Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary: The Most Classic from 7 to 14 Days

Vietnam and Cambodia have a lot to offer, and if you’re dreaming of discovering the best of both, our classic Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary from 7 to 14 days is a great place to start.

For a quick journey, a 7-day itinerary will take you through the most iconic highlights. If you have more time, a 10-day trip allows you to dive deeper into the local culture and natural beauty. And for those expecting a full adventure, a 14-day Vietnam and Cambodia tour covers hidden gems and relaxation time.

Have even more time? You can easily extend your Vietnam and Cambodia journey to neighboring countries like Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar for an even richer experience.

In this guide, we’ll introduce the most classic itinerary and share some local tips, and then you can enjoy the very best of Vietnam and Cambodia, and beyond!

7 Days for a Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary: the Least Duration

For travelers with tight schedules, 7 days is enough to experience the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia. This is the classic Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary, which includes four days in Hanoi and three days in Siem Reap. Here are some recommended attractions for a one-week itinerary to make the most of your vacation.

The entire itinerary starts in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, which is conveniently located for four days. A Hanoi tour typically includes taking a traditional tricycle to tour the old quarter, experience the daily life of locals, taste Vietnamese street food, and stroll along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, which is famous for its tranquil beauty. In addition to these activities, there are other attractions worth visiting in Hanoi.

Located on the shores of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda has Buddhist symbolism and is a must-visit place in Hanoi; Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most famous buildings in Vietnam and can provide an in-depth understanding of Vietnam's history; One Pillar Pagoda, a landmark building that cannot be missed, is famous for its extraordinary architecture; Temple of Literature is one of the most prestigious historical attractions in Hanoi and is the first university in Vietnam.

Halong Bay, which is very close to Hanoi, is also an important part of the itinerary. The best option is to take an overnight Halong Bay cruise to admire the rocks, islets, caves and grottoes, enjoy some exciting activities such as sightseeing, kayaking or swimming, and enjoy a relaxing night on the boat.

The tranquil and beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake is suitable for a leisurely stroll.

After that, stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia for 3 days. Start with the must-see Angkor Wat tour and explore the remains of the Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. It is the seventh wonder of the world, extremely beautiful and well-preserved, and has some of the longest and most exquisite stone carvings in the world.

Don't miss other famous temples: Ta Prohm is one of the largest temples built during the Khmer Empire. The towering kapok trees and strangler figs grow on, around and between the ancient stones, making you feel like you are in the scene of an adventure movie; Banteay Srei is one of the main temples in the Angkor Wat complex, like a smaller version of Ta Prohm, with a peaceful and serene environment; Bayon is unique with its 200 smiling faces, which will definitely make you feel warm.

In addition to temples, Siem Reap also has many markets and delicious local food, which is a great place to relax at night. You can also go to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, take a boat to visit the floating village and experience the unique lifestyle of the local residents.

7 Days Glimpse of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour
Tour Route: Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Siem Reap

The majestic main temple of Angkor Wat reflected in the lake.

10 Days for a Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary: Explore More Highlights

The 10-day itinerary will give you a richer experience of exploring Vietnam and Cambodia, you will have time to explore more places like Hoi An and Saigon. You can plan in this way: four days in Hanoi, one day in Hoi An, two days in Saigon, and three days in Siem Reap.

Hoi An Ancient Town is famous for its well-preserved architecture that combines many cultural elements. You may stop at the following attractions: the Japanese Covered Bridge, the ancient traditional building Tan Ky House, and Hoi An Market, a local market with handicrafts and street food stalls. At night, colorful lanterns will light the streets and you can take a leisurely walk.

Colorful lanterns light up the streets of Hoi An Ancient Town at night.

There are these iconic attractions to explore in Saigon: Cu Chi Tunnels, explore these defense systems developed during the Vietnam War; Notre Dame Cathedral, known as one of the 19 most magnificent churches in the world and regarded as the architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City; Saigon Old Post Office is one of the must-see attractions as it is the largest post office and the oldest colonial building in Vietnam.

Don't miss the Mekong River cruise near Saigon, where you can paddle through the lush jungle, enjoy the scenic and culturally unique lands along the Mekong River and explore floating villages at your leisure.

10 Days Vietnam and Cambodia Essence Tour
Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Saigon – Siem Reap

Mekong River cruise through the dense jungle and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River.

12 Days Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour Package

Siem Reap - Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

2 Weeks for a Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary: Perfect to Visit Hidden Gems

For a two-week Vietnam and Cambodia tour, you can have more time to explore some hidden gems like Hue and Phnom Penh. Four days in Hanoi, one day in Hoi An, two days in Hue, two days in Saigon, three days in Siem Reap, and two days in Phnom Penh.

These are some highlights among the many things to do in Hue: the Imperial City of Hue is a magnificent fortress-style complex; Tu Duc Tomb, the tomb of the fourth king of the Nguyen Dynasty; Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue City, dates back to 1601; Minh Mang Tomb is the tomb of the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Dong Ba Market is the largest commercial center in Hue and the surrounding area, where you can buy souvenirs. You can also take a dragon boat on the Perfume River to enjoy the open river view and the tranquil scenery along the coast. On the cruise, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and sunset of Hue and listen to traditional Vietnamese folk songs.

The Imperial City of Hue is a magnificent fortress-style complex.

In Phnom Penh, you can take a tuk-tuk to visit the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is paved with about 5,000 silver bricks, and the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lived; the Prison and Killing Fields/Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a museum that records the tragic history of Cambodia in modern times; the National Museum, which houses Khmer sculpture artifacts with a thousand-year history.

The Russian Market in Phnom Penh is also very famous, where you can buy a variety of local specialties. Head to Phnom Penh Island on the Mekong River, where you can cycle through the countryside of Phnom Penh, exploring small villages, local schools, silk weaving houses, and beautiful rural scenery.

Or take a sunset cruise in Phnom Penh with unlimited beer and soft drinks, exploring the Mekong River, Tonle Sap River, Simian River, as well as Diamond Island and local fishing villages. You will have the opportunity to observe the housing and lifestyle of local people along the coast and get an authentic Cambodian experience.

14 Days Best of Vietnam Cambodia Tour with Historical and Cultural Discovery
Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Hue – Saigon – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh

The Silver Pagoda, whose floor is paved with about 5,000 silver bricks, is located in Phnom Penh.

Extend Your Vietnam and Cambodia Travel Itinerary to Neighboring Countries

After fully exploring Vietnam and Cambodia, if you have enough time, it is a good choice to extend your trip to neighboring countries such as Laos, Thailand or Myanmar. It is very convenient to take a direct flight to these countries to experience the beauty of Southeast Asia and experience the local culture.

We are reliable local travel service experts for Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Laos Myanmar tours, focusing on providing private car travel that suits your budget and interests at the best local prices.

24 Days Panorama of Indochina Tour

Hanoi-Halong Bay-Hoi An-Saigon-Mytho-Siem Reap -Vientiane-Luang Prabang-Chiang Rai-Golden Triangle-Chiang Mai-Yangon

Conclusion

Choosing the right Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary depends on how much time you have and what you want to experience. Whether it’s a 7-day excursion to see the highlights, a 10-day trip to explore more cities, or a 2-week adventure to discover hidden gems, both countries will leave you with unforgettable memories. You can also extend your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary to Laos, Thailand, or Myanmar for more exciting experiences.

Refer to these attractions and itineraries to help you create the perfect route and enjoy every moment of your trip! Start planning your Vietnam and Cambodia trip now and get ready for an exciting adventure! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.