Vietnam Cambodia Tours

As neighboring countries sharing a long land border, Vietnam and Cambodia are very easy to visit together. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have many international flight connections to cities in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Once there, transferring between Vietnam and Cambodia is convenient by flight, overland, or boat.

Both countries have overlapping seasons when you can find the best weather, and similar peak and low travel seasons. They have also made it easy for tourists to visit with convenient e-visa systems or visas on arrival in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Most international travelers need a visa for Vientam and Cambodia. Vietnam’s e-visa is the most convenient option for traveling to Vietnam. The visa can be applied for through the official Vietnam Immigration website. It takes 3 working days to process and is valid for a 30-day stay. A single-entry visa costs 25 USD.

Cambodia offers visas on arrival at international airports and major border crossings. The visa on arrival costs 30 USD and is valid for a 30-day stay. Lines at immigration can be long during peak travel seasons.

To cut down on the waiting time, get an e-visa in advance. The e-visa is obtained through the official Cambodian Government Website for a fee of 36 USD. It usually takes 3 business days to process.

Flight is the fastest and most convenient way from Vietnam to Cambodia. Multiple daily direct flights connect major cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. The Moc Bai – Bavet border crossing is a popular transfer point for people traveling by land between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.

Besides, it’s also possible to travel along the Mekong River between the two countries. Ferries and speedboats run between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh in just a few hours, or you can take a relaxing river cruise.

The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia together is generally from November to April, as these months offer the least amount of rainfall.

November to March is considered the time with the best weather in Vietnam and Cambodia. In the dry season, rainfall is minimal, allowing you to enjoy sunny days and clear blue skies. Temperatures stay mostly in a comfortable range between 20°C and 30°C.

Generally, Southern Vietnam has a similar climate to Cambodia, but conditions vary in the central and northern regions. November is the end of typhoon season for central Vietnam around Hue and Hoi An, and it is usually better to visit from December onwards.

Northern Vietnam has a four-season climate with a mild but chilly winter. It doesn’t get too cold in Hanoi, but the mountainous Sapa region receives occasional snowfall.

A week is enough to see many of the highlights in both countries. Over seven days, you can explore the culture and history of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap and experience the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Halong Bay and Angkor Wat.

Two weeks allows for a more in-depth experience. You can add the charming city of Hoi An with its lantern-lit streets, and imperial architecture and cuisine of Hue, both in Central Vietnam.

Cambodia, the capital city, Phnom Penh is a great place to see the fusion of old and new with its vibrant city life and attractions like the Royal Palace and Phnom Daun Penh.

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have options to suit everyone, from budget to luxury travelers. Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around 50-80 USD a day. At that price, you can stay close to main attractions at comfortable 3-star hotels.

Eating authentic local food at small eateries or from street vendors is a must-try and costs between 1-5 USD per person.

Taxi or tuk-tuk rides in cities usually cost 5 USD or less. Exploring city streets and many nature areas doesn’t cost anything, and entrance tickets for major tourist attractions are usually between 10-20 USD.

Vietnam has a more developed tourism infrastructure with a wide range of activities for visitors. The northern region is a trekking mecca, Halong Bay is a natural wonder, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are bustling modern metropolises, and Phu Quoc is a tropical island paradise.

Cambodia’s biggest attraction is Angkor Wat, a truly unique site. Apart from Phnom Penh, the rest of the country offers a more serene experience, with laid-back rural villages and untouched natural surroundings.

Vietnam’s national currency is the dong (VND). It is the standard for most transactions. Some larger hotels and establishments will accept USD, but local currency will be needed for many daily activities.

US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia alongside the riel (KHR). In general, the most convenient option is to use USD for larger purchases and local currency for small transactions.

Credit cards are accepted at major establishments and tourist areas in both countries. ATMs and currency exchange places are widely available in major cities. It’s usually best to only exchange a small amount at the airport and then find a bank or exchange counter with more favorable rates after arriving in a city center.

Pack for the weather, which will mostly be warm to hot. Lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable in the tropical weather. Both countries have generally conservative cultures, so it’s best to avoid clothing that is too tight or revealing. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring city streets or outdoor areas.

Sun and mosquito protection are important. Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen. Insect repellent with Deet will keep the bugs away. A waterproof bag or portable travel umbrella is a good idea to help keep dry in case of unexpected rain.

One of the most popular tours is a 9-day highlights tour of the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. The escorted tour with a private driver will take you through the magnificent landscapes and cities and immerse you in the culture of sites like Hoi An Ancient Town and Angkor Wat.

Day 1-2: Hanoi Cultural Tour
Experience the deep history and culture of Hanoi at sites like Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Temple of Literature. You will have time to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and sample delicious street food.

Day 3 Halong Bay Cruise
Set out on an overnight cruise of Halong Bay. You’ll tour the beautiful emerald waters and stunning karst formations and be able to join activities like kayaking or swimming.

Day 4-5: Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery
The charming sights of Hoi An include the 200-year-old Tan Ky House and Chua Ong Pagoda. Make an excursion to nearby Cam Thanh Village, enjoy a bamboo basket boat rise, and learn traditional fishing techniques for catching crab and coconut mussels.

Day 6: Saigon City Exploration
Saigon is a vibrant city with beautiful colonial architecture. You’ll see highlights like Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, and Emperor Jade Pagoda. Take a dinner cruise on the Saigon River at night.

Day 7-9: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is a short flight from Saigon, and the gateway to Angkor Wat. You’ll have a whole day, starting from sunrise, to explore the ancient temple complex. See the amazing temples of Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei, and then return to Siem Reap for a traditional spa treatment and delicious dinner.