Ultimate 2 Week Vietnam And Cambodia Itinerary

_{This post may contain affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for qualifying purchases. For more information, read our disclaimer.}   

This post will help you plan your ultimate 2 week Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary. It includes the best places to visit in Vietnam, the highlights of Cambodia, where to stay and which activities and sights to see plus some useful travel tips that I’ve picked up during my travels.

This two-week odyssey includes visits to some of the most historic cultural sites and some of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet. Beginning in Vietnam, you’ll tour the capital of Hanoi, cruise along gorgeous Hạ Long Bay, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage river town of Hội An before ending your travels here in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Then you’ll jet off to Cambodia and tour the largest religious temple site in the world: Angkor Wat.

Detailed Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary

Vietnam is a long and thin, wonderful country in South East Asia. Expect to see crazy traffic, fun nightlife, fascinating culture, modern history, super friendly locals, cheap beer and fabulous food. Cambodia is Vietnam’s calmer neighbour full of ancient ruins.

With a duration of 2 weeks, this detailed Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary promises to satisfy your wanderlust through the enchanting landscapes, awe-inspiring historical sites and cultural heritage that both these countries have to offer.

Follow this Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip!

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Your Vietnam adventure starts in Hanoi, in the north – and honestly, if you’re anything like me, you will be overwhelmed when you arrive. The chaos, the frenzy, the humidity, the noise and the pollution. To be fair, there is so much to be said about sleep deprivation and a long, red-eye flight certainly doesn’t help.

Initially, Hanoi reminded me of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, which I really didn’t enjoy, however, after a good night’s sleep, I started to fall in love with it, and the frenzy is all part of it’s charm.

We spent much of day 1 exhausted and desperate to check in to our hotel room to freshen up. So we didn’t do much aside from walking around The Old Quarter; soaking up the atmosphere and then found our way to Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s beautifully lit at night with the Thap Rua Tortoise Tower reflecting on the water. Lake Ho Hoan Kiem is a good spot for finding your bearings and navigating your way round the city.

We spontaneously jumped on a Hanoi Sightseeing tour bus at the lake, which would have been nice had my headphones worked, if it wasn’t raining and if I had managed to stay awake for the duration of the hour long journey, ha! Exhausted from our long travel day, I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.

If you are less tired than we were, I’d also recommend walking down to Hanoi’s iconic Train Street on day 1 too. Just be aware that the train timetable doesn’t mean anything and you’re highly unlikely to see a train go past. This tourist attraction has turned into an illegal business, surprisingly coordinated by the police too. 

The street is blocked in both directions and the entrances are guarded by uniformed police who threaten to beat you with a stick if you attempt to pass them. Behind them, several women are literally trying to grab tourists to take them to the bars located on the railway. It all feels like a bit of a scam, with bewildered tourists congregating on the other side of the barrier.

The aim is for these women to ensure you go to their bar to watch the spectacle of the train passing right through the middle of the houses and order overpriced Ha Noi beers while you inevitably wait for hours for a train that likely won’t appear. It’s quite clever if you think about it.

Despite the warnings placed at the entrance to the narrow street, we managed to sneak in behind a couple we had previously met on this trip. Others said they had been waiting for hours with no sign of the train, and having gone past three of the scheduled times it should be running ourselves, we decided to give up too.

Hanoi has a fabulous food scene so join a street food tour on your first night if you can. Sadly, I couldn’t find a vegan one but if you have no dietary restrictions, this tour is popular.

Day 2 – 4 : Halong Bay Cruise (2 nights)

One thing you cannot miss on your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary is a trip to the stunning Halong Bay.

Ha Long Bay translates to Bay of the Descending Dragon was officially recognised by New7wonders as one of the new 7 wonders of world nature.

It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the emerald-green water. The bay covers an extensive area and is characterised by its picturesque scenery, towering formations, hidden caves and floating fishing villages.

Ha Long Bay is a popular destination for tourists, offering boat cruises, kayaking, and the chance to explore its unique geological and cultural features. Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe it and photos do not do this place justice, so a junk cruise or luxury cruise should be a top priority for this Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary.

To visit Halong Bay you’ll need to take a tour of some description. Most cruises in Ha Long Bay depart from Tuan Chau International Cruise Port which is around a 2.5 hour drive from Hanoi. Your options are a day cruise or a one or two night stay – we opted for this two night Halong Bay Luxury Cruise (which you can read all about here).

There are many junk boats of different budgets, sizes and styles. Some sail in Halong Bay and others Bai Tu Long Bay, which is the quieter of the two bays. I’d advise you to do your research and book what works best for you, but I highly recommend the Paradise Elegance cruise we booked.

Halong Bay Cruise Tips

Book your cruise before you arrive in Hanoi and ask your cruise company to include a private transfer from your Hanoi hotel to the departure point in Halong Bay. This will be an additional cost, but it works out to be more affordable overall and ours was a very pleasant experience compared to just calling a regular Grab taxi.

Book your cruise early on during your stay in Hanoi instead of booking it for the day before you travel elsewhere. Typhoons are a regular occurrence in Vietnam during the summer season (May to October). They generally arrive and disappear in one day, but the authorities will not let any boats go out until the winds have passed. Planning it early on during your Hanoi stay means you might have some time to re-schedule if a typhoons hit.

Having arrived back in Hanoi from our Halong Bay cruise at around 4pm, we headed to Train Street (with not much luck) and then ended our evening post dinner at Moonlit Sky Bar rooftop bar near our hotel.

Day 5: Sightseeing in Hanoi

This was our final full day in Hanoi and we had to pack in as much as possible, so we started our day early. Here’s a run down of what we did..

Things to see and do in Hanoi

Starting with a very sobering experience at Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed by the Americans as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’. A poignant and thought-provoking experience that provides a window into Vietnam’s complex history during the French colonial era and the (very recent) Vietnam War.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s stilted house where he worked and lived. The Temple of Literature is a short walk from here too.

We stopped for a coffee at Note Coffee – definitely one for the gram, before walking back to Hoan Kiem Lake, which is definitely not as pretty in the day as it is at night. While there, we crossed the bright red Húc bridge to visit the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) situated in the middle of the lake. It’s a peaceful place to escape the frenzy of the city for a few moments.

Stopping for an early dinner – there are some excellent vegan restaurants in Hanoi, by the way! We had booked tickets for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which, unless you have young children in tow and run out of things to do, I do not recommend. Bizarre doesn’t even come close to describing the show, and with seats tightly packed in, it’s virtually impossible to walk out early. That was a painful 50 minutes of my life I’ll never get back.

Hanoi night market is on between 8 and 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, so we headed straight there after the puppet show. It wasn’t as large as the locals had made it out to be though for some reason, so you definitely don’t need to spend 3 hours there. It’s a great place to shop for unusual gifts and jewellery though.

Head to Little Bowl Hanoi, a hidden gem serving some of the best dessert I have ever had; ché. I don’t even have a sweet tooth, so you have to believe me when I say how epic this place is. The refreshing bowls are just what you need after racking up all those steps in the heat.

End your evening on Beer Street. Vietnam has the cheapest beer in the world, from as little as 50p. Just note that this iconic corner in the old quarter now has restrictions in place on pavement drinking. I’m not a beer fan, but this place is all about the vibe and a great spot for people watching.

I quickly did a 360 on my first impressions of Hanoi on arrival. This city is absolutely incredible and one not to miss on your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary; the super friendly locals will go out of their way to help you or simply strike up conversation out of nowhere. They simply cannot do enough for you.

Best places to stay in Hanoi

• Luxury – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. A stunning, historic 5-star hotel in the French Quarter offering spa services, 24-hour room service and a heated swimming pool.
• Mid range – We stayed at Eliana Signature Hanoi Hotel. Situated in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, within walking distance to most of the sights. Breakfast included and very reasonably priced.
• Boutique – Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel. A 5-star hotel & spa with 2 on-site restaurants, 3 bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sun terrace and spa in Hanoi
• Budget – Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel – Adults-only 3-star hostel with restaurant, bar and shared lounge.
• Or find your own perfect accommodation here.

Day 6 – 8: Hoi An (3 nights)

We flew to Da Nang on day 6 – approximately 1 hour flight time, followed by around a 1 hour drive to our hotel in Hoi An.

Hoi An is a must-visit stop on your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary and one of our highlights of this trip. This gorgeous little town punches well above its weight in terms of things to do and see, it is so atmospheric with an incredible, laid back charm.

I would go back to in a heartbeat.

Things to see and do in Hoi An

Start at the UNESCO world heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town, where you’ll find most of the attractions, ancient houses with faded yellow paint and small ornate temples. Getting lost here is wonderful; wandering from one pretty street to another and walking along the river.

Here you’ll find lantern shops and lots of bars and restaurants. Lantern making classes are very popular here in the Old Town as well as a lantern boat ride which is a beautiful experience in the evening. You get to take part in a local tradition and get given your own lantern to release into the river; for good fortune and love. Vietnamese people believe that lighting and floating these lanterns on the river can bring the health and happiness.

Hoi An is renowned worldwide for their custom tailored made clothes; many people visit this small town from nearby countries just for that reason alone. We bought the world’s cheapest tailored made suits here. While they have a very impressive 24 hour turnaround for tailor made clothing, be aware that it can be time consuming going back and forth for the fittings and adjustments.

Hoi An market is an interesting spot to visit at day and night time. You can shop for a wide array of items, there’s loads to look at in there and some pretty weird things to buy. Snake head preserved in a bottle of wine anyone?

You can cruise the canals of the coconut forest in a bamboo basket boat ride; a traditional means of transport in Hoi An and also combine this with a cooking class. There are some great restaurants in Hoi An and sadly there were no vegan cooking classes running while we were there.

When you’re ready to relax, hit An Bang beach, but be warned that it rains a LOT in the middle of the country so sadly we weren’t able to visit the beach or go on a bamboo basket boat ride during our time there. We had torrential rain for a lot of our time here, so much so that hotels here flooded.

Speaking of hotels..

Best places to stay in Hoi An

• Luxury – Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa. 5-star resort located on Cua Dai beach.
• Mid range – We stayed at the RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa. An incredibly affordable 5-star resort and spa that I cannot recommend enough. From the service, to the food and facilities, everything was brilliant. A short walk from the Ancient Old Town, this was my favourite hotel of our entire trip.
• Boutique – Anio Boutique Hotel Hoi An. 4-star boutique hotel with an outdoor pool.
• Or find your own perfect accommodation here.

Read more about Authentic Things to Do in Hoi An

Day 9 – 11: Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights)

The final stop on your 2 week Vietnam itinerary is Ho Chi Minh City, still known by its old name, Saigon. We flew to Ho Chi Minh on day 9 – approximately 1.5 hour flight time. I will say that if you’re limited on time on this trip and were to skip one stop on this Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary, I would recommend this city.

Instead, I would spend time in Da Nang, or visit either Hue or Phu Quoc.

Ho Chi Minh City, or HCMC to all the cool kids is an entirely different vibe and doesn’t feel like authentic Vietnam to me at all. There’s no authentic culture or grit and it’s all a bit too polished for my liking. The locals are aloof and not as friendly as they are elsewhere.. I just wasn’t a fan.

Things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City

Start your day at Ho Chi Minh City Hall, a beautiful French colonial style building on the way to the infamous Ben Thanh Market. This bustling market is an experience like no other; an interesting place to wander around and shop for clothing or souvenirs.

There are two other major landmarks nearby too; the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, and the beautiful Saigon Central Post Office – which may seem like an odd place to visit, but you have to step inside to see just how magnificent this colonial structure is.

No Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary would be complete without a trip down the Mekong Delta & Vinh Trang Pagoda Tour – this is the exact one we booked and it was the highlight of our time in HCMC. Sure this full day trip is a total tourist trap, given that the actual boat ride down the Mekong Delta barely lasts 15 minutes, but nevertheless, it is still a wonderful experience.

My top tip would be to ask for a vegan lunch when booking as I am convinced the scary looking elephant ear fish was to blame for Jass’s food poisoning that followed. To be honest, even thinking about that fish makes me feel ill. Google it, if you want to gross yourself out.

I much preferred sticking to proper restaurants in HCMC that served vegetarian dishes.

You can explore the underground Cu Chi Tunnels where soldiers hid and transported goods during the war, however we heard from many people that this isn’t a great experience. It’s a half day trip, but the tunnels were re-made to accommodate tourists, which is understandable given how tiny they must have been in the past.. but, this doesn’t seem like an authentic experience to me.

Set a few hours aside to learn all about the Vietnam and first Indochina war at the War Remnants Museum. Or alternatively head to the Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower to see the views of HCMC stretch out before you from the 49th floor, if that’s more your vibe.

An evening street food tasting tour by motorbike will give you a taste of the city’s fabulous food scene in an unusual way. Apparently eating a fertilised duck egg is a must-do here, but there was no way I could bring myself to do that. Instead, why not check out some of the great vegan restaurants in Ho Chi Minh instead.

Follow up with a late night mani/pedi literally anywhere, complete with a glass of wine.

End your night at Caravelle Saigon Hotel’s rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon, for some great views of the city and stay for the atmosphere in the evening.

Read more about how to Spend 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City

Best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

• Luxury – New World Saigon Hotel. 5-star hotel situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City District 1.
• Mid range – Silverland Mây Hotel. We stayed here in this 4-star, centrally located hotel in District 1, with a rooftop pool
• Boutique – La Siesta Premium Sai Gon. A 5-star luxury boutique hotel in District 1 with an outdoor pool and lively sky bar & lounge for late-night revelry.
• Budget – Long Hostel. A 2-star hostel in District 1, currently rated as the best hostel in Saigon on Tripadvisor.
• Or find your own perfect accommodation here.

Day 12 – 14: Siem Reap (3 nights)

Our Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary ends in Siem Reap. We flew here on day 12 – around a 45 minute flight time from HCMC.

Siem Reap, Cambodia is a small city that has a bustling tourism industry thanks to its location as the gateway to the temples of Angkor. 3 days is more than enough time to spend in Siem Reap; there isn’t that much to do, and visiting the temples complex can be done in one full day. Though you can also buy a 3 or 7 day pass for the temples as well, I personally don’t think that’s necessary, but each to their own.

Things to see and do in Siem Reap

I’m fairly certain your reason for visiting Siem Reap is most likely to be for visiting Angkor Wat; the largest religious monument constructed that is considered to be one of the 7th wonders of the ancient world. More than just another temple, it is truly spectacular..

You can also visit the Bayon and Ta Prohm temples respectively. Organise your own driver, which is what we did or take a taxi or cyclo / rickshaw driver , but whatever you do, make sure you are there for 4.30am to catch the sunrise and purchase your tickets in advance to save a lot of time on the day.

The experience of exploring tranquil temples in the morning, followed by the night-time antics of Siem Reap’s renowned ‘Pub Street’ is a jarring juxtaposition to say the least. However, you have to experience it in the evening. Regardless of whether partying is for you or not, you can get a late night massage, great vegetarian dinner and shop here late into the night.

Kampong Phluk floating village is located just outside of Siem Reap, it’s a fishing village constructed on stilts on Tonle Sap lake (the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia). This seems like a fascinating place to visit, but sadly one we missed out on thanks to the aforementioned food poisoning in HCMC.

The Old Market (Phsar Chas) is great; catering to locals for their everyday household goods and for tourists as a souvenir market both day and night. There are various other night markets to explore too, however you quickly realise while travelling that they all essentially sell the same stuff.

There are other things to do in Siem Reap, but these are the highlights. Unless you plan to stay in a resort and relax by the pool, you really don’t need more than 3 days here.

Best places to stay in Siem Reap

• Luxury – Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort. 5-star hotel set among tranquil landscaped gardens on the tree-lined Charles de Gaulle Avenue. It is just 10 minutes’ drive to Angkor Wat and features an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar.
• Mid range – Borei Angkor Resort & Spa. We stayed at this 5-star resort. While affordable, the service here is questionable and the food options for vegetarians and vegans is very limited. Great location and pool/gym facilities though.
• Boutique – Jaya House River Park. Nestled within tropical hanging gardens, away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, this 5-star hotel is a short drive away from Angkor Wat.
• Budget – The Funky Village. Excellent value and fun 3-star adults-only hostel. Features a pool, pool tables, ping pong tables, cinema room and a rooftop sports bar with great views. Located 5 minutes away from the famous Pub Street.
• Or find your own perfect accommodation here.

There we have it! My comprehensive, ultimate 2 week Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary, complete with all the things you should and shouldn’t do. We did travel to Laos for 5 days from here, as we were away for 3 weeks overall on this trip, but there’s more on that to come soon.

Do you need a visa to enter Vietnam?

UK Citizens – If you’re from the UK and visiting Vietnam for 45 days or less you don’t need a visa. If you’re staying for longer than that, you will need a visa. Apply several weeks before travel as these things can take some time.

US Citizens – All US citizens will require a visa to enter the country, and the application process can be done online, in advance. Alternatively, apply by mail or in person at the Consulate General of Vietnam as early as 6 months prior to the date of travel.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you enter Vietnam. It will also need to be in good condition or you may be refused entry. Take a screenshot or print-out of your departure flight for customs when you arrive too.

How many days is enough for Cambodia?

3 days is more than enough time in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Unlike in Vietnam, there isn’t a ton of things to do here. If you have longer though, you might want to spend 2-3 days in Phnom Penh; the nation’s capital.

If you’re travelling to this part of the world, you won’t want to miss out on visiting the largest temple in the world; Angkor Wat. It truly is spectacular and worth hopping over the border to see, which is the main reason we flew to Siem Reap.

Do you need a visa to enter Cambodia?

UK Citizens – All British passport holders to have a visa for entry into Cambodia and the easiest way to do this is apply for your visa on arrival in the country.. Or you can apply for an e-visa at least 4 days in advance. You will need US $30 in cash and one recent passport photo for a single entry visa. Visas are issued for a stay of 30 days. If you do not have a passport photo, you can pay for them to take one of you on arrival.

US Citizens – As above, all US passport holders will need a visa for entry into Cambodia too.

PIN THIS POST FOR LATER! 👇

If you’re planning to travel throughout Vietnam, don’t miss these posts:

• How To Spend 2 Days in Hanoi, Vietnam
• 20 Scams in Ho Chi Minh City and How To Avoid Them
• Ultimate Vietnam Bucket List: 40 Amazing Things You Must Do
• 25+ Authentic Things to Do in Hoi An (That You’ll Absolutely Love)
• Paradise Elegance: The Best Halong Bay Luxury Cruise
• The Best Vegan Restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam
• How To Spend 2 Days in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Full Day Trip to Mekong Delta: Is This a Tourist Trap?
• The Best Restaurants In Hoi An For Vegans & Vegetarians
• The Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re planning to travel throughout Cambodia, don’t miss these posts:

• How To Spend 3 Days In Siem Reap, Cambodia
• The Best Of Vegetarian Food In Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Angkor Wat Guide – All You Need To Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat