Vietnam Laos Cambodia Tour Itinerary for First-Time Traveler: 14 Days

Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are located right next to each other, which makes them perfect to explore together in one trip. All you need is a bit of planning before you go—and don’t worry, we’re here to help with that!

If it’s your first time visiting Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, we recommend a 14-day journey that covers the highlights of all three countries. Start with 3 days in Cambodia’s Siem Reap, then fly over to Laos for 4 days to Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Finally, spend a full week discovering the highlights of Vietnam from north to south—Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Saigon.

In this guide, we’ll help you map out the perfect two-week itinerary across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, taking you to experience the rich cultural and natural scenery and create an unforgettable trip of a lifetime!

Day 1-3: Explore Siem Reap, Cambodia (3 Nights in Siem Reap)

Start the tour in Cambodia Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat. Your arrival will be welcomed with a sumptuous buffet dinner and a traditional Khmer dance performance. Be ready for an early start the next so as not to miss the unforgettable sight of sunrise over Angkor Wat.

The impressive sunrise over Angkor Wat.

Discovering the Angkor temples includes Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, and Angkor Wat. The signature temple is a miniature replica of the universe in stone. The bas reliefs and intricate carvings preserve the immense dedication and labor that went into its construction almost 900 years ago.

The next day, explore the countryside around Siem Reap on a jeep tour. Remote villages and picturesque rice paddies surround the city. Learn about Cambodian life, see the making of traditional handicrafts, and enjoy lunch with a local Cambodian family.

Tonle Sap Lake is next. Visit the floating villages in Cambodia and set out on the water for a boat tour of the mangrove forests. You’ll linger amid the beautiful lake views for the beautiful sunset and then return to Siem Reap for a fun evening at the night markets and Pub Street.

Day 4: Fly to Luang Prabang from Siem Reap (about 1.5 Hours)

Charming Luang Prabang in northern Laos is only a 1.5-hour flight away from Cambodia. The town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved townscape featuring a fusion of traditional and colonial architecture. It’s a relaxing setting and a base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders.

After arriving, there is time to rest and explore the city at your leisure. Take a quiet stroll by the riverside, or visit the vibrant night markets, and get ready to visit the best of Laos over the next few days.

Townscape of Luang Prabang.

Day 5-7: Explore the Best of Laos - Luang Prabang and Vientiane for 3 Nights

Around Luang Prabang, a boat trip up the Mekong River will take you to beautiful natural sites. The Pak Ou Caves are about two hours upstream. The two caves are Buddhist pilgrimage sites and are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues.

Further out is Khouang Si Waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Laos. The three-tiered falls cascade clear waters down a 60-meter drop into a turquoise-blue pool. You can cool off with a refreshing swim or explore the surrounding trails through the forest.

Vientiane, the capital, is a short 45-minute flight away. It is the largest city in Laos and is home to important cultural sites. Pha That Luang is a national symbol. It’s an ancient Buddhist stupa in the center of the city, originally built in the 3rd century. Wak Si Saket is the oldest surviving temple in the city and houses a museum and over 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images.

You can also learn about the history of the country at the Lao National Museum. Built in the former colonial governor’s residence, it tells the story of the Lao people’s struggle for freedom from foreign occupation.

Visit the glorious Pha That Luang, Vientiane.

Day 8: Fly to Hanoi from Vientiane (about 1.5 Hours)

Wake up for an early breakfast and get ready to depart for starting tour Vietnam from Laos. Hanoi is only a 1-hour and 25-minute flight away. You will arrive with time to check in, rest, and then see the sites of Vietnam’s capital in the afternoon.

Day 9-13: Visit the Best of Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay Cruise, Hue, Hoi An and Saigon

Start your lifetime Vietnam tour with Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Hoan Kiem is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the bustling city. It is surrounded by trees, with traditional temples and towers on the small islets. Ngoc Son Temple is one of the more notable spots. Connected to the shore by the Huc Red Bridge, it houses some of the history of the legends associated with the lake.

The area surrounding the lake is Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Exploring the winding streets on a cycling tour, you’ll get a glimpse of daily life and see trendy cafes and shops mixed in with traditional buildings. It’s also a top spot for some of the best street food in the world for you to enjoy before a traditional water puppet show ends the day.

East of Hanoi is Halong Bay, one of the premiere destinations in all of Vietnam. You’ll be driven there to board an overnight Halong Bay cruise that will take you out on the emerald waters to see the stunning limestone karst formations. Onboard, there are activities like sightseeing, kayaking, swimming, and an elegant dinner served on the moonlit waters.

An overnight Halong Bay cruise.

The ancient capital of Hue, in central Vietnam, is a 75-minute flight from Hanoi. It is home to monuments from the Nguyen Dynasty, like the Hue Capital Citadel. The former home of the imperial family is a grand complex of shrines, gardens, and a village surrounded by thick fortress walls.

You will see the imposing tombs that mark the resting places of Nguyen kings and emperors, and Thien Mu Temple, built in 1601. Then, take a dragon boat cruise along the perfume river to see the peaceful landscapes.

Pay a visit to the attractive and serene Hue Capital Citadel.

Hoi An Ancient Town is the next stop, a 3-hour drive from Hue. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charming area that preserves the atmosphere of an old trading port town. You will see the 200-year-old Tan Ky House and Chua Ong Pagoda and explore Hoi An Market, one of the best in Vietnam.

On the next day, there is an excursion to Cam Thanh Village. In the traditional fishing village, you can take a ride on a bamboo basket boat and learn traditional fishing techniques for catching crabs and coconut muscles.

Stroll around the antique Hoi An Ancient Town.

Saigon is only 80 minutes by plane. The vibrant city is home to important historical sites about colonial history and the Vietnam War. About the Cu Chi Tunnels tour, you can see how guerrillas fought and survived during the struggle for independence.

You’ll explore the highlights of the city, like Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office. Visit the sacred site of Emperor Jade Pagoda, and traditional shops and markets of Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown.

Admire the beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon.

Day 14: Departure and Back to Home from Saigon

Depending on your flight, there may be time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. At least, have a last meal of Vietnamese cuisine with a breakfast of Pho or sticky rice. Your guide will then escort you to the airport for your departure.

Why Choose this Vietnam Cambodia Laos Tour Itinerary and Travel with Us?

Together, a tour of Vietnam Cambodia and Laos is an experience of the deep culture and natural beauty of Indochina. With so many sites within easy transfer distance of each other, you can see the range of highlights from the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple Complex and charming landscapes of Laos to the bustling markets of Hanoi and Saigon with the cultural and historical attractions.

The cultures, languages, and traditions of the three countries are all distinct but combine for a tapestry of immersive experiences that will let you understand this part of the world. Catching so many highlights is unmatched for a first-time visit to the region and will leave you wanting to come back for deeper exploration.

With local offices in each location, we have the experience and expertise to plan and deliver the perfect, personalized tour. Our travel consultants are at your disposal every step of the way to make sure you have an unforgettable trip.

We deliver luxury travel at local prices. Professional, English-speaking tour guides will help you discover hidden gems. Our fleet of vehicles will provide door-to-door service so you can travel in comfort and safety, and we will hand-pick the best hotels and restaurants, ensuring they meet the highest international standards.

14 Days Cambodia Laos and Vietnam Discovery Tour

Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Saigon - Can Tho -Saigon

Conclusion

See the best of Indochina on a Vietnam Cambodia and Laos tour. Our 14-day itinerary is packed with adventure and wonder but carefully planned so you won’t feel rushed. Nature, culture, history, great food, and friendly locals will make it a trip to remember. Tours are available year-round, contact us for more information and start planning your dream travel experience today.