommend Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel. Afterward, explore the Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colorful lanterns and traditional architecture (entry fee: free).
- Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner at Morning Glory (cost: $10). Don’t miss their cao lau dish!
| Day 11 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Hoi An, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel (Cost: $30-$60) |
| Activities | Flight to Da Nang (Cost: $50), Transfer to Hoi An (Cost: $20), Explore Ancient Town, Dinner at Morning Glory (Cost: $10) |
| Transport | Flight and taxi |
| Notes | Take lots of photos in Ancient Town! |
Day 12: Hoi An
- Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make Vietnamese dishes (class cost: $30). It’s a fun and interactive way to experience the local cuisine.
- Lunch: Enjoy the meal you prepared during the cooking class.
- Afternoon: Rent a bicycle and ride to An Bang Beach for some relaxation. The bike rental costs around $2.
- Evening: Experience the Hoi An Lantern Festival (if your visit coincides with the full moon). Enjoy dinner at a street stall or local restaurant (cost: $5).
| Day 12 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Hoi An, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 11 |
| Activities | Cooking class (Cost: $30), Lunch (Included), Bike rental (Cost: $2), Dinner at a local restaurant (Cost: $5) |
| Transport | Bicycle |
| Notes | Bring sunscreen for the beach! |
Day 13: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Fly from Da Nang back to Ho Chi Minh City (flight cost: $50).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel. Visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Central Post Office, both iconic sites.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Cục Gạch Quán, known for its unique ambiance and delicious food (cost: $15).
| Day 13 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Cost: $50-$100) |
| Activities | Flight back to Ho Chi Minh City (Cost: $50), Visit Notre-Dame Basilica and Central Post Office, Dinner at Cục Gạch Quán (Cost: $15) |
| Transport | Flight and local transport |
| Notes | Take photos at the iconic sites! |
Day 14: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your flight back home, cherishing the memories of your incredible journey through Cambodia and Vietnam.
| Day 14 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Departure from Ho Chi Minh City |
| Accommodation | N/A |
| Activities | Last-minute shopping/sightseeing |
| Transport | Taxi to the airport |
| Notes | Check for souvenirs to take home! |
Estimated Budget Overview
Here’s an estimated budget overview for your 14-day Cambodia Vietnam Travel Itinerary, broken down by category:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $450 (average $30-$50 per night) |
| Meals | $210 (average $10 per day) |
| Transportation | $200 (flights, buses, taxis) |
| Activities | $150 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,210 |
How Many Days Do You Need for Cambodia and Vietnam?
To really enjoy both countries, I recommend spending 10 to 14 days. This gives you enough time to explore the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Cambodia: 4-5 days
- Vietnam: 6-9 days
If you want to dive deeper into the culture and sites, consider adding a few more days!
Can I Do Vietnam and Cambodia Together?
Absolutely! Many travelers combine Vietnam and Cambodia into one trip. I did, and it was fantastic. They are neighboring countries, making it easy to travel between them.
I took a bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, which cost around $15-$20 and took about 6 hours. This journey allows you to experience the landscapes and cultures along the way.
What Is the Best Time to Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia?
The best time to visit both countries is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant weather with less humidity.
I visited in December, and it was perfect for exploring. Expect daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C – 29°C).
Is Vietnam, Cambodia Worth Visiting?
Yes! Both countries have rich histories, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. In Cambodia, you can explore the breathtaking Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments in the world.
In Vietnam, don’t miss the vibrant streets of Hanoi or the beautiful scenery in Halong Bay. I found the local street food to be one of the highlights, with meals costing as little as $1-$2!
How Many Days in Cambodia Is Enough?
For a fulfilling experience in Cambodia, I recommend spending at least 4 days. This allows you to see the main sites:
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, visit Angkor Wat at sunrise.
- Day 2: Explore the temples of Angkor, including Bayon and Ta Prohm.
- Day 3: Visit the capital, Phnom Penh, and see the Royal Palace and Killing Fields.
- Day 4: Take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake.
Tips for Your Trip
- Currency: Cambodia uses the Cambodian riel, but US dollars are widely accepted. Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong.
- Language: English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in Khmer and Vietnamese can enhance your experience.
- Health: Make sure you have travel insurance and check if you need any vaccinations before traveling.
- Local Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples, and always ask permission before taking photos of people.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Cambodia and Vietnam was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I encourage you to take your time, savor the food, and immerse yourself in the culture.
Don’t forget to check local prices, as things can vary. Enjoy your adventure, and feel free to ask if you have any questions!
In conclusion, with a bit of planning and an open heart, your journey through these beautiful countries will be unforgettable. Happy travels!