14 Days Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Itinerary
Embark on a 14-day adventure through Southeast Asia, exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, the spiritual atmosphere of Luang Prabang, and the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, before concluding in the sobering historical sites of Phnom Penh. This budget-friendly trip balances cultural immersion with natural wonders.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$1000-1800
Best Time
November to March (dry season)
Activities
96
Daily Avg
$100/day
Cities
Hanoi (2d), Ha Long Bay (1d), Luang Prabang (1d), Ha Long Bay (1d), Hanoi (1d), Luang Prabang (4d), Siem Reap (2d), Phnom Penh (1d), Ho Chi Minh City (1d)
Pace
Fast
This Southeast Asia itinerary offers a diverse blend of vibrant city life, stunning natural landscapes, and ancient cultural heritage. Exploring Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos provides a captivating journey through history, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery, all within a relatively compact region.
Your itinerary covers 6 of 11 must-have experiences
Cultural Immersion
Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour
Historical Sites
Day 12: Angkor Wat Sunrise
Natural Wonders
Day 8: Kuang Si Falls
Spiritual Experiences
Day 13: Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Culinary Adventures
Day 2: Hanoi Street Food Tour
Local Markets
Day 4: Explore Luang Prabang Night Market
Water Activities
Day 1: Water Puppet Show
City Exploration
Day 7: Mount Phousi
Nature Escapes
e.g., Trekking in Sapa (optional side trip from Hanoi), Visiting the Elephant Nature Park near Luang Prabang
Unique Cultural Experiences
e.g., Water Puppet Show in Hanoi, Attending a traditional weaving workshop in Laos
Relaxation
e.g., Enjoying a traditional massage, Lounging on a beach (optional extension in Southern Vietnam)
Southeast Asian cuisine is an explosion of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and vibrant flavors. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos each offer unique culinary experiences, blending French influences, indigenous ingredients, and regional specialties. Prepare for a delicious adventure!
Must-Try Dishes
Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, featuring a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). A comforting and deeply satisfying dish.
📍 Street food stalls, local restaurants, pho shops
Cambodia's national dish: fish steamed in coconut milk with kroeung (a fragrant curry paste), wrapped in banana leaves. It's creamy, subtly spiced, and incredibly flavorful.
📍 Khmer restaurants, tourist-friendly eateries
A minced meat salad flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, herbs, roasted rice powder, and chilies. A staple dish in Laos, served with sticky rice.
📍 Local restaurants, street food stalls (look for busy ones)
A crispy baguette filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili peppers. A perfect blend of French and Vietnamese flavors.
📍 Street food vendors, Banh Mi shops
Food Neighborhoods
Known for street food and traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Known for a mix of Khmer and international cuisine.
Known for a wide variety of Lao street food and snacks.
Known for modern restaurants and diverse culinary experiences
Vegetarian options are becoming more prevalent, especially in tourist areas, but it's important to clearly communicate your needs. 'Chay' means vegetarian in Vietnamese. For vegans, be aware that fish sauce is commonly used. Halal food is less common, but can be found in larger cities. Always double-check ingredients and preparation methods to avoid allergens.
In general, wait to be seated. Sharing dishes is common. Using chopsticks is customary in Vietnam and Laos. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense offerings for the deceased. It is polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate in Laos.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year)
Late January or FebruaryMajor holiday with closures and increased prices.
Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year/Water Festival)
AprilFestive celebrations with water throwing.
Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival)
NovemberRiver races and festivities.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Taxi/Grab from airport: ~$15-20, Airport bus #86: ~$2$10-20
02:00 PM - Check into Accommodation
Settle in at your hostel or budget hotel. Consider Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel or similar.
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- 🚶Walking distance from most Old Quarter accommodations.$2
03:00 PM - Wander Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Explore the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple on a small island.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake.
- 🚶Walking.$5-10
06:30 PM - Dinner: Street Food Tour
Sample Hanoi's famous street food. Try Pho, Banh Mi, and Egg Coffee.
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- 🚶Walking distance from most places in the Old Quarter.$5-10
08:30 PM - Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)
Experience the lively atmosphere of Beer Street.
Book on Klook
Hanoi Old Quarter
Central location, close to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season)
During the dry season, expect warm and sunny days with cooler evenings. Humidity is generally lower, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities. Rainfall is minimal.
November to March is the dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and low rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the region.
Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or February can significantly impact travel, with closures and increased prices. Water Festival (mid-April) in Laos and Cambodia.
Getting Around
Motorbikes dominate; growing ride-hailing adoption
Use Grab for safe, metered rides. Negotiate prices for cyclos before riding.
Travel
50-150 USD (flights and buses)Accommodation
10-30 USD (per night)Food
10-20 USD (per day)Activities
100-300 USD (tours and entries)Opt for overnight buses or trains for longer distances to save on accommodation costs.
Stay in hostels or guesthouses for budget-friendly lodging.
Eat at local street food stalls and markets to experience authentic cuisine at affordable prices.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, Khmer, and Lao.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping at local markets.
- Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat.
- Download offline maps and translation apps for easy navigation.
- Be aware of scams and petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
- 1Lightweight and breathable clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Rain jacket or umbrella
- 4Insect repellent
- 5Universal travel adapter
Visa requirements
Research specific visa requirements for your nationality for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Apply well in advance (e.g., Vietnam eVisa can take 3+ days; Cambodia/Laos e-Visa is quicker and often available on arrival).
International flights
Book 3-6 months in advance for the best prices, especially if traveling during peak season or major holidays.
Accommodation
Book 1-3 months ahead, particularly for popular areas or during peak season/festivals to secure preferred options and prices.
Major tours/experiences
Book popular tours like a Halong Bay cruise or an Angkor Wat sunrise tour 1-2 months ahead, especially for reputable operators or specific dates, as they can sell out.
Inter-country transport
Book internal flights or long-distance buses/trains 2-4 weeks ahead if traveling between major cities or countries, particularly during holidays or busy travel periods.
Comprehensive travel insurance
Purchase as soon as you book your first travel component to cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
eSIM or pre-ordered physical SIM
Arrange an eSIM online before departure for immediate connectivity upon arrival, or plan to buy a physical SIM at a major airport upon landing.
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 in cities. Bring your passport.
📍 Smart stores at airports or in cities. Bring your passport.
📍 Unitel stores at airports or in cities. Bring your passport.
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. The quality can vary, with faster speeds in larger cities. Don't rely on public WiFi for sensitive transactions.
Useful Apps
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for reliable and affordable data. Download offline maps before your trip. Be aware of potential roaming charges if you use your home country's SIM card. Consider a portable WiFi device for more flexibility, especially if traveling in a group. Always check the data allowance and validity period before purchasing a SIM card.
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
Exercise normal precautions. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas. Ensure you have travel insurance.
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 during the dry season, from November to March, when the weather is pleasant with low rainfall and comfortable temperatures. This period is ideal for exploring the region's attractions without the hindrance of heavy rains.
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