Vietnam and Cambodia are unique and beautiful in South Asia. These two countries might offer spectacular and valuable experiences in many facets including culture, history, natural landscape, and cuisine. So, why should we visit Vietnam and Cambodia in 12 days? What are the suggested itineraries for a 12-day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia? Let’s find out now!
Is 12 Days Enough to Explore Vietnam and Cambodia?
With 12 days, you need to create a well-structured plan covering the major highlights of both Vietnam and Cambodia but still ensuring it is not too rushed or exhausted. 12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia can provide an exploration of iconic cities of both countries like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, giving a glace of the unique cultures of both countries.
While 12 days is sufficient for covering popular tourist destinations, it may feel rushed if you are looking somewhere off-the-beaten-track. These far-reaching locations like Sapa in Vietnam or lesser-known temples around Angkor might be harder to fit into the itinerary. Overall, 12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia is enough to appreciate the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia. However, if you have a well-structured plan, you can enjoy a wonderful vacation.
Best Time for a Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 12 Days
The perfect time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to April since it is the dry season, both countries experience pleasant weather with temperatures rising toward the hot season in March and April. Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia during this period, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing without worrying about unexpected rainfalls. In the northern of Vietnam, some destinations like Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay can enjoy pleasant weather while the central and southern regions such as Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City remain warm and dry. Cambodia offers cooler temperatures and comfortable weather, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
However, be aware that you can face crowds since this is the peak season in both countries. Some popular destinations such as Hoi An (Vietnam) and Angkor Wat (Cambodia) might be packed with a lot of people. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid the period of the Vietnamese New Year, around late January to early February, because many services such as food and beverage will close.
>>> For more information, you can check out the Vietnam Travel Guide and Cambodia Travel Guide.
Suggested Itineraries for 12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Itinerary 1: Essentials of Vietnam and Cambodia in 12 Days
Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi: Arrive in Hanoi, meet your guide, and check into your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax.
Day 2 – Hanoi City Tour: Explore Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature, and enjoy a cyclo ride and water puppet show.
Day 3 – Hanoi – Visit Ha Long Bay: Transfer to Ha Long Bay for a cruise, exploring caves, and floating villages, and enjoying a sunset dinner.
Day 4 – Ha Long Bay – Transfer to Ninh Binh: Enjoy the last minute in Ha Long Bay and head to Ninh Binh.
Day 5 – Ninh Binh – Visit Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Back to Hanoi – Transfer to Danang – Visit Hoi An: Visit Hoa Lu, which was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. After that head to Tam Coc and cruise on Nho Que River.
Day 6 – Explore Hoi An: Spend a leisurely day discovering Hoi An’s charm.
Day 7 – Hoi An – Transfer to Danang – Visit Hue: Admire Hai Van Pass on the way heading to Hue.
Day 8 – Hue – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City: Spend time exploring the beauty of Hue before flying to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9 – Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Visit Cu Chi Tunnels: Visit popular destinations in Ho Chi Minh City such as Saigon Opera House, and Notre Dame Cathedral, and visit Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 10 – Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Siem Reap: Spend a leisurely morning in Ho Chi Minh City and then fly to Siem Reap.
Day 11 – Siem Reap – Visit Angkor Wat: Explore Angkor Temple Complex.
Day 12 – Siem Reap – Departure Flight: Take a departure flight.
>>> Detailed itinerary: Essentials of Vietnam and Cambodia in 12 Days
Itinerary 2: Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia in 12 Days
Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh: Arrive in Phnom Penh, meet your guide, check into your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax.
Day 2 – Explore Phnom Penh: Spend your time exploring the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum.
Day 3 – Phnom Penh – Fly to Siem Reap: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Phnom Pend and then fly to Siem Reap.
Day 4 – Siem Reap – Explore Angkor Wat: Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Complex including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
Day 5 – Siem Reap – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Ho Chi Minh and visit the War Remnants Museum, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Notre Dame Cathedral, and City Hall.
Day 6 – Ho Chi Minh City – Visit Mekong Delta: Cruise along the Mekong River and come by to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Day 7 – Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Danang – Visit Hoi An: Fly to Danang and visit Hoi An – the lantern town.
Day 8 – Hoi An City Tour: Spend a leisurely day exploring the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Day 9 – Hoi An – Visit Danang – Fly to Hanoi: Admire Golden Bridge in Danang and fly to Hanoi.
Day 10 – Hanoi City Tour: Explore Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature, and enjoy a cyclo ride and water puppet show.
Day 11 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise: Transfer to Ha Long Bay for a cruise, exploring caves, and floating villages, and enjoying a sunset dinner.
Day 12 – Ha Long – Hanoi – Departure Flight
>>> Detailed itinerary: Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia in 12 Days
Essential Things to Keep in Mind
In Vietnam
- Visa: Many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online, which is valid for 30 days single entry. For longer stays or multiple entries, you may need to apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars are also widely accepted in some tourist areas, but it’s better to have local currency for smaller transactions. ATMs are common in major cities and towns, and credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants.
- Language: The official language is Vietnamese. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An. However, in rural areas, English may be less commonly spoken.
- Transportation: There are numerous transportation in Vietnam, including Taxis, Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om), Bus and Trains.
- Negotiation: It is common to bargain in local markets and street vendors. Prices are often inflated for tourists, so bargaining is acceptable.
In Cambodia
- Visa: Most visitors can apply for an e-visa online, valid for 30 days, single entry. Visa on arrival is available at major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) and some border crossings.
- Currency: The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). US dollars are widely used for most transactions, especially in tourist areas. ATMs dispense both US dollars and riel, and credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants.
- Language: The official language is Khmer. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and by young people, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. In rural areas, English may be limited.
- Transportation: Commuting in Cambodia is quite convenient due to the variety of transport including Tuk-tuks, Taxis, and Buses.
- Negotiation: While costs in restaurants, cafes, and modern shops are generally fixed, bargaining at street vendors or small markets is acceptable.
Estimated Budget for 12 Days in Vietnam and Cambodia
A Breakdown of Travel Costs in Vietnam and Cambodia
Vietnam and Cambodia Travel Costs
International Flights
International flights to Vietnam and Cambodia from major regions typically range from $400 to $1,500 depending on the departure location, time of booking, and season.
Domestic Flights
- Vietnam: around $30 to $100 per trip
- Cambodia: around $50 to $150 per trip
Accommodation:
- Vietnam: around $5 to $200 per night
- Cambodia: around $5 to $200 per night
Food:
- Vietnam: around $1 to $50
- Cambodia: around $1 to $40
Transportation: depending on the type of transportation, but quite reasonable.
Activities:
- Vietnam: around $1 to $80 (day tours)
- Cambodia: around $1 to $62 (Angkor Wat pass)
Miscellaneous (gifts, souvenirs, tips, etc):
- Vietnam: around $2 to $20 for souvenirs, and SIM cards.
- Cambodia: around $2 to $15 for souvenirs, and SIM cards.
To sum up, traveling in Vietnam and Cambodia is affordable. The costs of 12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia can vary depending on personal preferences, travel style, and specific activities chosen. Budget travelers can explore both countries at around $360 to $960. For a mid-range budget, it could be around $840 to $2,040, and $2,400 to $5,160 for a luxury trip. These estimated costs include flight tickets, accommodation, local transportation, meals, activities, and miscellaneous.
Tips to Save Money for your Vietnam – Cambodia Trips
To budget your travel investment in Vietnam and Cambodia trips, we have prepared for you some tips to build a great financial plan:
Estimated Budget
Book Flights in Advance
- For domestic flights, you should book at least 2-3 months in advance for the best deals, especially for popular routes like Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, or Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
- For international Flights, you should use flight comparison websites such as Skyscanner, and Google Flights to monitor price trends and book tickets during promotions or sales.
Use Public Transportation
- Buses: Vietnam and Cambodia have excellent, affordable bus networks that are much cheaper than flights or taxis for intercity travel.
- Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are common in both countries: Use apps like Grab to get lower rates than haggling in person. You should avoid taxis that don’t use meters, or insist on the meter being used to avoid overcharging.
Stay in Budget Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses are very affordable, offering dorm beds for as low as $5 per night. Even mid-range boutique hotels can cost under $50 per night. Consider staying in homestays in rural areas or with local families for a cultural experience and cost-effective lodging.
Eat Local Cuisine
Street food is incredibly cheap and delicious in both countries. In Vietnam, dishes like pho, banh mi, and com tam are often $1 – $3. In Cambodia, popular street dishes like amok and noodle soups are similarly priced. It is recommended to stick to local restaurants and markets instead of Western-style restaurants to get authentic food at a fraction of the price.
>>> Vietnamese dishes are totally out of this world. If you come to Vietnam, don’t forget to try these top 30 popular Vietnamese dishes!
Negotiate Prices
Haggling is common in both Vietnam and Cambodia, especially at markets, with tuk-tuk drivers, and for souvenirs. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better price, but do it respectfully.
Besides, remember to negotiate prices before getting in tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis if the ride is not through an app.
Spending 12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultures, spectacular natural landscape, and unique experiences. With detailed itineraries as well as travel tips mentioned above, you could explore all the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, promising an unforgettable trip!
Feel free to contact us for more information regarding a trip to Indochina. Our gurus are willing to assist you in creating the perfect 12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia.
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