14 Days Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary
This 14-day itinerary explores the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia on a budget. It balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, offering a taste of Southeast Asian culture and cuisine.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
The optimal time to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia is generally from November to February, offering cooler, drier weather ideal for sightseeing
Activities
62
Daily Avg
$75/day
Cities
Vietnam & Cambodia (9d), Siem Reap (5d)
Pace
Moderate
Vietnam and Cambodia offer a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, this trip promises a diverse and unforgettable Southeast Asian adventure.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 10 must-have experiences
Ancient Temple Complex Exploration
Day 7: My Son Sanctuary
Immersive Street Food Safari
Day 5: Hoi An Night Market
Mekong Delta River Life Experience
Day 6: Tailoring Experience
Colonial Charm & Historic City Walk
Day 7: Dinner at Ben Thanh Street Food Market
Karst Landscape & Island Cruise
Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise
War History & Reflective Memorials
Day 8: War Remnants Museum
Vibrant Nightlife & Rooftop Views
Day 9: Dinner & Bui Vien Walking Street
Traditional Craft & Cooking Workshop
Day 6: Cooking Class (Optional)
Sacred Pagoda & Spiritual Sanctuary
Day 7: My Son Sanctuary
Mountain Trekking & Nature Trails
e.g., Sapa Terraced Rice Fields Trekking (Lao Cai, Vietnam), Fansipan Peak Ascent (Sapa, Vietnam)
Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines offer a vibrant tapestry of flavors, blending fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and unique cooking techniques. From savory street food to refined restaurant dishes, both countries provide a culinary adventure for every palate. Be prepared to indulge in flavorful broths, fragrant curries, and an abundance of fresh ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes
Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, featuring a flavorful broth (beef or chicken), rice noodles, herbs, and meat. A comforting and satisfying meal any time of day.
📍 Street food stalls, local restaurants, Pho specialty shops
Cambodia's national dish: a creamy coconut curry steamed in banana leaves with fish, chicken, or vegetables. Rich in flavor and subtly spiced.
📍 Restaurants, local markets
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crusty baguette, filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. A perfect on-the-go snack or light meal.
📍 Street food stalls, Banh Mi shops
Stir-fried marinated beef served with a fried egg, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dipping sauce of lime juice and black pepper. A flavorful and satisfying dish.
📍 Restaurants, Pub Street in Siem Reap
Food Neighborhoods
Street food, traditional Vietnamese dishes
Diverse cuisine, from street food to upscale restaurants
Tourist-friendly restaurants, Khmer cuisine, international options
Budget-friendly eats, local Khmer food
Vegetarians can find dishes with tofu or vegetables, but be sure to confirm ingredients as fish sauce is commonly used. Vegan options are less common but growing in availability, especially in tourist areas. Halal options are limited, mainly found in larger cities with Muslim communities. Always inform your server about any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Chopsticks are the primary eating utensil in Vietnam, while Cambodians often use a fork and spoon. It's polite to use both hands when receiving or giving something. Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense offerings for the deceased. In Cambodia, it's considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate you've been well-fed.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Late January or FebruaryMajor holiday with closures and increased travel.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
NovemberCambodia's largest festival, impacting travel and accommodation.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
Every Full MoonStreets are lit by lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take a pre-booked airport taxi or Grab from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to your hotel in the Old Quarter (approx. 45 minutes).$2-15
2:00 PM - Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Take a pre-booked airport transfer or public bus (cheaper option) to your hostel/budget hotel in the Old Quarter.
- 🚶Walk from your hotel to Hoan Kiem Lake (5-10 minutes depending on location).$1 (Temple entrance)
4:00 PM - Explore Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple on a small island, accessible by a red bridge. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and street performers.
Book on Klook - 🚶Explore various street food stalls within the Old Quarter, easily accessible on foot.$3-5
6:00 PM - Street Food Dinner
Indulge in a delicious and affordable street food dinner. Try Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), or Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles).
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- 🚶Walk or take a short taxi ride from your dinner location to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (approx. 5-10 minutes).$5-10
8:00 PM - Water Puppet Show (Optional)
Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Book tickets in advance as they can sell out.
Book on Klook
Hanoi Old Quarter
Central location, close to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia is generally from November to February, offering cooler, drier weather ideal for sightseeing. This period coincides with peak tourist season, leading to more crowds and higher prices. From March to May, temperatures rise significantly, becoming very hot and humid. The monsoon season, typically from May to October, brings frequent, heavy rain showers, particularly in Cambodia, but also lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Consider the shoulder months (March-April or October-November) for a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, though heat can still be intense.
The weather is generally warm and humid with average temperatures around 30°C during the day and 22°C at night. Expect occasional rain showers, especially in the afternoons. Humidity levels can be high.
Visiting in the shoulder season (October-November) offers a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak season. Some rain is possible, but it's generally less frequent than during the monsoon season.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in late January or February can cause closures and higher prices. Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in Cambodia in November can also impact travel.
Getting Around
Motorbikes dominate; growing ride-hailing adoption
Use Grab for safe, metered rides. Negotiate prices for cyclos before riding.
Travel
$200-400 (Flights and intercity transport)Accommodation
$200-400 (Hostels/Budget Hotels)Food
$200-300Activities
$100-300Embrace the incredible street food culture for delicious, authentic, and budget-friendly meals; it's often safer and tastier than many tourist restaurants.
Utilize local transport options like Grab (for cars and motorbikes) or tuk-tuks (Cambodia) and xe oms (motorbike taxis in Vietnam) for cost-effective travel, but always agree on fares beforehand for non-metered rides.
Treat yourself to an overnight luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay or a private guided tour of Angkor Wat at sunrise for an unforgettable and often highly-rated experience.
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment or traditional massage; they are generally excellent value and offer a welcome respite from sightseeing at a fraction of Western prices.
When shopping in markets, always bargain politely and with a smile; a common practice is to start negotiating at about half to two-thirds of the initial asking price.
Carry small denominations of local currency for street vendors, small purchases, and tips, as larger notes can be difficult to break, especially in less touristy areas.
- Check visa requirements for both Vietnam and Cambodia well in advance, as e-visas are available for many nationalities and processing times vary.
- Embrace the art of polite bargaining in local markets; it's expected, but always maintain a friendly demeanor and a smile.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites like temples and pagodas (shoulders and knees covered); remember to remove your shoes before entering.
- Carry local currency (Vietnamese Dong and Cambodian Riel) in small denominations, as cash is essential for street food, markets, and smaller vendors, even with increasing card acceptance in cities.
- Exercise caution when crossing streets, especially in Vietnam's bustling cities; walk slowly and predictably, allowing traffic to flow around you.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water; tap water is generally not safe for consumption in either country.
- Be aware of common tourist scams (e.g., overcharging cyclo/tuk-tuk drivers, fake gems); research typical prices and remain vigilant.
- Learning a few basic phrases in Vietnamese ("Xin chào" - Hello, "Cảm ơn" - Thank you) and Khmer ("Sousdey" - Hello, "Arkoun" - Thank you) will be greatly appreciated by locals.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen, cotton) to manage the tropical heat and humidity.
- 2Rain jacket or a small, compact umbrella, especially during the monsoon season.
- 3Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals for exploring temples and city streets.
- 4Modest attire, including long pants/skirts and shirts that cover shoulders, for visiting religious sites.
- 5Sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen.
- 6High-strength insect repellent (containing DEET or picaridin) to guard against mosquito bites.
- 7A basic first-aid kit, including rehydration salts, anti-diarrhea medication, and blister plasters.
- 8A reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste, as refill stations are becoming more common.
- 9A small daypack for daily excursions to carry water, snacks, and essentials.
- 10A portable power bank to keep your phone and other devices charged on the go.
Visa for Vietnam & Cambodia
Apply online for e-visas several weeks to a month in advance to ensure smooth entry; check specific requirements based on your nationality.
International Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance, particularly if traveling during peak season (Nov-Feb) or major holidays like Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
Accommodation
Secure popular hotels or guesthouses 1-3 months ahead, especially for peak travel periods or specific events.
Angkor Wat Passes & Tours
Passes can be purchased upon arrival or online. For sunrise tours, book guides/tuk-tuks 1-2 days prior; for popular multi-day tours, consider booking further in advance.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
For overnight or specific luxury cruises, book 1-3 months in advance, especially during peak travel times. Day trips can often be booked closer to the date.
Internal Flights/Trains (Vietnam)
Book domestic flights (e.g., Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City) or popular sleeper train routes (e.g., Hanoi-Da Nang) 1-2 months ahead to secure preferred times and prices.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage before your departure.
Popular Cooking Classes
Some highly-rated cooking classes, particularly in Hoi An, can sell out quickly, so booking 1-2 weeks in advance is advisable.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Viettel stores at airports or city centers
📍 Smart Axiata stores at airports or city centers
📍 Online rental services (requires advance booking)
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Quality can vary, so it's good to have a backup plan like a SIM card. Some public areas may offer free WiFi, but it's often less reliable.
Useful Apps
Purchase a SIM card upon arrival for convenient and affordable data access. Consider an eSIM for instant activation if your phone supports it. Download offline maps before your trip to navigate without relying on WiFi. Be aware that some websites and apps might be blocked, so a VPN could be useful.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
5–10% at upscale restaurants; not expected at street food
Round up to the nearest 10,000 VND
20,000–50,000 VND per bag for porters
Tipping is not traditional but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Vietnam and Cambodia are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution when crossing roads and be mindful of your belongings.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
115
114
Limited English — ask hotel for help calling
Payments
Cash is king, especially outside major cities
Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls
Limited; cash and card are more common
Carry Vietnamese dong in small denominations. USD accepted at some tourist spots.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is from November to February for cooler, drier weather. However, this is peak season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. The shoulder months of March-April and October-November offer a good balance of weather and fewer tourists.
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