Vietnam Cambodia tour 2 weeks: What to do?

Even with only 2 weeks, it is possible to discover these 2 countries without running too much and enjoy your trip. Follow our advice for a successful 2-week Vietnam Cambodia tour!

1. Things to see and do in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2 weeks

Split your circuit, one week/one week

Here is an idea to prepare your possible future Vietnam Cambodia tour in 14 days. To avoid running around too much, we advise you to concentrate on one of the three regions of Vietnam:

- Northern Vietnam, is a breath-taking region which offers the most spectacular landscapes in the country such as those of Halong Bay, the largest marine karst on the planet classified as a UNESCO natural heritage site. Another UNESCO-listed site in this region is the Trang An Complex, which is distinguished by its dizzying array of karst formations bristling with checkerboard rice fields and by its numerous historical remains including Hoa Lu, the former royal capital. Much of Northern Vietnam is mountainous and it is a wonderful adventure playground for hikers and travellers looking for something new. What kind of traveller has not dreamed of seeing the rice terraces dressed with majesty in the mountains, of meeting the mountain tribes dressed in their shimmering costumes in the stunning ethnic markets?

Who doesn't want to sleep with locals in a beautiful wooden house on stilts and immerse themselves in the daily life of a Vietnamese family? A trip to the North of Vietnam will also allow you to discover the exciting capital of the country, Hanoi. Be careful to choose your season carefully! Travel there preferably from April to June and from the end of September to mid-November.

- Central Vietnam, a region which is home to no less than 4 UNESCO sites. Fans of breath-taking nature will set their sights on Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, one of the country's natural jewels which is home to an impressive number of caves including the largest in the world. History and culture enthusiasts will enjoy discovering the 3 other UNESCO-listed sites: Hue, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary. The first will immerse you in the imperial history of Vietnam, the second will be dazzled by its charming historic centre and the third will be the most beautiful testimony to the artistic excellence of the Cham people. The best season is from March to the end of August.

- The South of Vietnam, a key region for a 2-week Vietnam Cambodia trip. After visiting the old health resort of Dalat, discover the old Saigon, vibrant, feverish mixing colonial charm and modernity before going to the Mekong Delta, the cradle of floating markets, from where you can easily reach Cambodia by river or by road. Best season: November to April.

For the following week in Cambodia, it has two must-sees to discover: Phnom Penh the capital and the archaeological treasures of Angkor. These two sites deserve 2 days each. For the remaining 3 days, either treat yourself to an ending of 14-day of Vietnam Cambodia trip on a beach (Kep, Sihanoukville or the wonderful islands of Koh Rong or Koh Kong), or take a stopover in Battambang or Kampong Cham which are located in the road between Phnom Penh and Angkor, and take a short cruise on the Tonlé Sap dotted with floating villages and sheltering remarkable biodiversity. Battambang has a beautiful collection of old colonial houses, a lively central market and several cultural curiosities hidden in a beautiful rice-growing countryside. Kampong Cham is a pleasant town with beautiful Khmer architectural remains, old shabby colonial houses, a lovely island reached by the longest bamboo bridge in the world and a relaxed atmosphere much appreciated by travellers.

The Essentials of Vietnam and Cambodia 2 weeks

Why not discover the must-see attractions of Vietnam and Cambodia, and come back later, enticed by your first discoveries, to explore other sites? For the must-sees of Vietnam, we will focus on Hanoi which cultivates a perfect mix between tradition and modernity, the sublime Halong Bay for a magical 2-day cruise in a supernatural setting, then we will go to the Centre of the country to visit Hue or Hoi An, two UNESCO-listed cities with incredible charm, we will end this stay in Vietnam with the discovery of the Mekong Delta after a visit to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

It will then be time to discover the must-see attractions of Cambodia, Phnom Penh and Angkor temples and if there is a little time left, why not finish in style on an idyllic beach in the kingdom? To make this 2-week Vietnam Cambodia trip, it is essential to choose the plane and choose the season carefully. To have pleasant weather on the entire circuit, March and April as well as October are wise.

2. Vietnam Cambodia Tour Itinerary Ideas for 2 weeks

Below you will find ideas for a 14-day tour in Vietnam and Cambodia, adapted according to your desires.

Option 1: Tour in Northern Vietnam + Cambodia 2 weeks (one week/one week)

This tour allows you to visit most of Northern Vietnam and then discover the mysterious temples of Angkor in Cambodia. It is suitable for almost all travellers thanks to its gentle rhythm. You do not miss the opportunity to taste Hanoi specialities, immerse yourself in the authentic Thai culture in Mai Chau and Pu Luong and particularly spend a cruise aboard a traditional junk at Halong Bay - one of the Wonders that everyone dreams of visiting at least once in their life. Then you will take a flight to arrive at the territory of the mythical temples in Siem Reap and discover Cambodian life.

Route: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hanoi – Siem Reap – Battambang – Phnom Penh    

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: stroll in the old quarter
Day 2: Hanoi discovery: A visit to the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnography, exploration of the French Quarter, experience of the water puppet show    
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: transfer to Mai Chau. Discovery of Thai villages. Immersion in local life. Bike excursion. Night at a local’s place.    
Day 4: Mai Hich – Pu Luong: Walk from Eo Ken village to Ban Hang, the discovery of the Pu Luong nature reserve    
Day 5: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh: Transfer to Ninh Binh. Rowing boat trip in Tam Coc, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, ancient capital Hoa Lu and Mua Cave    
Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay: Cruise on Halong Bay and Lan Ha, swimming & kayaking, cooking classes    
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Siem Reap: Continuation of the cruise. Return to Hanoi. Flight to Siem Reap.    
Day 8: Siem Reap: Full-day city tour with temples: Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Angkor Wat    
Day 9: Siem Reap: Continuation of the visit to Preah Khan, Nek Pean, Mebon Oriental, Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm
Day 10: Siem Reap – Battambang: Visit to Banteay Chhmar temple, transfer to Battambang    
Day 11: Battambang: Visit the Ek Phnom temple, the Buddha statue, the old house and the craft factory. Bamboo Train Experience    
Day 12: Battambang- Phnom Penh: Transfer to Phnom Penh, on the way, visit Pursat, Kampong Chhnang and Kandal    
Day 13: Phnom Penh visit: A visit to the Silver Pagoda, cycle rickshaw rides to Wat Phnom temple, discovery of the national museum and the Tuol Sleng museum
Day 14: Phnom Penh – departure

Option 2: Tour to the North-East of Vietnam + Cambodia in 2 weeks

This tour is made for those who wish to hike in Northern Vietnam. This region has a large mountainous part and offers the most spectacular landscapes in the country. The North-East which is full of breath-taking landscapes and the original culture of many ethnic tribes, is highly recommended. Your tour to the North ends with a cruise through the magnificent scene of Halong Bay. And then, let yourself be seduced by the extreme beauty of the Angkor temples and the authentic life of the Cambodians!

Route: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Bao Lac – Ba Be – Hanoi – Halong – Siem Reap – Battambang – Phnom Penh    

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: Walk or cycle rickshaw in the old quarter of Hanoi    
Day 2: Hanoi – visit the city’s must-sees
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang: Road to Ha Giang, easy hike through the villages of Me - Lup - Tha, a night at a homestay    
Day 4: Ha Giang – Dong Van: Hiking in the Lolo villages in Dong Van, along the Nho Que River
Day 5: Dong Van - Bao Lac – Ba Be: Transfer from Dong Van to Bao Lac, stop at the Ma Pi Leng pass, immerse in the authentic life of the Lo Lo and Hmong minorities    
Day 6: Bao Lac – Ba Be: Meeting the San Chi in a village hidden on the hill. Road to Ba Be Lake, visit the Hua Ma cave, and night at the Tay homestay in the village of Pac Ngoi.    
Day 7: Ba Be – Hanoi: Boat trip on Ba Be Lake, visit Dau Dang waterfall and Puong cave, return to Hanoi    
Day 8: Hanoi - Halong Bay: Road towards Halong. Cruise in the bay. Night aboard a junk    
Day 9: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Siem Reap: Continuation of the cruise. Return to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport for the flight Hanoi – Siem Reap    
Day 10: Siem Reap visit: explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom and visit the Angkor Wat temple    
Day 11: Siem Reap visit: Discovery of the Banteay Srei temple, excursion to the Kpal Spean archaeological site
Day 12: Siem Reap – Battambang: Unveiling the mystery of the Banteay Chhmar temple, transfer to Battambang
Day 13: Battambang – Phnom Penh: Transfer to Phnom Penh with excursions to Pursat, Kampong Chhnang and Kandal
Day 14: Phnom Penh – visit – departure: Visit the Silver Pagoda, cycle rickshaw rides to Wat Phnom temple, visit the national museum and the Tuol Sleng museum. Departure flight

Option 3: Tour in the North-West of Vietnam + Cambodia in 2 weeks

It is also a circuit to discover deep into the North of Vietnam, but it is concentrated in the North-West which is home to fascinating landscapes of rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, renowned as "a masterpiece forged of culture and the human concoction of the Vietnamese.” For trekkers and photography enthusiasts, the period between August and October is undoubtedly the ideal time to capture the resplendent beauty of this place where sparkling rice terraces reign supreme. A few nights with a local will offer you an exceptional experience. After the days of hiking in the North-West, you will have a moment of relaxation at Halong Bay, then continue your dream trip to the heart of the famous Angkor Wat temple.

Route: Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – Bac Ha – Hanoi – Halong – Siem Reap- Battambang – Phnom Penh    

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: Welcome to Hanoi    
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour    
Day 3: Hanoi – Nghia Lo: road to Nghia Lo. Walk to discover the villages in the heart of the Muong Lo Valley.    
Day 4: Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai: Contemplation of the most beautiful rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, immersion in the culture of the Thai, Dzao and Dzay    
Day 5: Mu Cang Chai - Sapa: Easy hike in Na Tam, meeting with the Lao and Lu, transfer to Sapa    
Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha: Hiking through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van in the Muong Hoa Valley. Road to Bac Ha.    
Day 7: Bac Ha – Hanoi: Discovery of the ethnic market. Return to Hanoi.    
Day 8: Hanoi – Halong Bay: Road to Halong. Cruising and kayaking. Night aboard a junk    
Day 9: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Siem Reap: Continuation of the cruise, then return to Hanoi. Flight Hanoi – Siem Reap    
Day 19: Siem Reap visit: Exploration of the ancient city of Angkor Thom and a visit to the Angkor Wat temple    
Day 11: Siem Reap visit: Discovery of the Banteay Srei temple, excursion to the Kpal Spean archaeological site    
Day 12: Siem Reap – Battambang: A visit to Banteay Chhmar temple, transfer to Battambang    
Day 13: Battambang – Phnom Penh: Drive to Phnom Penh with excursions to Pursat, Kampong Chhnang and Kandal    
Day 14: Phnom Penh – visit – departure: Visit the Silver Pagoda, cycle rickshaw rides to Wat Phnom temple, discover the national museum and the Tuol Sleng museum and local markets. Departure flight.

Option 4: Tour in North + Centre of Vietnam and Siem Reap in 2 weeks

This tour reveals all the magic of the must-sees from the North to the Centre of Vietnam. Start by discovering the thousand-year-old history of the city of Hanoi then take the road to Mai Chau to discover the ancestral culture of the White Thai in Mai Chau. Then discover Ninh Binh, nicknamed Halong Bay on land and without forgetting a 2-days-1-night cruise in the unique natural setting of Ha Long Bay. Then head to the Centre to discover the coastal heritage towns of Hoi An and Hue. End your trip to Cambodia with the discovery of the majestic temples of Angkor in Siem Reap.

Route: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich- Ninh Binh – Halong – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Siem Reap    

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival    
Day 2: Hanoi – full-day city tour    
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: Arrival in Mai Chau. Discovery of Thai villages in the valley. A night with locals in Mai Hich    
Day 4: Mai Hich – Ninh Binh: Road to Ninh Binh. Excursion by rowing boat and bicycle in Tam Coc. Visit Bich Dong and Hoa Lu pagoda    
Day 5: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: Transfer to Halong. Cruise in the heart of Halong Bay. Night on board    
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hue: Continuation of the cruise. Disembarkation, then return to Hanoi. Flight to Hue
Day 7: Hue – discovery: Visit the tomb of Minh Mang, boat trip on the Perfume River, bike ride in traditional craft villages. Visit the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda    
Day 8: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An: Transfer to Hoi An, walking tour to discover Hoi An old town    
Day 9: Hoi An discovery: Hoi An town tour, boat trip and bike ride in traditional craft villages    
Day 10: Hoi An – Da Nang – Siem Reap: flight Da Nang – Siem Reap    
Day 11: Siem Reap tour: Exploring Rolous sites and temples: Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevada    
Day 12: Siem Reap visit: Unveiling the mystery of the ancient city of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, admiring the Khmer dance performance of Apsara    
Day 13: Siem Reap visit: Discovery of the temples: Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, Kravan and Neak Pean
Day 14: Siem Reap – Visit Kompong Khleang village – departure flight

Option 5: Tour in the North + South of Vietnam and Cambodia in 2 weeks

This tour offers a perfect program to give you an overview of North and South Vietnam for a duration of 10 days before leaving for Cambodia. Let yourself be amazed at every stage of your emotional journey as you travel through Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta. Continue your journey with a full immersion in an enchanted, authentic adventure in Siem Reap - the territory of the Angkor temples.

Route: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich – Ninh Binh - Halong – Ho Chi Minh – Mekong – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap    

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: Light stroll to discover the life of the Hanoi people    
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature, the Ethnography Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Experience the Water Puppet Show     
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: Road to Mai Chau. Bike ride to discover Thai villages. Night at homestay    
Day 4: Mai Hich – Ninh Binh: Transfer to Ninh Binh, bike ride and rowing boat to discover the Van Long reserve. Immersion in local life.    
Day 5: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: Transfer to Halong. 2-days-1-night cruise in the heart of Halong Bay.    
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – flight to Ho Chi Minh: Continuation of the cruise, return to Hanoi. Flight to Saigon    
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh – discovery of Saigon: Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, central post office, Chinatown, Quan Am pagoda, FITO museum    
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh: Boat trip on the Ben Tre river, a bike ride in villages, experience local life, transfer to Tra Vinh. Night at homestay    
Day 9: Tra Vinh – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen: Bike ride in Khmer villages, transfer to Long Xuyen. Visit Kien An Cung Pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le House and Cao Dai Temple    
Day 10: Long Xuyen – Tra Su – Chau Doc: Visit the floating market, Cu Lao Ong Ho islet, Tra Su reserve, Sam Mountain, Goddess Xu pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau temple and Tay An Pagoda    
Day 11: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh: Fast boat to Phnom Penh. Half-Day City Tour: Wat Phnom Independence Memorial Pagoda, Royal Palace, Wat Phnom Pagoda    
Day 12: Phnom Penh – Kampong Thom - Siem Reap: transfer to Siem Reap via Kampong Thom. Visit villages on the way.    
Day 13: Siem Reap visit: Visit famous temples Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Angkor Wat    
Day 14: Siem Reap visit: Continuation of the visit to the temples: Preah Khan, Nek Pean, Mebon Oriental, Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Taprohm. Departure flight

Option 6: Tour in South Vietnam + Cambodia in 2 weeks

If you are looking for a tour in Vietnam and Cambodia and dreaming of a magnificent seaside stay in Vietnam, this tour is highly recommended. It allows you to discover the South of Vietnam in depth and spend a moment of relaxation on the paradise island of Phu Quoc before taking a flight to Siem Reap to explore the majestic temples of Angkor and its surroundings.

Route: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre - Tra Vinh – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen – Rach Gia – Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap    

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – arrival    
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh – visit the city's must-sees: Notre-Dame Cathedral, central post office, Independence Palace, Chinatown, Quan Am Pagoda, FITO museum
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh: Boat trip on the Ben Tre river, Immersion in local life by bike or tuk-tuk ride. Continuation of the road towards Tra Vinh.
Day 4: Tra Vinh – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen: Bike ride in the surrounding area before transfer to Long Xuyen. Visit Kien An Cung Pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le House and Cao Dai Temple.
Day 5: Long Xuyen – Rach Gia – fast boat to Phu Quoc: Visit the Long Xuyen floating market. Transfer to Rach Gia, speed boat to Phu Quoc
Day 6: Phu Quoc – seaside stay: Free day at the beach
Day 7: Phu Quoc – seaside stay: Free day at the beach
Day 8: Phu Quoc – flight to Ho Chi Minh – flight to Siem Reap: Return flight to Sai Gon. Flight to Siem Reap    
Day 9: Siem Reap visit: In-depth discovery of the known sites of Siem Reap: Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Angkor Wat    
Day 10: Siem Reap visit: Continuation of the visit to the temples: Preah Khan, Nek Pean, Mebon Oriental, Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm    
Day 11: Siem Reap – Battambang: Unveiling the mystery of Banteay Chhmar temple, drive to Battambang    
Day 12: Battambang: Discovery of Battambang by visiting the Ek Phnom temple, the Buddha statue, the old house and the craft factory. Experience Bamboo Train     
Day 13: Battambang – Phnom Penh: Transfer to Phnom Penh. Site Visit: Pursat, Kampong Chhnang and Kandal
Day 14: Phnom Penh – departure: Visit the Silver Pagoda, cycle rickshaw rides to Wat Phnom temple, visit the National Museum and the Tuol Sleng museum. Departure flight

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