If you’re looking for a Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary to plan your trip, we’ve been exactly where you are now: maps open, tabs overloaded, trying to make sense of distances and seasons. After spending weeks traveling through both countries, we’ve put together a route that’s not just about checking boxes but about experiencing two cultures in depth.
This 21-day Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary is based on our own journey: from the chaos of Hanoi to the ancient serenity of Angkor. It’s built around balance: history and nature, food and reflection, quiet mornings and noisy markets. Every stop taught us something different about the people and the rhythm of life in Southeast Asia.
Days 1–3: Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is a city of constant contrasts: old and new, quiet and loud, elegant and chaotic, all colliding in the same street. The Old Quarter is where you’ll feel it most: narrow lanes filled with sizzling woks, bicycles loaded with flowers, and French-era facades slowly fading under tangled power lines. It’s busy and beautiful at the same time.
Start your visit early in the morning around Hoan Kiem Lake, when locals gather for tai chi or slow walks before the city fully wakes up. From there, wander into the Old Quarter and let yourself get lost — each street is dedicated to a craft or trade, and every corner hides a café that serves the thick, sweet Vietnamese coffee that will quickly become a daily ritual.
Make time for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature for a sense of the country’s intellectual and political past. And of course, eat: steaming bowls of pho, grilled bun cha, and crispy banh mi that cost less than a cup of coffee in Europe. Hanoi’s food scene is one of the city’s biggest joys.
Days 4–6: Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of those places you’ve seen a hundred times in photos: and yet, when you finally arrive, it still feels unreal. Thousands of limestone islands rise from green waters, shrouded in light mist. It’s breathtaking but also crowded.
We decided to avoid the busiest routes and instead sailed around Cat Ba Bay, which offers the same dramatic scenery with far fewer tourists. Spending a night on a traditional wooden junk boat was one of the most peaceful parts of the trip. We kayaked between islands, watched fishermen cast nets at dusk, and woke up to fog rolling gently over the cliffs.
If you can, choose a smaller boat and go for at least one night. The slower pace allows you to enjoy the silence between the islands: that rare moment when it’s just you, the water, and the sound of the wind.
Days 7–9: Sapa and the Northern Highlands
From the calm of the sea to the highlands of Sapa, the change feels almost cinematic. The train or bus ride north from Hanoi winds through mountains and mist until the rice terraces begin to appear — green waves carved into the slopes by generations of farmers.
Sapa is famous for its trekking routes that lead through villages belonging to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dao. What makes it special is not just the scenery but the human encounters: staying overnight in a family homestay, sharing meals cooked over open fires, learning a few words in local dialects.
The weather here can be unpredictable — fog, sun, and sudden rain often in the same day — but that’s part of its charm. Bring good shoes, a waterproof jacket, and an open mind. Every muddy trail leads to a view worth the effort.
Days 10–12: Da Nang and Hoi An
Days 13–15: Ho Chi Minh City
The final stop in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, a place that moves fast and never really sleeps. French colonial buildings stand beside glass towers, and scooters swarm every intersection. Beneath that chaos lies a deep sense of purpose and pride.
Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels to understand the country’s recent history from a local perspective — sobering but essential experiences. Then dive back into the city’s energy: markets overflowing with tropical fruit, rooftop bars overlooking the skyline, and street vendors serving sizzling banh xeo pancakes.
The city is also your gateway to southern day trips: the Mekong Delta for floating markets and the Can Gio Mangrove Forest for nature lovers. Both can be reached in a day if you plan well.
Days 16–18: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Crossing into Cambodia changes everything — the pace slows, the air feels different, and life seems to unfold with quiet dignity. Phnom Penh, the capital, is often underestimated, but it’s one of the most emotionally complex cities in Southeast Asia.
Start with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, still dazzling in their ornate gold and silver details. Then, prepare for a heavier but necessary visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. It’s impossible to leave untouched, but understanding this chapter of Cambodia’s history adds depth to everything else you’ll see in the country.
By evening, take a walk along the Mekong River promenade or join a sunset cruise — not to erase the sadness of the day, but to see the resilience of a country that has rebuilt itself with grace. Phnom Penh is where Cambodia’s past and future meet, and both deserve your time.
Days 19–21: Siem Reap and Angkor
No itinerary through Cambodia is complete without Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor — one of the most astonishing archaeological sites in the world. You can easily spend several days exploring the complex, but two full days are enough to visit the essentials without rushing.
We explored Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm by bicycle — around 70 km in total — alternating between awe and exhaustion. Seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat is magical, though not exactly peaceful; hundreds of people gather at the same spot. Try returning in the late afternoon when the light softens and the crowds thin.
Beyond the temples, Siem Reap is vibrant and surprisingly modern, filled with small cafés, night markets, and craft shops that showcase Cambodia’s creative revival. Spend your last evening enjoying amok (Cambodia’s coconut curry) and a cold Angkor beer while reflecting on the journey.
Siem Reap is a dream and is a gateway to the ancient world. The temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm are architectural marvels that speak of empires and spirituality. Each stone is carved with intricate detail, each corridor telling a story of devotion and grandeur. The cultural shows and night markets of Siem Reap provide a glimpse into the contemporary life that thrives amid these ancient wonders.
I suggest you rent a bike and tour Angkor in 2 days, so to avoid feeling overwhelmed and tired: that’s what we did, ending our trip with 70 km by bike and 40 km on foot. An experience we will never forget!
Optional Additions: Battambang, Kampot, and Kep
If you have a few extra days, extend your trip beyond the classic route.
Battambang
Battambang offers a slower, more artistic vibe than Siem Reap. Ride the famous bamboo train, visit Phnom Sampeau for its caves and sunset views, and explore the countryside by tuk-tuk. It’s one of those places where you meet more locals than tourists and where life still moves to an old rhythm.
Kampot and Kep
Further south, the towns of Kampot and Kep are ideal for unwinding. Kampot is surrounded by pepper plantations and rivers perfect for kayaking, while Kep is known for its crab market and coastal charm. They’re perfect final stops if you want to end your journey by the sea, far from big-city noise.
Cultural Etiquette and Tips
Respect local customs
Both countries are deeply traditional. Dress modestly in temples, remove your shoes before entering homes or pagodas, and ask before taking photos of people. Small gestures of respect go a long way.
Eat like a local
Street food isn’t just safe — it’s essential. Try bun cha in Hanoi, banh xeo in Saigon, and amok in Cambodia. Choose busy stalls with high turnover and follow the locals.
Crossing the border
The easiest way to travel between the two countries is by air (Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh or Siem Reap), though overland routes by bus or private transfer are also popular. The Mekong River boat route from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh offers a scenic alternative if you’re not in a rush.
Visa and money
Vietnam offers an e-visa valid for 30 days for most nationalities. Cambodia also has an e-visa, or you can get one on arrival — bring USD cash. Cambodia runs mostly on US dollars, while Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Best time to go
The dry season, from November to April, is the most pleasant overall. Expect occasional rain in northern Vietnam even during this time, but it rarely disrupts travel.
Embrace This Journey
Traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia isn’t just about moving between destinations — it’s about noticing the contrasts. Between Hanoi’s noisy mornings and Angkor’s silent dawns. Between the modern cafés of Da Nang and the ancient stones of Ta Prohm. Between war memories and everyday resilience.
This itinerary isn’t perfect, and that’s why it works. It leaves room for detours, quiet moments, and surprises — the things that make Southeast Asia unforgettable. Pack curiosity, patience, and an appetite for both food and stories. You’ll come home with more than memories; you’ll come home with perspective.
FAQs About Our Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary
How many days do I need for Vietnam and Cambodia?
This exact itinerary takes about three weeks (21 days) — enough to experience Hanoi, Ha Long or Cat Ba, Sapa, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap without rushing. If you only have two weeks, skip Sapa or reduce time in Da Nang and Phnom Penh.
When is the best time to follow this itinerary?
The ideal time for this route — which runs north to south through Vietnam, then west into Cambodia — is from November to April. This is the dry season across both countries: clear skies in Hanoi, calm seas in Ha Long Bay, and cooler, comfortable weather in Angkor.
If you’re traveling in May–September, expect more heat and rain, especially in northern Vietnam and Cambodia, but crowds are thinner and prices drop.
Where should I start my Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary?
The answer to where starting a Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary is simple: we suggest starting in Hanoi and ending in Siem Reap. It’s a natural north-to-south flow: you adjust gradually to the region’s climate, food, and pace — and you finish with the temples of Angkor, which feel like a grand finale. Starting in Cambodia and heading east works too, but flights and overland transfers are usually smoother the other way.
How do I get from Vietnam to Cambodia?
For this itinerary, the easiest and most time-efficient option is to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (about 1 hour). If you have more time, you can cross by bus or boat along the Mekong River from Chau Doc, which adds a scenic day of travel and fits nicely if you’ve just visited the Mekong Delta.
Is three days enough in Hanoi?
Yes — three days in Hanoi gives you time to explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the local food scene without rushing. If you’re into museums or coffee culture, consider adding one more day before heading to Ha Long Bay.
Is Sapa worth visiting?
If you enjoy nature and cultural immersion, yes Sa Pa is worth visiting but go for the right reasons. Sapa’s terraces are stunning, but it’s the homestay experience that makes it memorable. Spend two nights here, trek with local guides, and stay in small, family-run lodges instead of big hotels.
How long should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Three days is perfect. You can visit the War Remnants Museum, take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta, and still enjoy the food and nightlife. If you prefer fewer big cities, cut one night here and add it to the coast or Siem Reap.
How many days should I spend in Siem Reap and Angkor?
At least two full days. Day one for Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, day two for less-visited temples like Banteay Srei or Preah Khan. Renting a bicycle or tuk-tuk makes exploring more flexible and less exhausting.
Can I use USD or should I exchange money?
In Vietnam, always use Vietnamese Dong (VND). In Cambodia, USD is widely accepted, but you’ll get small change in riel. Keep a mix of both. ATMs are easy to find in all major cities.
How much will this Vietnam and Cambodia trip cost?
A comfortable three-week trip following this itinerary typically costs:
- Budget: €40–€60/day (guesthouses, buses, street food).
- Mid-range: €80–€120/day (nice hotels, flights, some tours).
- Comfort: €150–€250/day (boutiques, private drivers, top cruises).
Internal flights and Ha Long cruises are the biggest variables.