Are you looking for a short break in Southeast Asia? These 11 days in Vietnam and Cambodia will surely be your perfect getaway. During the length of 11 days, you can get a glimpse of some of the most outstanding destinations in two countries, from bustling cities to ancient wonders, leaving an unforgettable experience and valuable memories. So, are you ready to embark on this exciting trip?
Best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia
The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia depends on what you’re looking for during your holiday. The ideal time we suggest might differ according to your travel preference, such as enjoying pristine beaches, experiencing traditional festivals, or exploring the stunning natural landscapes of these two countries. Although Vietnam and Cambodia share a tropical climate, their weather patterns differ slightly, so planning around their seasons is key.
Vietnam
Vietnam, an S-shaped country, has three distinct weather zones: the north, central, and south. For North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay), the best time to visit is during spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November). These months offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. These periods offer perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities because you don’t have to worry about excessive heat and sudden showers.
The ideal time to visit central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) is from February to May, when the weather is warm and dry. Due to the low geographical feature, this region experiences heavy rain and flooding from September to November. You should note that information and avoid visiting central Vietnam during this time of the year.
South Vietnam is a popular destination because you can visit it all year round. Despite having two seasons (dry and wet), this region offers excellent weather conditions for a perfect holiday. The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit, with sunny days and lower humidity, while the wet season (May to November) brings daily downpours; however, these are often short and can cool things down.
Vietnam weather in the autumn
>>> Read this article to get full information about the weather in Vietnam and find out the best time to visit.
Cambodia
Compared to Vietnam’s regional variations, Cambodia’s climate is more straightforward. This country has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season (November to April) is the best time to visit Cambodia, especially from November to February, as temperatures are cooler and the skies are clear. The late period of the dry season, from March to April, can get very hot, with temperatures soaring above 35°C (95°F). However, you should remember that the dry season is the peak season in Cambodia, which means that you will encounter long queues and higher prices.
By contrast, the wet season (May to October) offers a more relaxing and tranquil experience. The higher rainfalls turn the landscapes into lush greenery and are less crowded, making it a good time for budget travelers. If you don’t mind the high humidity levels and occasional downpours, just come to Cambodia this season!
Cambodia weather in dry season
>>> Please reach out to this blog to get comprehensive information about Cambodia weather.
Things to Do in 11 Days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Explore the hidden beauty of Hanoi
Your 11 days in Vietnam and Cambodia might not be complete if you don’t visit Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. This is where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Spend time wandering through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter; you might hear the story of each corner, about its colonial architecture, ancient temples, and bustling markets. Pay a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Don’t miss a chance to try Hanoi’s iconic street food, such as pho and banh mi.
Hanoi, Vietnam
The hidden beauty of the city lies in its contrast; quiet pagodas stand alongside vibrant street life. You can uncover this charm when you spend some time here. We recommend you watch traditional water puppet shows to get a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Come here, and we assure you that you will fall in love with this stunning city, not immediately, but gradually and steadily over time.
Admire the majestic limestones on Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. Boarding on an overnight cruise gliding through the majestic limestone karsts, you can admire the surreal landscape and feel like stepping into a dream. You can participate in water activities such as kayaking through hidden caves, swimming in secluded lagoons, and visiting the floating fishing village to get a close insight into the local life.
The magic happens when the sun sets; the karsts are bathed in golden light. Whether you’re spending a day or an overnight stay on the boat, Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Vietnam’s coastal wonders.
Majestic limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay
>>> Embark on this Tour Across Vietnam the Country of Dragons in 17 Days to discover the wonders of Vietnam.
Wander around Hoi An Ancient Town
For a more historical experience, you should visit Hoi An, a living museum of history, culture, and charm. This ancient trading port was used as a hub for merchants around the world. Now, this is a beautifully preserved town filled with lantern-lit streets, colorful merchant houses, and centuries-old temples.
As the sun sets, the lantern lights in Hoi An
Although a compact town, Hoi An offers several attractive places for visitors, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese temple, Hoian Central Market, and the Culture Museum. By night, the town transforms into a magical wonderland as thousands of lanterns light up the streets. If you have seen videos on TikTok telling you that you should visit a tailor shop in Hoi An, just follow that because Hoi An is famous for its custom-made clothing. Hoi An, with its timeless beauty and warm hospitality, instantly captures your heart.
Indulge in the bustling atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City
Heading to the south region, a must-visit destination is Ho Chi Minh City. This is formally known as Saigon, a vibrant metropolis that pulses with an energetic lifestyle. To get a well-rounded perspective about this city, we suggest participating in the city tour through some of the most famous landmarks, such as Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. All these offer a blend of history and modernity.
Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Another interesting point about Ho Chi Minh City is its nightlife. As the night falls, the city comes alive with rooftop bars, night markets, and a thriving food scene. Whether you’re sipping coffee at a trendy café or sampling banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) at a local eatery, Ho Chi Minh offers an exhilarating mix of culture, history, and urban excitement.
Visit floating markets in the Mekong Delta
Unlike any activities mentioned above, visiting floating markets in the Mekong Delta would be an unforgettable experience. The Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” is a lush landscape, a winding river region. A visit to the floating market here would provide you with a complete insight into this region.
Cai Be Floating Market
Because the floating market opens early, you should wake up early in the morning. The Cai Rang or Cai Be are two famous ones, where boats laden with fresh produce, flowers, and local goods create a bustling waterborne bazaar. Still bustling, but this atmosphere somehow contrasts with the hustle of cities. This experience provides a glimpse into the country’s agricultural heartland and the resilience of its people.
Traceback time in the historic Angkor Wat
The next must-do in your 11 days in Vietnam and Cambodia holiday is a visit to Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Cambodia. This sprawling temple complex, also the largest religious monument in the world, is a masterpiece of architecture and artistry.
Angkor Wat
As you walk through its intricate carvings, towering spires, and ancient corridors, you’ll feel the weight of history around you. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is an unforgettable experience, with the temple’s silhouette silhouetted against the sky. Expand your adventure to other temples like Bayon, famous for its enigmatic stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where nature has reclaimed the ruins. Just come to Angkor Wat; you will temporarily escape the present and immerse yourself in the past.
>>> Tracing back time with this 9 Days Discover the Jewel of Angkor.
Explore the lovely city of Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, the capital city of Phnom Penh, is the city of contrast, where the past and present coexist in a fascinating blend. The presence of the past can be found in some popular attractions such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Killing Fields, and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum.
Don’t forget to visit the Phnom Penh night market to enjoy the city’s vibrant café and dining scene. This is also heaven for shopping-holics because you can find anything, from clothes to souvenirs to bring home.
Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
Suggested Itineraries for your 19-day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia
Itinerary 1: Discover Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia in 11 Days
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival: Welcome to the capital of Vietnam!
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: Participate in a full-day city tour to visit the highlights of Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise: Disembark on an overnight boat to admire the majestic limestone karsts on the world-famous wonder Ha Long Bay.
Day 4: Ha Long – Hanoi – Hue: Continue your journey to Hue, the formal capital city of Vietnam.
Day 5: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An: Transfer to Hoi An, the city of lanterns to slow down your pace and enjoy the stunning ancient town.
Day 6: Hoi An Exploration: Spend a day exploring the charm of Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City: Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most bustling in Vietnam.
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Visit the historic site of the Vietnam War, then explore some most outstanding landmarks in the city.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap: Bit a farewell to Vietnam and continue your adventure to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Day 10: Angkor Wat Exploration: Embark on an exciting adventure to explore the world’s largest religious sites.
Day 11: Departure Flight.
Visit the detailed itinerary: Here.
Itinerary 2: Discover Best of Vietnam and Cambodia in 11 Days
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: Visit some popular tourist attractions in the city such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.
Day 3: Hanoi – Transfer to Ninh Binh: Transfer to Ninh Binh, the land of rich culture and spectacular natural landscapes.
Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise: Spend one night on a traditional junk boat to admire the wonders of Ha Long Bay.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Transfer to Hoi An: Continue your journey to Hoi An, the city of lanterns.
Day 6: Hoi An Excursion – Participate in the cooking class: Spend this day exploring all the beauty of Hoi An and join the cooking class to learn about Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 7: Free Day in Hoi An: This day you can explore Hoi An on your own.
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly to Siem Reap: Fly to Siem Reap, home of the world-famous Angkor Wat Temples Complex.
Day 9: Siem Reap – Explore Temples: Visit some of the most famous temples in Siem Reap.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat: Explore the Angkor Wat Complex.
Day 11: Departure Flight.
Visit the detailed itinerary: Here.
Itinerary 3: Explore Authentic of Vietnam and Cambodia in 11 Days
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Embark on a full-day city tour to famous destinations such as the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Post Office.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Tay Ninh: Visit the historical sites in the Vietnam War and then transfer to Tay Ninh.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho: Down the stream to visit the floating market of Cai Be.
Day 5: Can Tho – Chau Doc: Hop on a boat to visit some popular tourist destinations in the region.
Day 6: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh: Cruise along the Mekong River and cross the border to Cambodia.
Day 7: Phnom Penh Exploration: Explore the loveliest city in Southeast Asia.
Day 8: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: Transfer to Siem Reap, home to the world’s largest religious site.
Day 9: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat: Explore the unique temples in Angkor Wat Complex such as Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei Temple: Continue your adventure to Banteay Srei Temple.
Day 11: Departure Flight.
Visit the detailed itinerary: Here.
>>> For an in-depth adventure to Indochina, visit our 23 Day Tour through the Heart of Indochina.
Some helpful tips for your 11 days in Vietnam and Cambodia
To make the most of your time in Vietnam and Cambodia in 11 days, we provide you with some helpful tips below:
Plan your itinerary wisely
You might want to explore all the highlights of both countries; however, with the length of 11 days, you should prioritize must-see places as we suggested above (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat). Besides, it is essential to know how to balance activities. Since there are so many things to do, both cultural and natural experiences, you should create your checklist of activities. For example, you can pair temple visits with beach time or city exploration.
Pack smart
Depending on the season you visit Vietnam and Cambodia, your luggage can be flexible. Since both countries have hot and humid climates, we suggest you pack breathable, lightweight clothes. It is important to bring a light jacket or windbreaker for cooler evenings in northern Vietnam. In addition, pack comfortable footwear because walking is included in most of the tour, especially in Angkor Wat exploration. Last but not least, bring the power adapter in case your devices do not match with the power plug in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Respect local culture
Each country has its own cultural manner, so you should be open-minded and respect local culture. When visiting temples or religious sites, wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Remember to remove shoes before entering someone’s house or a temple. You can learn some basic conversational phrases, such as how to say “Hello” in Vietnam and Cambodia (in Vietnam, it’s “Xin chào” and “Sous-dey” in Cambodia).
Transportation tips
Tuk-Tuks (Cambodia) and Cyclo (Vietnam)
You might feel confused when thinking about getting around Vietnam and Cambodia. However, don’t worry too much because both countries have developed transport systems. There are various means of transportation for you to opt for.
Ride-Hailing Apps: You should use Grab, which is available in both countries for convenient and affordable rides.
Tuk-Tuks and Cyclos: These are two local transportation options in Vietnam and Cambodia, ideal for city sightseeing and enjoying the slow pace of local life. Remember to negotiate fares before hopping on.
Private Cars: For a more private transfer, you can rent a car if you have an international car license. Please contact us for more information about car rental services in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Domestic Flights: To transfer between mega cities like Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh–Siem Reap, you can book a domestic flight. It could help you save a lot of time. However, you should book in advance for the best prices, especially during peak seasons.
In conclusion, spending 11 days in Vietnam and Cambodia offers a brief respite from the daily grind. This holiday provides you with nature and culture exploration in some of the most outstanding destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia. After the adventure, your heart will be full of happiness, and your mind will be packed with unforgettable experiences. We hope this travel blog provides you with helpful information. If you need further support, let us be your companion on your next holiday.
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