Spirits of Vietnam and Cambodia in 17 Days: Suggested Itineraries & Travel Tips

17 days in Vietnam Cambodia promises to be an immersive adventure, a dive into the heart of a diversity of experiences. These Southeast Asia treasures offer a balanced fusion of adventure, cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, culinary delights, and unparalleled charm of budget-friendly exploration. This article will introduce you to some captivating itineraries to discover Vietnam and Cambodia in 17 days. Explore them without further delay.

Suggested Itineraries for 17 days in Vietnam Cambodia

Discover the hidden treasures of Indochina with our exclusive guide for a memorable Vietnam Cambodia 17 days tour. These carefully designed itineraries will take you to the heart of two fascinating countries, both are rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are looking for a cultural escape, a historical adventure, or a natural exploration, these itineraries promise to satisfy your thirst for discovery and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Vietnam Cambodia 17 Days Luxury Beach Vacation

Vietnam Cambodia 17 days luxury beach vacation

Day 1 – Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, and Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 3 – Day tour to Ben Tre: Take a boat trip along the Mekong River.

Day 4 – Fly to Phu Quoc. 

Day 5 – Free day on Phu Quoc beach.

Day 6 – Enjoy your free time in Phu Quoc.

Day 7 – Fly to Da Nang and onward travel to Hoi An.

Day 8 – Visit My Son Sanctuary – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vietnam.

Day 9 – Hoi An Ancient Town: Free time to explore and go shopping. Transfer to Hue in the afternoon.

Day 10 – Hue City Tour: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda by boat, the tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Kings, and a village where incense sticks and conical hats are made. End the day with a boat ride on the Huong River.

Day 11 – Fly to Hanoi.

Day 12 – Hanoi – Halong: Embark on an overnight cruise. Night on the bay.

Day 13 – Halong Bay – Hanoi: Visit a pearl farm and explore the beautiful landscapes of the bay before returning to Hanoi.

Day 14 – Hanoi city tour – Fly to Siem Reap: Morning visit famous tourist destinations in Hanoi. Lunch at a local restaurant and transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Day 15 – Siem Reap city tour: Discover Angkor Thom, the temple complex at Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat and have a buffet dinner while watching a traditional Khmer dance at a local restaurant.

Day 16 – Sightseeing day: Visit the National Museum, Tonle Sap Lake, Artisans d’Angkor Art & Crafts Center, and Wat Thmei.

Day 17 – Depart Siem Reap. 

>>> Detailed itinerary: Vietnam – Cambodia 17 Days Luxury Beach Vacation.

Authentic Tour of Vietnam Cambodia 17 Days

Authentic tour of Vietnam Cambodia 17 days

Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi. The rest of the day is free in your own way.

Day 2 – Hanoi City Tour – Night train to Lao Cai: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, etc.

Day 3 – Lao Cai – Sapa: Upon your arrival in Lao Cai, our driver will transfer you to Sapa to start a trekking experience in Y Linh Ho and Ta Van village.

Day 4 – Cat Cat Village – Return to Hanoi: Go on a picnic by the river and hike to Sin Chai Village.

Day 5 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay: Embark on the cruise and participate in activities to discover the bay.

Day 6 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Da Nang: Wake up early to join a Tai Chi session and watch the sunrise over the bay. Then, visit a fishing village before returning to Hanoi for a flight to Da Nang.

Day 7 – Hoi An City Tour. 

Day 8 – Transfer to Hue via Cloud Pass.

Day 9 – Hue City Tour: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel, Dong Ba Market, etc.

Day 10 – Hue – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Day 11 – Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Day 12 – Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho: Explore the peaceful Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Day 13 – Cai Rang floating market – Transfer to Chau Doc: Travel along the Mekong River and canals on a motorboat and sampan and go shopping at the most bustling floating market.

Day 14 – Take a speed boat to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

Day 15 – Phnom Penh city tour: Morning visit famous tourist destinations in Phnom Penh. Afternoon transfer to Siem Reap.

Day 16 – Angkor full-day tour: Visit Ta Prohm temple and Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat (at sunset), and have a buffet dinner at a Cambodian restaurant.

Day 17 – Depart Siem Reap.

>>> Detailed itinerary: Authentic experience of Vietnam and Cambodia in 17 days.

In addition, IDC Travel offers tailor-made itineraries in Vietnam and Cambodia, specifically designed to adapt to your needs. Whether you have time constraints or want to extend your stay, we can merge these two magnificent countries into one program. For more information, we invite you to check out the following tour programs:

Tour to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos in 17 Days

Tour to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in 17 days

Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi.

Day 2 – Hanoi City Tour: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Day 3 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay: Embark on an overnight cruise to discover the bay.

Day 4 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi: Join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, visit Sung Sot Cave, and return to Hanoi.

Day 5 – Hanoi – Fly to Hue: Visit the Royal Citadel and Imperial Museum

Day 6 – Hue City Tour – Transfer to Hoi An: Take a boat trip on the Huong River, visit Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day 7 – Hoi An walking tour: Visit magical highlights of this ancient town like the Japanese Covered Bridge, etc.

Day 8 – Transfer to Da Nang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City: In the afternoon, visit the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, and Xa Loi Pagoda.

Day 9 – Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Can Tho: Visit Cai Be floating market and immerse in the tranquil beauty of the Mekong Delta.

Day 10 – Cai Rang floating market – Ho Chi Minh City: Go shopping on the most bustling floating market in Vietnam, where you will see hundreds of boats loaded with fresh vegetables, fruits, etc.

Day 11 – Fly to Siem Reap – Angkor tour: Visit the Preah Ko, Lo Lei, Banteay Kdei, and other temples of the Small Circuit.

Day 12 – Angkor Wat/ Angkor Thom: Visit the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, etc.

Day 13 – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang. 

Day 14 – Pakbeng – Pak Ou Cave: Visit a rice wine-making village and Pak Ou Caves.

Day 15 – Luang Prabang City Tour: Join the alms-giving customs in the morning and visit the old Royal Palace, Phousi Hill, Phosi Market, etc.

Day 16 – Luang Prabang – Vientiane: Visit Wat Si Saket, Wat Prakeo, Patuxay Monument, and That Luang Stupa.

Day 17 – Depart Vientiane. 

>>> Check here for the comprehensive tour program. Or, refer to our full list of Vietnam – Cambodia tours for more options.

How to Get Around Vietnam and Cambodia

Getting around Vietnam

  • By plane: Domestic flights connect major cities such as Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways offer fast connections between these destinations.
  • By train: The railway network also connects the main cities. This is a scenic means of transportation, especially for long journeys. The Reunification Express train connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and stops at several cities in between.
  • By bus: The bus network is very extensive and is an economical way to travel throughout Vietnam.
  • By taxi: Taxis are common in cities and can be used for local travel. Be sure to choose reputable taxi companies and check out the meter or agree on the fare in advance.
  • By motorbike and pedicab: In cities, motorbikes and pedicabs are popular ways to travel short distances. Motorcycle taxi services (like Grab) are also available in some cities in Vietnam.
  • By boat: To travel in some coastal or river regions, boats and ferries are used.
  • By car with a private driver: While visiting Vietnam, you might be undecided about the optimal way to travel between its various destinations. IDC Travel provides you with a car rental service with a private driver to fully optimize your experience during your stay.

It is essential to plan your travels based on your itinerary, the time you have available, and your personal preferences to get the most out of your trip.

Getting around Cambodia

A tuk tuk in Cambodia

A tuk-tuk in Cambodia

In Cambodia, there are also several options for traveling around the country:

  • By plane:  Domestic flights connect major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Airlines like Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines offer domestic flights.
  • By bus: Buses are widely used for travel across Cambodia. Several companies offer connections between major cities, although journeys can be long due to sometimes less developed roads.
  • By taxi: Taxis, including motorcycle taxis, are common in cities and can be used for local travel or intercity trips.
  • By tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks (motorcycle carts) are popular for urban trips, particularly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. They provide a scenic way to get around and are often used to get to tourist sites.
  • By boat: In some areas, such as Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River, boats are used to travel.
  • By car with a private driver: During your trip to Cambodia, the means of transportation is crucial. Among the various options available, domestic flights and private car rentals with a driver stand out. Domestic flights offer accessibility and affordable fares while private cars guarantee comfort and convenience. Opting for our car rental service with a driver in Cambodia could be ideal if you are looking for adventure and prefer a certain autonomy during your travels.

It is important to choose the mode of transportation based on your route, personal preferences, and the time you have available. Infrastructure varies from region to region, so it is recommended to plan your travel accordingly to make the most of your 17 days in Vietnam Cambodia.

What to Bring Back from Vietnam and Cambodia?

There are several interesting things you can bring back from Vietnam and Cambodia for yourself or to give as gifts.

From Vietnam

Vietnamese Conical Hat

Vietnamese Conical Hat

  • Conical hat: Called “Nón Lá” in Vietnamese, this item is essential to protect your head from the sun and rain. It is available everywhere with styles varying depending on the region. In the North, the village of Chuong near Hanoi is famous for the production of conical hats. In Hue, Nón Lá is often considered artwork, decorated with poems or images. It is available at Dong Ba Market, as a symbol of the city’s elegance.
  • Traditional clothing: Áo Dài – the traditional cloth of Vietnam, is also an iconic souvenir. You can find them in different styles and patterns in local markets.
  • Coffee: Vietnamese coffee is famous for its distinctive flavor. Vietnamese coffee beans, especially robusta coffee, are very popular. Make sure you buy high-quality coffee from reputable sources.
  • Lacquerware: Vietnamese lacquerware is a traditional craft. Boxes, bowls, or decorative artworks are often made with this technique and can become unique gifts.

>>> Read more: Best Vietnam Souvenirs to Bring Home

From Cambodia

  • Krama: The krama is a traditional Cambodian garment, often used as a scarf, to cover the face, etc. They are colorful and can be a practical gift.
  • Silver crafts: Cambodia is famous for its silver items, such as jewelry or decorative items. Cambodian motifs are often depicted in these pieces.
  • Budhha statue and sculpture: This country is also famous for being the land of temples and pagodas, so carved statues depicting Buddha or other various forms are considered one of the most useful suggestions for those visiting Cambodia without knowing what to buy.
  • Dried fruits: With a tropical climate, there are many kinds of fruits in Cambodia. In addition to fresh fruits, local people dry and pack them in beautiful packages as gifts for visitors. You can easily find this kind of souvenir at any local market, with a price of less than $1 per bag.

Before purchasing, be sure to check the regulations on importing certain products (such as food, artwork, etc.) into your home country.

In conclusion, 17 days in Vietnam Cambodia offers an enriching and varied experience, combining adventures, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable moments. The above-suggested itineraries allow for total immersion in the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique flavors of local cuisine. Whether exploring the iconic sites, tasting the culinary delights, or soaking up the rich history, this trip promises a memorable adventure for travelers hungry for authentic discoveries and long-lasting memories. Do not hesitate to contact us for a tailor-made trip to Vietnam Cambodia in 17 days.

Read more:

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding whether Phnom Penh is better than Siem Reap depends on what you seek in a travel experience, as each city has its unique charm and offerings. Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, offers a lively urban atmosphere with historical and cultural significance, evident in landmarks like the Royal Palace and the sobering Tuol Sleng Museum. The city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene add to its appeal.

On the other hand, Siem Reap, known as the gateway to the majestic Angkor Wat, offers a more laid-back vibe with a focus on cultural exploration, from ancient temples to artisan markets. It’s a place where history intertwines with scenic beauty and leisure.


Yes, Siem Reap is generally considered safe at night. It’s a popular tourist destination, known for its welcoming atmosphere and hospitable locals. However, like in any other tourist city, it’s important to exercise common sense and take basic safety precautions, especially after dark.


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Alice Pham

Hello, I'm Alice Pham - a travel blogger at IDC Travel. I have traveled to almost places in Vietnam and gained numerous useful experiences. I'm here willing to help you plan the most wonderful trip to our stunning S-shaped country.

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