Are you planning for a Vietnam and Cambodia tour with your family in 2 weeks but wondering where to start and how to get a perfect itinerary to explore these Southeast Asian gems? Let’s check out this blog, we’ll guide you from the authentic itinerary to all the things you should bring along to these beautiful countries.
From Vietnam to Cambodia
Vietnam and Cambodia are neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, with Cambodia located to the west of Vietnam. The distance between the two countries varies depending on the specific starting point and destination, but it is typically around 300 to 400 kilometers (186 to 248 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, or approximately 510 kilometers (317 miles) from Da Nang, Vietnam, to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
When traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia, you have several transportation options available, including flights, buses, and boats. Flights are the fastest and most convenient option, with direct flights available between major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Buses are a popular choice for budget travelers, offering various routes and schedules. Another unique option is taking a boat along the Mekong River, which provides a scenic and memorable journey between the two countries.
What can you expect when visiting Cambodia?
Once you arrive in Cambodia, you can expect to encounter a rich cultural heritage, stunning ancient temples, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality. Here are some highlights to look forward to:
- Angkor Wat: The magnificent temple complex in Siem Reap is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Cambodia.
- Phnom Penh: The capital city offers a mix of history, culture, and modern development. Visit the Royal Palace, and the National Museum, and learn about Cambodia’s turbulent past at the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
- Sihanoukville and the Southern Coast: Relax on the beautiful beaches, indulge in fresh seafood, and explore the nearby islands for a tranquil getaway.
- Battambang: Experience the charm of this riverside town, known for its colonial architecture, bamboo train rides, and vibrant arts scene.
- Kampong Cham: Discover rural Cambodia and explore traditional villages, ancient temples, and the famous bamboo bridge.
Where to go for a perfect Vietnam and Cambodia in 2 weeks Itinerary?
With a 2-week itinerary (around 14 to 15 days), you’ll discover the best highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia. The itinerary often includes exploring North and Central Vietnam and then combines with some highlights in Cambodia. This well-paced tour takes you to the dynamic city of Hanoi, the breathtaking Sa Pa hill station, the renowned Halong Bay, and the historic port town of Hoi An. Experience the wonders of the ancient Angkor Empire, including the magnificent Angkor Wat. This itinerary ensures a diverse and captivating experience throughout your journey.
Week 1: The Charming of North Vietnam and Romantic Hue City Tour
Day 1 – 2: Arrival in Hanoi and begin the journey to Halong Bay for a fascinating cruise
After arrival in Hanoi, you often have 1 night here in your hotel to recharge the energy before transferring to Halong Bay the next day. From there, you will embark on an unforgettable overnight cruise in Halong Bay, where you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning limestone karsts, emerald waters, and breathtaking scenery. Besides, you also have a chance to explore caves, participate in various water activities such as swimming, kayaking, etc, and learn more about the fishing culture in floating villages here.
Day 3: Back to Hanoi and prepare for the overnight train to Sapa
You’ll return to Hanoi after the Halong Bay cruise and embark on an overnight train journey to the enchanting hill station of Sapa. As you journey through the night, get ready to wake up to the awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes and vibrant local cultures that await you in Sa Pa.
Day 4 – 5: Marvelous Sapa with a trekking tour to the hidden gems
Embark on a trekking tour that will lead you to hidden gems, allowing you to explore the breathtaking landscapes, encounter local ethnic communities, and discover the cultural richness that lies within this captivating hill station. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the beauty and secrets of Sa Pa during these two unforgettable days.
Day 6: Back to Hanoi for a half-day city tour and flight to Central Vietnam
After sleeping on an overnight train back to Hanoi, let’s join a vibrant Hanoi half-day city tour. You will have a chance to visit some highlights here, such as Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his stilt house, Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Then you’ll catch a flight to Central Vietnam, where a new chapter of your journey awaits.
Day 7: Hue Full Day City Tour
This day, let’s immerse yourself in the vibrant and charming atmosphere as you explore the historical landmarks, such as the Imperial City and the Perfume River, discovering the rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders that make Hue a truly captivating destination.
Week 2: Delve into Central Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights
Day 8 – 9 – 10 – 11: The Charming Central Vietnam and Flight to Siem Reap Cambodia
Continuing with your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary, days 8 to 11 will introduce you to the charming central region of Vietnam. Explore the enchanting town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, vibrant lantern-lit streets, and bustling riverside markets. Take a trip to nearby Danang, where you can relax on beautiful beaches and visit attractions like the iconic Marble Mountains.
On day 10, embark on a fascinating excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of My Son, an ancient Hindu temple complex that showcases the rich history and architectural splendor of the Champa civilization.
Day 11 could be your free day to explore Hoi An Ancient Town. Then on the evening of day 11, you’ll catch a flight from Danang to Siem Reap in Cambodia, where a new chapter of your adventure awaits. Get ready to experience the awe-inspiring temples of the Angkor Empire and immerse yourself in the mystical ambiance of this ancient city.
Day 12: Visit Siem Reap and Enjoy Dinner with the Apsara Show
On day 12, after breakfast, you’ll have an up-close experience of Angkor’s early temples in the Roluos Group. Discover the enchanting Ta Prohm temple, known for its iconic tree-covered ruins. Visit Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang, and Pre Rup to immerse yourself in Cambodia’s ancient Khmer civilization. In the evening, enjoy a delightful Apsara dancing dinner before spending the night in Siem Reap.
Day 13: Enjoy Off-the-beaten-track experience with Tonle Sap
On day 13, enjoy the off-the-beaten-path Beng Mealea temple, which is surrounded by atmospheric ruins. Enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on a boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake, where you’ll visit Kompong Phluck and witness floating houses and flooded forests. Return to Siem Reap for an overnight stay, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Day 14: Various wondrous ancient ruins – the iconic of Cambodia
Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Thom, including the South Gate and the impressive Bayon Temple. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. After lunch, discover the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple, a symbol of Cambodia’s grandeur. Return to Siem Reap for an overnight stay, reflecting on the remarkable ancient wonders you’ve experienced.
Day 15: Conclude
On day 15, conclude your itinerary in Siem Reap with a visit to the enchanting temple of Banteay Srei, also known as the “Citadel of the Women.” Marvel at its intricate carvings and well-preserved pink sandstone. After your visit, your itinerary in Siem Reap comes to an end. Take this time to reflect on the remarkable historical and cultural experiences you’ve had throughout your journey in Cambodia.
Note: Above is our suggestion about the Vietnam and Cambodia 2-week itinerary, you can take a look for more details at Discover the Real Vietnam & Cambodia in 2 Weeks Tour. Moreover, Indochina Voyages is also available in various package tours for your journey to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Or else, you can customize your own journey with us till it suits you best.
How to get a visa for Vietnam and Cambodia?
Before getting to any country, you must get your visa. Firstly, check your passport if it is valid for at least 6 months counting from your arrival date.
For both countries, there are 3 main ways to obtain it; which are via an Embassy in your home town, an E-Visa, and a visa on arrival. The first option as well as Vietnam E-visa and Cambodia E-visa have to be prepared prior to your departure to our countries; and apart from the visa itself and your passport which is a must for your travel, you do not need to bring any other documents. Meanwhile, for visa on arrival, remember to bring the approval letter for visa on arrival to Vietnam, 02 passport-sized photos, and cash for the visa stamping fee.
The Cambodia visa stamping fee is US$30 per person, Vietnam visa stamping fee is US$25 per person.
Vietnam and Cambodia packing list
The weather in Vietnam and Cambodia is quite the same, despite the fact that the temperature in Cambodia is higher than in Vietnam. So the packing list is expected to be just one.
Money
Basically, you will need cash or some planned amount on your credit card for your vacation. Most of it will be for main meals, drinking water, sightseeing tickets, laundry, tips, taxi/transportation fee, etc.
Transportation:
Once you arrive at the airport, you will need a cab to take you to your hotel. This fee is from US$10-20 and will be less in some places such as Ho Chi Minh City where the airport is close to the city center. For other excursions, you can also use a taxi; but there are quite a lot of scams for tourist taxis in big cities and Grab – is the most convenient and cost-saving for private car/taxi services using the basic internet. However this will only easily apply to ones who plan meticulously for all the spots they want to go, the fee can be from US$1.5 – 3/excursion
Food and drink:
Street food is incredibly cheap like US$1-2 for a “banh mi”, US$2-2.5 for a bowl of Pho noodles or Bun Bo Hue or Hu Tieu, US$2.5-3 for a plate of chicken rice, etc. A bottle of beer costs US$2 and for a dining out with a set menu, the price is around US$10-15 per person.
Tipping:
Tipping isn’t a norm while traveling, but expected in many countries especially in Vietnam and Cambodia while their tourism is developing.
We have a useful guideline for tipping in Vietnam here, you might want to take a look: Tipping in Vietnam & How to tip in Vietnam
If you already booked the package holidays to Vietnam and Cambodia from your home most tours include lunches and tickets for your touring days so that you do not have to bring much cash in your pocket. You can use US notes for restaurants, tipping, or souvenirs but it is more cost-effective if you convert the majority of the cash into Vietnamese Dong and Cambodia Riel. You can easily do it at the airport in the arriving country.
Medical Items
- For the safe Vietnam and Cambodia holidays, pack a first-aid kit with bandages, disinfectant, tweezers, and an anti-diarrhea medicine, you can quickly treat cuts and scratches and stop them from getting infected. To avoid some problems that occur with foreign pharmacies like some medicines that are unavailable, poor in quality, or unclear origin, make sure to bring prescripted medications in quantities large enough to use during your trip.
- Sun cream to avoid the extreme heat and the long day time during summer in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Insect repellent especially for the countryside area
Clothes
Clothes made of cotton are highly recommended which will absorb much of your sweat; as Vietnam and Cambodia can be hot and humid all the time. For visiting temples and religious places, choose pants that cover your knees, long skirts, or t-shirts with sleeves and a modest neckline. Shoes, long pants and a water-proof light jacket are suitable for the rainy season.
You do not have to bring a lot of clothes when coming to Vietnam and Cambodia tours as things here are quite cheap and the laundry services are everywhere at fair prices and good quality. With around US 1$ for
Other stuff
- Water resist phone bag: There are a lot of interesting water activities throughout your Vietnam and Cambodia holidays; not only beach time or snorkeling, but also river boating in Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Tonle Sap Lake, etc. So make sure to have a water-resistant phone bag with you to protect your phone from downpours of rain and to have some good shots under water.
- Flight tickets, and hotel vouchers: You should keep them handy with their phone number and address in detail; so that you will never get lost on the streets and always can find your way back to your hotel.
Sunglasses and hat Travel money belt body wallet - Sunglasses and hat
- Extra memory card
FAQs
Is two weeks enough time to explore both Vietnam and Cambodia?
Two weeks provides a good amount of time to visit major highlights in both countries. However, keep in mind that you may need to prioritize certain destinations based on your interests.
Or else, instead of visiting both Vietnam and Cambodia, you can spend 2 weeks exploring only Vietnam and delve into the beauty of this country: Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary North to South: Complete Travel Guide
Which cities should I include in my Cambodia itinerary?
Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples, is a must-visit in Cambodia. You may also consider including Phnom Penh, the capital city, for its historical sites and vibrant atmosphere.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
The dry season (November to April) is generally considered the best time to visit both countries, as the weather is more pleasant and there is less rainfall. However, specific regions may have variations in weather patterns, so it’s advisable to check the climate for the specific destinations you plan to visit.
Is it safe to travel in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Both countries are generally safe for travelers. However, it’s always advisable to take normal precautions like practicing good situational awareness, securing your belongings, and following local guidelines and customs.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan food options in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Yes, both countries offer vegetarian and vegan food options. In major cities and tourist areas, you’ll find restaurants and eateries that cater to various dietary preferences.
How should I handle currency and payments in Vietnam and Cambodia?
In Vietnam, the local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), while in Cambodia, it’s the Cambodian Riel (KHR). However, US dollars are widely accepted in both countries, especially in tourist areas. It’s advisable to carry a mix of local currency and US dollars for convenience.
Together with a lot of things to prepare before the trip, looking for the best Southeast Asia tour companies for Vietnam Packages and Cambodia package tours is essential. I believe it will be much easier if you go with Indochina Voyages, including 2 typical types of Vietnam and Cambodia family tour such as Discover the Real Vietnam & Cambodia in 2 Weeks and Southern Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery in 13 days.
Not only assist travelers with a reasonable itinerary that matches the guests’ interests but also as an expert in the area; we bring out very helpful advice to save a lot of your time and budget. Let’s have a look then choose the one that suits you the most or simply send us an email, we will get back to you shortly. Happy traveling!
—
Indochina Voyages stands out as one of the premier Southeast Asia Tour Companies, specializing in crafting personalized private packages for discerning travelers not just providing single transfer items from Cambodia to Phu Quoc. Whether you choose to explore our pre-designed tours, meticulously curated by our travel experts, or opt to customize your own itinerary, we guarantee to deliver the finest and most suitable options for every aspect of your journey, from accommodation to transportation.
Maybe you’ll find out your own Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour in our best-sellers:
- Southern Vietnam Discovery 6D-5N
- Splendors of Vietnam and Cambodia 17D-16N
- Classic Adventure Vietnam 12D-11N
Or else, please fill form and feel free to share with our travel expert your wish list or what you are really keen on doing along with your dream tour:
Indochina Voyages Travel Specialist
