10-Day Vietnam-Cambodia Itinerary: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap and More!

10-Day Vietnam-Cambodia Itinerary: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap and More!

Travelling to Southeast Asia is a growing trend amongst young wanderlusters who crave for dreamy holidays away from hectic cities. With that said, Vietnam and Cambodia are two destinations that have so much in common, but at the same time they have their own charms. Travelers that are not eligible for the eVisa can apply for a regular Cambodia visa at the embassy. 

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You have the opportunity to admire the stunning landscapes, indigenous culture, compelling cities and divine natural beauties.

We’ve put together a comprehensive 10-day itinerary for Vietnam and Cambodia, where you will see and experience all the best features of each destination:

  • Day 1-2: Hanoi City (2 days)
  • Day 3: Ninh Binh Province (1 day)
  • Day 4-5: Halong Bay (1.5 days)
  • Day 6-8: Ho Chi Minh (2.5 days)
  • Day 9-10: Siem Reap (2.5 days)

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Located in the tropics, the weather in Vietnam and Cambodia is naturally warm and humid. The ideal time of year to visit these places is between December and March, when the climate is perfectly balanced.

It gets really hot in the Northern parts of Vietnam during summer and as a result, there will be a lot of rainfall too. However, if you do visit this region at this time, there will be lesser tourists – flights and accommodation will be cheaper too!

Also Read: Move Over, Bali: Could Vietnam Be Poised to be SouthEast Asia’s New Luxury Beach Hotspot?

Day 1-2: Full-day Hanoi city tour Vietnam Cambodia itinerary

Start off your 10-day Vietnam-Cambodia itinerary at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where the embalmed remains of venerable Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, rest.

Within this complex, you also have opportunities to learn about the historical landmarks of the town.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda
  • The President Palace 
  • Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House & Museum

Image credit: Wati Travel

Getting around Hanoi Old Quarter 36 Streets via cyclo gives you a front row seat to witness the daily life of locals. You can also admire ancient features of the city, and these include the Hanoi Opera House, Hoa Lo Prison, and more!

End off the tour of Hanoi with a cozy dinner with a local family. You’ll not only try authentic Vietnamese food, but you’ll also learn about the culture through intriguing stories.

Day 3: Van Long Nature Reserve – Ninh Binh Province

Make your way to the stilt houses at Gia Van District, where you’ll need to take some time to prepare for your 7-km cycling challenge.

Make the most of this short trip and admire the rustic beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. While you’re here, try your hand at a host of farming activities at Cau Vang Hamlet to truly experience life in the suburbs.

Image credit: @ruslanbardash

After that, you can self-cook a traditional Vietnamese meal and enjoy it within the tranquil atmosphere that’s been unchanged for hundreds of years. Be sure to take beautiful shots of the picturesque landscape of Van Long Wharf, and its diverse wildlife too.

Day 4-5: Take a cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam Cambodia itinerary

Bai Tu Long Bay is a huge tourist magnet. The beautiful cluster of karst caves here are popular amongst travellers. Due to karstic erosion and weathering, the caves form unique shapes – truly awe-inspiring.

Starting from the Hon Gai International Harbour, the cruise manager will brief you on the itinerary before embarking on a tour of the majestic Bai Tu Long Bay and mysterious Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave).

You’ll be lost in the pristine beauty of undulating islets here. If you want to get a 360-degree view, go for a hike up the hills, otherwise, soak in the natural environment in the lowlands and go kayaking at Cong Do instead.

Image credit: Inspitrip

At the end of your day, unwind with a ice-cold cocktail and relax on the cruise. There’s a broad spectrum of evening activities onboard for you to try too.

Start the next day with a Tai-chi session with the amazing Bai Tu Long Bay sunrise as your backdrop – this experience will be etched in your memory for a very long time.

Also Read: My Photo Journal: Snapshots of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Are you excited to travel to Vietnam & Cambodia already?

Only from US$1,319 per person, enjoy the Private Luxury Vietnam Cambodia Tour 10 Days package. This Vietnam-Cambodia itinerary brings you to all the authentic local experiences in the region. You have a chance to interact with locals and admire the stunning landscapes.

BOOK YOUR OWN TOUR NOW!

Day 6: Historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh city Vietnam Cambodia itinerary

Head back to Hanoi city and prepare for a transfer to Ho Chi Minh city. It’s about 1,724km away, so the best way to get to Ho Chi Minh from Hanoi is via a two-hour flight.

As the largest commercial hub of Vietnam, you will be overwhelmed by the contrasting features in Ho Chi Minh city. There are so many ancient temples and old colonial structures hidden among sparkling modern skyscrapers.

To begin your tour, visit these must-see historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh city:

  • Reunification Palace
  • War Remnants Museum
  • Ho Chi Minh Monument and Central Post Office

Image credit: Matador Network

After clearing the landmarks, head over to the Cu Chi Tunnel – an incredible underground tunnel network. You’d be surprised to know that it was home to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.

You’ll get to see artifacts and historical documentaries that will evoke the traumatic past of the Vietnamese people dating back to the American war.

Day 7-8: Enjoy the Mekong Delta Vietnam Cambodia itinerary

It’s time to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh city. While on your way to the Mekong Delta, you will pass through the two tranquil villages: My Tho and An Khanh.

Over here you can take a leisurely boat ride, where you’ll see the fruit plantations, sample the delicious coconut candy, and listen to Southern Vietnamese folk music.

Image credit: Saigon Riders

Once you arrive at the Mekong Delta, you’ll get to see the colourful Cai Be floating market, where you can hop from one boat to another and trade with the locals.

From the market, you will transfer to the charming Xeo Quyt basement – a place to discover the tough life of locals in the during the war.

Image credit: Viet Fun Travel

Day 9-10: An Angkor Discovery by Tuk Tuk Vietnam Cambodia itinerary

Siem Reap is about 230km away from Ho Chi Minh city. For speed and comfort, take a flight, but if you’re travelling on a budget, bus rides are available for cheap – though the journey will take somewhere around 6-10 hours.

Once you arrive in Cambodia, you must get a ride on the Tuk Tuk. It’s the most convenient way to get to the temples in Siem Reap. These include Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and the most well-known of all, Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat is one of the 12th-century masterpieces that is home to classical Khmer art and architecture. You’d want to stay here awhile longer to catch the beautiful sunset – it’ll be great for your Instagram!

Image credit: Angkor Focus

Your final destination at Siem Reap will be the remote village of Kampong Khleang. You will be overwhelmed by the rows of stilted houses hoisted 10 metres high! Vietnam Cambodia itinerary

As awesome as the sights may be, it reflects the inadequate living conditions of residents living on the banks of the Tonle Sap lake.

A 10-day Vietnam-Cambodia itinerary may not be enough to fully discover the beauty of two countries, but you can capture their most unique features. If you have more days, you can expand your Vietnam Cambodia tour to explore the beauty of Indochina countries.

About Asianway Travel

With 20 years experience as a travel expert, Asianway Travel is a leading tour operator based in Vietnam, specialising in custom private tours to destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Travelling with Asianway Travel guarantees a broad spectrum of unique and authentic local experiences at the best value.

Are you planning to visit Vietnam and Cambodia soon? The best way to enjoy a holiday in these two beautiful countries is to personalise your tour. Let their travel consultants give you the best advice for your upcoming trip. Send your request to [email protected] now!


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Asianway Travel
Asianway Travel

Asianwaytravel.com is a leading local tour operator based in Vietnam who specializes in customized private tours to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Whether you want to modify a tour package on the website or have an itinerary built from scratch, we can create an ideal trip for JUST FOR YOU.

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