How Long To Spend In Vietnam And Cambodia – Best Itineraries For Explorers

No matter how long to spend in Vietnam and Cambodia, our planned itineraries are sure to highlight the top attractions of both countries. What’s more, some valuable tips will be presented to maximize your experience in these mesmerizing nations. 

How Long To Spend In Vietnam And Cambodia?

One week: Quick Highlights

Ideal for

Anyone with limited time but an interest in seeing the area will find this schedule ideal, whether they are busy professionals, students on vacation, or anyone else. It’s also a great option for first-timers who wish to experience both nations before committing to a longer journey. This is a great choice for adventurers who want something different every time.

Highlights

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Discover the magic of the most must-see spots of Vietnam and Cambodia in 7 days

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Half-day City Tour

  • Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
  • Explore key highlights: Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall, Opera House, Rex Hotel, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market
  • Visit Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple

  • Visit Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh Province to learn more about the fascinating Cao Dai religion
  • Explore Cu Chi Tunnelsm, in which you can watch a short introductory video and try Viet Cong soldiers’s main food
  • Evening at leisure

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Day Tour

  • Start by a visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
  • Boat ride along Mekong Delta
  • Take a hand-rowed sampan ride under water coconut trees to less-touristy Ben Tre
  • Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap – Angkor National Museum

  • Fly to Siem Reap
  • Visit Angkor National Museum, which may have many Angkorian relics, documents, and audiovisual displays

Day 5: Angkor Wat Temple Tour

  • Explore Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm in Angkor Thom – the Khmer Empire’s magnificent city.
  • Continue to tour Angkor Wat
  • Embrace the sunset at Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup

Day 6: Kulen Mountain and Beng Mealea Temple

  • Phnom Kulen mountain tour
  • Enjoy a swim and picnic in the waterfall close to the River of One Thousand Lingas 
  • Visit Beng Mealea Temple
  • Evening at leisure

Day 7: Siem Reap Departure

  • Free morning
  • Transfer to the airport for departure

Pros

The main advantage of this itinerary is allowing travelers to tick off major bucket list items in both countries within a short period. In addition to providing a great overview of the area, this shortened tour can help visitors choose which parts they want to see more of on subsequent trips. 

Cons

The fast pace of this itinerary can be challenging for some travelers, potentially leading to a sense of rushing through attractions without fully savoring each experience. There’s a risk of missing out on some hidden gems, too. Travelers might feel like they’re spending too much time in transit between destinations, cutting into sightseeing time. Additionally, unexpected delays or travel hiccups could have a more significant impact on such a tightly packed schedule.

Two weeks: A Balanced Experience

Ideal for

If you just have a short amount of vacation time but a strong desire to experience the essence of both countries, this is the plan for you. It suits first-time visitors to Southeast Asia, couples looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, and culture enthusiasts who want to explore the region’s rich history and vibrant present. Food lovers who wish to sample a variety of local cuisines will also love this option.

Highlights

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Embark on a 2-week journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, exploring royal palaces, verdant terraces, historical landmarks, and tranquil bays

Days 1-3: Siem Reap, Cambodia

  • Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, visit Angkor National Museum
  • Day 2: Full-day exploration of Angkor Archaeological Park
  • Day 3: Further temple exploration, including Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean

Days 4-5: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

  • Day 4: Fly to Phnom Penh, a city tour including Royal Palace and National Museum
  • Day 5: Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, speed boat to Chau Doc, Vietnam

Days 6-7: Mekong Delta, Vietnam

  • Day 6: Explore Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, travel to Can Tho
  • Day 7: Visit Cai Rang floating market, drive to Ho Chi Minh City

Days 8-9: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Day 8: Cu Chi tunnels tour, city sightseeing
  • Day 9: Morning at leisure, afternoon flight to Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An

Days 10-11: Hoi An, Vietnam

  • Day 10: Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, street food discovery tour
  • Day 11: Morning at leisure, afternoon flight to Hanoi

Days 12-13: Hanoi and Sapa, Vietnam

  • Day 12: Full-day Hanoi city tour
  • Day 13: Drive to Sapa, afternoon trek to Love Waterfall

Day 14: Halong Bay and Departure

  • Morning: Drive to Halong Bay, board cruise ship
  • Afternoon: Explore Halong Bay, cave visit, onboard activities
  • Evening: Return to Hanoi for departure flight

Pros

A two-week itinerary offers a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to visit major sites in both Vietnam and Cambodia without feeling overwhelmed. It provides a balanced mix of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty, while still offering some flexibility to accommodate personal interests or moments of relaxation. 

Cons

A solid overview is provided by two weeks, but to maximize your trip, you may need to plan ahead more strategically. Travelers often experience a buildup of fatigue as the number of venues they jump between increases.

Three weeks: Immersive Exploration

Ideal for

This itinerary caters perfectly to those with ample time and a penchant for in-depth exploration. Not only does it suit seasoned travelers who relish venturing off the beaten path, but it also appeals to history buffs eager to immerse themselves fully in the region’s rich past. Moreover, nature enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the diverse ecosystems waiting to be discovered. And for photographers, this option presents an unparalleled opportunity to capture a wide array of scenes. 

Highlights

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Experience the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture on a 3-week tour through Vietnam and Cambodia

Days 1-3: Hanoi and Day Trips 

  • Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, free time
  • Day 2: Hanoi city tour (Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, Old Quarter)
  • Day 3: Day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc, overnight train to Lao Cai

Days 4-5: Sapa Region

  • Day 4: Sapa hiking (Cat Cat village, Y Linh Ho, Muong Hoa valley)
  • Day 5: Ethnic market visit, return to Hanoi

Days 6-7: Halong Bay Cruise 

  • Day 6: Transfer to Halong Bay, overnight cruise (cave visit, kayaking, swimming)
  • Day 7: Morning activities in Halong Bay, afternoon flight to Hue

Days 8-10: Central Vietnam – Hue and Hoi An

  • Day 8: Hue city tour (Citadel, Perfume River cruise, Royal Tomb)
  • Day 9: Transfer to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass, Hoi An walking tour
  • Day 10: Free day in Hoi An (optional activities available)

Days 11-13: Beach Break – Whale Island

  • Day 11: Flight to Nha Trang, transfer to Whale Island Resort
  • Days 12-13: Free days at Whale Island (water activities, relaxation)

Days 14-17: Southern Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta

  • Day 14: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels tour
  • Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City tour (war sites, Chinatown)
  • Day 16: Mekong Delta exploration (Cai Be floating market, village life)
  • Day 17: Cai Rang floating market, return to Ho Chi Minh City

Days 18-21: Cambodia – Siem Reap and Angkor Temples

  • Day 18: Flight to Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom tour
  • Day 19: Further exploration of Angkor archaeological park
  • Day 20: Banteay Srey temple, Tonle Sap Lake boat trip
  • Day 21: Departure from Siem Reap

Pros

A three-week journey provides ample time to thoroughly explore both countries, offering the opportunity to visit either the popular attractions or hidden gems and less-touristy locations. This extended timeframe allows for a more relaxed pace, giving travelers the chance to truly absorb local life and culture. There’s greater flexibility to add personal interests such as beach time, trekking, or specific cultural experiences, resulting in a more tailored and satisfying trip.

Cons

The main drawback of a three-week itinerary is the significant time commitment, which may not be feasible for all travelers due to work or other obligations. The wealth of experiences and information can be overwhelming for some, requiring careful planning to balance activities and avoid travel fatigue. This longer trip also demands more budget, more energy and more adaptability from travelers.

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Useful Notes For A Vietnam Cambodia Holiday

Ideal Time To Travel

Around the months of October through March, travelers will find the greatest weather in Vietnam and Cambodia. You should keep in mind the following monthly factors, though:

  • Be ready for the odd rainstorm in Central Vietnam during the rainy season of October and November. 
  • During the winter months of December, northern Vietnam experiences a chill that is particularly noticeable in the mountainous regions. However, even though the scenery isn’t as lively, you can nevertheless enjoy the cultural features and metropolitan districts. 
  • Vietnam and Cambodia both enjoy dry seasons in January and February, making those months ideal for outdoor sports and tourism. 
  • Vietnam’s mountains offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in March. During this time, there may be more people in Vietnam and Cambodia, which could lead to increased airfare and hotel rates.

Your expectations and the amount of time you have available for the travel will determine your decision on how long to spend in Vietnam and Cambodia. When you’re making plans for your vacation, think about how you’d like the weather, the volume of people, and the cost to be.

Visa

Cambodia’s visa regulations are notably straightforward for most international visitors. Apart from Southeast Asian passport holders who enjoy visa-free entry, tourists can easily obtain an e-visa online or at the border.

Vietnam also offers an e-visa system for foreign nationals, granting stays of 30 to 90 days. While 30-day e-visas can’t be extended, visas on arrival allow for possible extensions.

Visa costs typically range from 25 to 35 USD, depending on your entry point, and are valid for a month. When applying digitally, be sure to provide accurate travel dates, flight details, entry location, a digital photo, payment information, initial accommodation address, and personal data.

Processing usually takes 3-7 business days, excluding weekends. Applications submitted on Fridays may take longer than those filed early in the week.

Citizens from most regions, including the Americas, Europe, Central Asia, and Oceania, can apply for a 30-day e-visa. However, travelers from Africa, the Middle East, and certain South Asian nations need to secure visas in advance.

Currency

Travelers to Vietnam and Cambodia would do well to bring a combination of US dollars and local cash for ease of payment. To facilitate transactions and bargain for better pricing in local markets, keep small denominations on hand.

Electricity Information

Vietnam uses 220V, with Type A (flat pins) and Type C (round pins) sockets being common.

Cambodia operates on 230V, primarily using Type A and C outlets. Type G (three rectangular pins) is increasingly found in newer buildings.

Most modern gadgets automatically adapt to 100V-240V. However, verify your devices’ compatibility beforehand. A universal adapter is handy for charging electronics seamlessly in both countries. If needed, consider packing a voltage converter for any non-compatible items.

Wrapping Up

How long to spend in Vietnam and Cambodia depends on your personal preferences and desired destinations. While 7 days can provide a satisfying taste of both countries, extending your stay to 2 to 3 weeks allows for a deeper, more comprehensive exploration. 

Remember to pack essential tips like visa requirements, currency considerations, and electrical adapters to ensure a smooth adventure. With this knowledge in hand, you’re well-prepared to embark on your dream Southeast Asian expedition!

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