1. Overview
Vietnam and Cambodia are two neighboring countries, possessing long-standing cultures, diverse landscapes and strong historical imprints. The “Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary” will take you from the ancient capital of Hanoi to the wonder of Ha Long Bay, along the rich Central region and the Mekong Delta before crossing the border into Cambodia to admire the majesty of Angkor Wat and explore the Khmer lifestyle in Phnom Penh – a harmonious and emotional cross-national experience.
2. Best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia
The best time to explore both countries is from November to March, when the climate is dry, the sky is clear and there is little rain, especially favorable for outdoor activities and visiting monuments. December to February has cool weather, ideal for combining sightseeing in the mountains of Northern Vietnam with outdoor temple complexes in Cambodia.
3. How to get to and from Vietnam – Cambodia
You can fly internationally to Hanoi (Vietnam) or Phnom Penh (Cambodia), but for a coherent itinerary, it is recommended to start in Hanoi and end in Siem Reap or vice versa. There are domestic flights between the two countries (Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh or Siem Reap), as well as buses and high-speed trains across the land border (Chau Doc – Phnom Penh).
In Vietnam, you can travel by domestic flight (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet), limousine or train. In Cambodia, the main means of transport include high-quality buses, tuk tuk and taxis.
Hanoi – Phnom Penh flight is operated by Vietnam Airlines. (Source: Vietnam Airlines)
4. Accommodation in Vietnam and Cambodia
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily find everything from classic hotels in the old town to international hotel chains such as Sofitel, InterContinental, Vinpearl.
In tourist destinations such as Ha Long, Hoi An, Hue or Can Tho, you can choose from coastal resorts, river view homestays or overnight cruises with high-class services.
In Phnom Penh, many boutique hotels are located near the Royal Palace, while Siem Reap has many modern Khmer-style resorts, suitable for resting after visiting Angkor Wat.
5. Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary – Suggested 12-day itinerary from Hanoi to Siem Reap
5.1. Day 1: Hanoi – Discover the thousand-year-old culture of the capital of Vietnam
Hanoi is a thousand-year-old capital with a blend of ancient French architecture and typical East Asian culture. The ancient atmosphere of the old quarter and the modern pace of life create a unique identity for this city.
In addition to visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace to learn about this world-famous person, you can also visit the Temple of Literature to learn about Vietnamese Confucian culture and admire the cool green space in the heart of the bustling capital. In addition, a city tour to Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake is also an activity worth trying on the first day of your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to wander through the small streets in the old quarter, enjoy street food such as bun cha, fried spring rolls and draft beer in the bustling Ta Hien area.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: a meaningful historical destination for Vietnamese people. (Source: internet)
5.2. Day 2: Ninh Binh – The ancient fairyland of the Red River Delta
Ninh Binh is an ancient capital with majestic nature and historical relics. The limestone mountain terrain interspersed with cave systems creates a quiet and sacred beauty.
You definitely cannot miss the trip to explore Trang An scenic complex by boat, passing through mysterious caves such as Nau Ruou Cave, Ba Giot Cave. Then visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia with a giant gilded Buddha statue.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is also an interesting choice if you do not want to explore Trang An. You will have the opportunity to conquer nearly 500 stone steps leading to the top of Ngoa Long mountain to see the whole view of Tam Coc from above, the Mua Cave area below has bold traditional architecture with lotus ponds, temples and miniature landscapes ideal for vivid photos.
Bai Dinh Pagoda – The most sacred and unique space in Vietnam. (Source: internet)
5.3. Day 3: Hanoi – Hoi An (domestic flight)
After returning to Hanoi, you will continue your journey to the Central region by flight to Da Nang, then take a short trip to Hoi An ancient town.
Hoi An is an ancient town located on the Thu Bon River, once a bustling trading port in the 16th century. With its golden wooden houses, colorful lanterns and diverse culture, this place always fascinates visitors.
You can walk around Hoi An ancient town, admire the yin-yang tiled-roof wooden houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the lanterns shining brightly at dusk. Hoi An cuisine such as cao lau, Phuong bread or fried wonton will complete your evening in the poetic riverside setting.
5.4. Day 4: Hue – The ancient capital heritage on the Perfume River
Hue is the last capital of the feudal dynasty of Vietnam, famous for its royal palaces, mausoleums and the poetic Perfume River. The city has a quiet, ancient and poetic atmosphere.
From Hoi An, you will drive along Hai Van Pass – the most beautiful coastal road
Vietnam, heading to the peaceful city of Hue. At the Hue Imperial City, you can explore the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal architecture and learn more about the royal culture through the tombs of Tu Duc and Minh Mang.
The evening is an ideal time to sit on a boat and listen to Hue folk songs on the Perfume River, a profound and nostalgic folk music experience that is definitely not to be missed in your Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary.
The Hue Monuments Complex is a living testament to the development of Vietnamese civilization under the Nguyen Dynasty. (Source: internet)
5.5. Day 5: Da Nang – The vibrant and livable city
Da Nang is a dynamic coastal city with many impressive bridges, located between Hue and Hoi An. From My Khe beach to Ba Na Hills, this place has a perfect combination of modernity and nature.
You will have the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the city from the top of Ba Na Hills with the Golden Bridge standing out in the clouds. This is the most popular entertainment spot in Vietnam, which will make your Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary more complete.
A relaxing afternoon at My Khe beach or exploring the Marble Mountains is a great choice. Don’t miss the evening experience of watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and the shimmering lights from the Han River swing bridge, creating a unique visual experience.
5.6. Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City – Immerse yourself in the dynamic urban life
The flight from Hue takes you to Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant, modern economic center with high-rise buildings mixed with ancient French architecture such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office or Reunification Palace.
You will explore the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office – prominent French architectural works. The afternoon is the ideal time to visit Ben Thanh market or historical and cultural museums such as the War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Fine Arts Museum, etc.
At night, visitors can experience the rooftop bar or stroll along the brightly lit Nguyen Hue walking street, enjoying specialties such as broken rice, bread, beef stew, stewed offal, etc.
Saigon Broken Rice—A Rich Dish with Hometown Flavor that you cannot miss when coming to Vietnam. (Source:internet)
5.7. Day 7: Can Tho – Chau Doc – Experience the West and the Vietnam – Cambodia border gateway
The Southwest offers a peaceful river scene with a typical garden culture. This place stands out with its canal system, floating markets and friendly, close lifestyle.
Visitors have the opportunity to experience the Cai Rang floating market in the early morning, where the Mekong Delta appears lively with boats full of fruit. Visiting Binh Thuy ancient house or cycling through fruit gardens are activities that help you understand more about the simple garden life.
Travel to Chau Doc – a small, peaceful city located near the border, famous for Sam Mountain and the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple, visitors will have a visit to the riverside Cham village and the floating fishing village – giving you a different perspective on the religious culture and livelihood of the people in the border area.
The evening in Chau Doc has a characteristic quietness, a suitable place to rest before taking the speedboat to Phnom Penh, continuing your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary.
5.8. Day 8: Phnom Penh – Discover the capital of Cambodia
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia located on the Mekong River, where many heritages of Khmer history and culture are preserved. The city has a peaceful beauty mixed with French colonial architecture and typical religious buildings.
You will arrive in Phnom Penh by speedboat or bus, starting your Cambodia journey with a visit to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. At the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, you will better understand a painful period in Cambodia’s history and the resilience of the people here.
In the evening, you can explore the Phnom Penh night market, enjoy fish amok or shop for traditional Khmer handicrafts.
Royal Palace – Symbol Of The Kingdom Of Cambodia. (Source: internet)
5.9. Day 9-10: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat and the world of the gods
Siem Reap is a famous tourist city associated with the Angkor temple complex – the national symbol of Cambodia. This place attracts visitors thanks to its mysterious, ancient and majestic architectural scale.
At Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Bayon, you will feel the harmony between nature and ancient architecture, where the roots of ancient trees embrace the thousand-year-old ruins.
Siem Reap at night is bustling with Pub Street and colorful night markets, where visitors can buy souvenirs and enjoy special Khmer dishes.
Angkor Wat is one of the architectural wonders of the world, which still holds many mysteries waiting for us to discover. (Source:internet)
5.10. Day 11: Tonle Sap Lake – Floating life in the middle of nature
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, a 30-minute drive from Siem Reap. This is home to floating villages such as Kompong Phluk and Chong Kneas.
A boat trip along the lake, visiting floating schools, churches and typical floating markets with a local guide, visitors will hear about the lives of the people living along the lake. This experience will make your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary more satisfying before ending the trip.
In the afternoon, if you love learning about the lives of the people, you can visit the handicraft workshops or the fish sauce making village. If there is time, watch the sunset at Phnom Krom temple to end the journey gently.
5.11. Day 12: End of the journey in Siem Reap
You will have time to relax in garden cafes, traditional spas or visit nearby craft villages before going to the airport.
Saying goodbye to Indochina in the echoes of cultural memories, you will bring with you stories, scents, images and humanity in a strange but familiar land.
6. Conclusion
The journey “Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary” is a complete cross-border journey, helping you discover the cultural and historical symbols of the two Indochinese countries. From the ancient town, the sea and islands to the jungle, from Vietnamese street food to Khmer temple architecture – all create a rich, multi-layered and profound experience that is unmatched anywhere. Asia Luxury Travel is honored to accompany you on your journey to discover Indochina with classy and unique experiences.
7. Contact :
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