Vietnam Cambodia tour: What to do and what to visit?

Even though these two neighboring countries are ultimately very different from one another, the thought of uniting them is quite enticing. Here are some suggestions to get you organized for your next to Vietnam and Cambodia. This is the ideal amount of time to spend touring both nations because they provide outstanding historical, natural, culinary, and cultural experiences.

I. Helpful details:

Recommended days to stay

To fully explore Vietnam-Cambodia consider spending around 2-3 weeks, but feel free to customize your itinerary based on your preferences and available time.

Best time to visit Vietnam-Cambodia

Best travel time: Traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia is best done during the dry season, which runs from November to April. It is more convenient to explore outdoor sights during the dry season because of the cooler temperatures and decreased precipitation.

II. Exploring Vietnam Cambodia: Starting Tour from Vietnam 

It could be fascinating to tour Vietnam from north to south on your first vacation there before moving on to Cambodia. The trip starts in Hanoi, the enthralling Vietnamese city with a fascinating past and rich cultural legacy. Hanoi is known as a gastronomic haven and has some of Southeast Asia's most exquisite colonial buildings. Halong Bay is another must-see location; it's difficult to resist taking a trip that includes spending the night on a junk amidst its breathtaking limestone structures.

There is then a tempting chance to see the magnificent highlands of Northern Vietnam. Here, you may engage with the various ethnic people who call these stunning natural settings home and take in the amazing rice terraces that tumble down from the hillsides. Hiking and lodging with local families will give you a truly immersive travel experience in these wild regions.

You can travel to Central Vietnam by rail or aircraft and visit two cities that have been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Let's begin with Hue, the former Nguyen dynasty's imperial capital. With historical landmarks like the ancient royal fortress and the magnificent emperors' tombs situated along the tranquil Perfume River, this city is rich in culture. Hue's food is sophisticated, nuanced, and painstakingly prepared; it is influenced by its imperial heritage as well. 

The quaint town of Hoi An can be reached by continuing south along the coast and passing over Cloud Pass and Danang. Being a major commerce port for Southeast Asia from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries, this town is akin to a living museum. With its assortment of antique wooden structures, some of which date back more than a century, Hoi An has accomplished a fantastic job of conserving its Asian cultural legacy.

After that, your three-week Vietnam and Cambodia journey will take you to Ho Chi Minh City in the country's south. This city offers fascinating excursions to neighboring monuments like the well-known Cu Chi tunnels or the Caodaist temple in Tay Ninh. It also boasts an abundance of museums, colonial architecture, and engaging markets. It's time to see the fascinating Mekong Delta after seeing the city. Discover the amazing floating markets, leisurely boat cruises, and breathtaking bike rides through the gorgeous countryside, which is covered with colorful rice fields and lush orchards of tropical fruits.

Your adventure continues into Cambodia, where you'll visit the capital city, Phnom Penh, whether you decide to travel by land or by water. You can visit sites like the National and Genocide Museums, the Royal Palace, and the bustling local markets while in Phnom Penh. Don't pass up the chance to see the mesmerizing Apsara dancers, who are decked up in exquisite headpieces and costumes. You will also enjoy the delectable cuisine of Cambodia while visiting this fascinating city.

Your Vietnam-Cambodia journey culminates in a visit to the breathtaking Angkor temples, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

III. Ideas for a sample itinerary tour in Vietnam-Cambodia

3.1 Vietnam Cambodia Tour Itinerary Ideas 2 Weeks

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

With this journey, you may see the most of Northern Vietnam and learn about the enigmatic Angkor temples in Cambodia. Because of its leisurely pace, it is appropriate for all passengers. Take advantage of the opportunity to sample regional cuisine in Hanoi, immerse yourself in genuine Thai culture in Mai Chau and Pu Luong, and take a traditional junk tour on Halong Bay, one of the world's natural beauties. After that, you'll travel to Siem Reap to experience Cambodian culture and discover the legendary temples.

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

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi - Explore the old quarter by walking or cycling in a rickshaw.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour - Visit the must-see attractions of the city.

Day 3: Hanoi to Ha Giang - Travel to Ha Giang and enjoy an easy hike through the villages of Me, Lup, and Tha. Spend the night at a homestay.

Day 4: Dong Van - Explore the Lolo villages in Dong Van and hike along the Nho Que river.

Day 5: Dong Van to Ba Be via Bao Lac - Transfer from Dong Van to Bao Lac, making a stop at the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng pass. Experience the authentic life of the Lo Lo and Hmong minorities.

Day 6: Ba Be Lake - Interact with the San Chi community in a hidden village on the hill. Journey to Ba Be lake, visit the Hua Ma cave, and spend the night at a Tay homestay in Pac Ngoi village.

Day 7: Ba Be Lake to Hanoi - Enjoy a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, visit Dau Dang waterfall and Puong cave, then return to Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay - Travel to Halong Bay and embark on a cruise. Spend the night aboard a junk boat.

Day 9: Halong Bay to Siem Reap - Continue the cruise in Halong Bay, return to Hanoi, and transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap.

Day 10: Siem Reap Exploration - Discover the ancient city of Angkor Thom and visit the Angkor Wat temple.

Day 11: Siem Reap Excursions - Explore the Banteay Srei temple and visit the Kpal Spean archaeological site.

Day 12: Siem Reap to Battambang - Uncover the mystery of the Banteay Chhmar temple and transfer to Battambang.

Day 13: Battambang to Phnom Penh - Journey to Phnom Penh with excursions to Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, and Kandal.

Day 14: Phnom Penh City Tour and Departure - Visit the Silver Pagoda, ride a cycle rickshaw to Wat Phnom temple, explore the national museum and the Tuol Sleng museum. Departure flight.

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

Hikers in Northern Vietnam are the target audience for this excursion. The majority of this region is made up of mountains, and it has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the nation. I heartily suggest traveling to the Northeast, which is renowned for its magnificent landscapes and the distinctive cultures of its many ethnic groups. A picturesque sail through the breathtaking HaLong Bay rounds up the tour. After that, you can take in the breathtaking splendor of the Angkor temples and witness the genuine way of life of the Cambodian people.

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, night at homestay

Day 4: Ha Giang – Dong Van: Hiking in the villages of Lolo 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, Immersion 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 to the Hua Ma cave, 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: exploration of the ancient city of Angkor Thom and 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 : 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 to the Silver Pagoda, cycle rickshaw ride to Wat Phnom temple, visit to the national museum and the Tuol Sleng museum. Departure flight

3.2 Vietnam Cambodia Tour Itinerary Ideas 3 Weeks

Option 1: Vietnam Immersion and Extension to Cambodia - 21 Days

This incredible 21-day vacation combines Vietnam and Cambodia, giving you the chance to discover the charms of both nations. Discover the must-see sights in the north, travel to the quaint coastal towns of Hoi An and Hue, experience the energetic city life of Saigon, take a cruise through the scenic Mekong Delta, learn about the fascinating history of Phnom Penh, and solve the mysteries of the fascinating Angkor temples in Siem Reap.

Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong – Hue - Hoian - Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Sa Dec- Long Xuyen - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Day 1: Hanoi arrival: Welcome to Hanoi, walking tour in the old quarter

Day 2: Hanoi – visit to the city's must-sees: Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnography, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, French Quarter and show experience water puppets

Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: road to Mai Chau, discovery of Thai villages. Night at homestay in Mai Hich

Day 4: Mai Hich – Pu Luong: Hike to Eo Ken – Hang villages, meet locals, transfer to Pu Luong, bamboo raft excursion

Day 5: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh (land Halong Bay): transfer to Ninh Binh. Bike ride & rowing boat excursion in Tam Coc. Visit the Bich Dong pagoda, temples of Dinh – Le in Hoa Lu

Day 6: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: Road to Halong. Cruise on Halong and Lan Ha Bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking classes

Day 7: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Hue: Continuation of the cruise, return to Hanoi. Flight to Hue

Day 8: Hue – city tour: Visit to Minh Mang Tomb, Boat trip on the Perfume River, Discovery of Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue Citadel

Day 9: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An: Departure for Hoian visiting the Hai Van pass and the Cham sculpture museum. Arrival in Hoian, visit the old town of Hoian.

Day 10: Hoi An- village discovery: Boat and bike excursion to traditional craft villages in the countryside

Day 11: Hoian – Da Nang – flight to Ho Chi Minh: Free day in Hoian before flight to Ho Chi Minh

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – city tour: Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Chinatown, Quan Am Pagoda, FITO Museum

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Cai Lay: Boat excursion on the Ben Tre river, bike ride to discover the villages, meeting with the locals, night at a local home

Day 14: Cai Lay – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen: Bike ride, transfer to Long Xuyen visiting Sa Dec: Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le house, local market, Caodaist temple, crocodile farm.

Day 15: Long Xuyen - Tra Su - Chau Doc: Visit the floating market of Long Xuyen, walk to the islet of Ong Ho. Transfer to Chau Doc, visit the fishing village, the Cham Islamic village, the reserve of Tra Su, from the mountain Sat.

Day 16: Chau Doc – speed boat to Phnom Penh: Speed boat trip to Phnom Penh, city walk visiting the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom Pagoda

Day 17: Phnom Penh:Visit the Royal University of Fine Arts, the National Museum, Tuol Sleng Prison, the Russian Market

Day 18: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: transfer to Siem Reap via Kampong Thom

Day 19: Siem Reap: Visit the 1 day Siem Reap city with temples: Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Angkor Wat

Day 20: Siem Reap: Continuation visit to Preah Khan, Nek Pean, Mebon Oriental, Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Taprohm

Day 21: Siem Reap – departure: Kampong Khleang village exploration, local life experience at local market – departure flight

Option 2: Off-the-beaten-track discovery: From North-East Vietnam to the temples of Angkor - 21 days

This itinerary is intended for those who want to see the Angkor temples, as well as the main points of interest from North to South Vietnam and the more isolated regions of the country, while hiking. Hikers will find heaven in northern Vietnam, where numerous ethnic groups are steadfastly devoted to their ancestral traditions. You can spend a few nights with locals in Ha Giang and Ba Be to experience a taste of local life and immerse yourself in breathtaking natural landscapes. Allow yourself to be enthralled with this remarkable area that never fails to amaze!

Route: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac – Ba Be – Hanoi – Halong – Hue – Hoian – Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh – Long Xuyen – Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: walk to the old quarter

Day 2: Hanoi – visit: Visit to the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnography, then continuation of the visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, exploration of the French Quarter, experience of the water puppet show

Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang: road to Ha Giang, trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 4: Ha Giang – Dong Van: Discovery of the karst plateau of Dong Van, of the Twin Fairy Mountains, from the palace of the Hmong King, arrival at Dong Van

Day 5: Dong Van – hiking through villages along the Nho Que River

Day 6: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac: Departure from Dong Van for Bao Lac, crossing the Ma Pi Leng pass, Meeting of the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups

Day 7: Bao Lac – Ba Be: Continuation of the road towards Ba Be, visit to the Hua Ma cave, night at the Tay homestay

Day 8: Ba Be – Hanoi: Relaxing boat trip to Ba Be Lake. Return to Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi – Halong: Transfer to Halong for the cruise to Halong Bay and Lan Ha

Day 10: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Hue: Continuation of the cruise, return to Hanoi for the flight to Hue

Day 11: Hue – city tour: Visit to Minh Mang Tomb, Boat trip on the Perfume River, Discovery of Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue Citadel

Day 12: Hue – Da Nang – Hoian: Departure to Hoian crossing the Hai Van pass and the Cham sculpture museum. Arrival in Hoian, visit the old town of Hoian.

Day 13: Hoian – Bike ride to explore villages in the surrounding area 

Day 14: Hoian – Da Nang – flight to Ho Chi Minh – city tour

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh: Boat excursion and by bike to Ben Tre, visit to an artisan workshop, meeting with the local population, transfer to Tra Vinh and overnight stay with locals

Day 16: Tra Vinh – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen: Bike ride in Khmer villages, departure to Long Xuyen visiting the Kien An Cung pagoda, the Huynh Thuy Le house and the Cao Dai temple

Day 17: Long Xuyen – Ho Chi Minh: Discovery of the Long Xuyen floating market, bike ride on the islet of Ong Ho

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh – flight to Siem Reap: Exploration of the ancient city of Angkor Thom and the temple of Angkor Wat, admiration of the Khmer dance performance of Apsara

Day 19: Siem Reap: Excursion to the archaeological site Kpal Spean, visit to Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples

Day 20: Siem Reap: Discovery of the mysterious beauty of the temples: Ta Prohm, Prè Rup, Eastern Mebon, Neak Poan, Prasat Kravan, and Banteay Kdei, visit to the Srah Srang facing basin Day 21: Siem Reap departure: Visit to the village of Kampong Khleang, departure from Siem Reap

IV. If you have already traveled to Vietnam

If you've been to Vietnam before, we recommend seeing some new locations that you missed the first time. After that, you are free to extend your travel time to Cambodia and conclude your 21-day journey with a beach vacation there. Take into consideration booking a vacation in the idyllic islands of Koh Rong or Koh Kong, or at the stunning seaside town of Kep, Sihanoukville.

Cultural and Historical Sites

It is imperative to visit Hanoi, Tam Coc, Hue, Hoi An, and the My Son ancient site if one is to fully explore Vietnam. Don't miss Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia, as well as the amazing Preah Vihear Temple, Battambang, Kratie, the holy Kulen sanctuary, and the Sambor Prei Kuk temple district. There are an astounding eight UNESCO-classified sites on this tour!

Hiking & nature

The stunning rice terraces of Northern Vietnam make it an essential travel destination. We will also visit Cat Ba Island and the breathtaking Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in addition to Halong. The greatest network of subterranean caves in the world can be found in this park. Among them is the well-known Son Doong cave, which is 9 kilometers long and has a corridor that is an amazing 200 meters high and 100 meters wide. We can go further afield in Southern Vietnam's Cat Tien National Park, which has been recognized as a Ramsar site because of its significant wetlands and abundant biodiversity.
Now let's turn our attention to Cambodia, namely to the northeastern adjacent provinces of Mondolkiri and Ratanakiri. Enchanting hidden waterfalls contribute to the allure of the jungle, which is home to various species, elephants, and ethnic minorities.

Relaxation

In order to enhance our cultural experience, we will incorporate beach breaks into our 21-day journey to Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam has a wide range of coastal relaxing choices. We can enjoy the beaches of Cat Ba Island, Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, or the stunning island of Phu Quoc, depending on the season. We nonetheless welcome the chance to swim in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Thailand in the aforementioned spots, even though Cambodia has fewer options.

If you’d like more ideas for a tour in Vietnam Cambodia , feel free to reach out to us at sales@authentiktravel.com or fill out our form HERE.

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