Have you ever dreamed of a 20-day trip to the land of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and delicious local cuisine? Then, 20 days in Vietnam and Cambodia will satisfy all your aspirations. If you have not been convinced by this idea, please read this article to find out the answer!
Why should spend 20 days in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Both Vietnam and Cambodia boast diverse natural landscapes in accordance with rich cultural heritage. The journey of 20 days in Vietnam and Cambodia will help you enjoy all of these without feeling either hustled or exhausted. In Vietnam, you can expect to admire the majestic limestone karsts on Ha Long Bay, the golden rice paddy field in Sapa, or pristine beaches in Da Nang or Phu Quoc. Regarding Cambodia, this country offers the chance to explore the world’s largest religious ruins, the Angkor Wat Complex, or the idyllic Koh Rong Island. The 20-day itinerary provides you with a complete experience of the nature and cultural beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Sapa, the misty town in Vietnam
Furthermore, visitors can enjoy a diverse and rich cuisine. Each region in Vietnam and Cambodia has its own specialties, creating a colorful culinary journey. Spending 20 days will help you enjoy both street food and fine dining restaurants. Start your culinary journey with a bowl of pho Hanoi or banh mi Hoi An, continue to enjoy Hu Tieu Saigon before tasting typical Khmer dishes such as fish amok or ai sach chrouk (grilled pork rice) in Cambodia. Notably, you can engage in a cooking class during this 20-day tour to learn more about the culinary culture of each country.
With the duration of 20 days, you can get an immersive experience of the local life of Vietnam and Cambodia, not just a glimpse of famous tourist attractions. In Vietnam, you can join a homestay in Sapa to learn more about how ethnic minorities live or hop on a rowboat through the Mekong Delta to experience the simple life of the river people. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, you can spend time visiting floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, where people live in boat houses, or chat with monks at ancient pagodas. These experiences not only bring a deep understanding of the culture but also help you feel the friendliness and hospitality of the people in the two countries.
Things to do in 20 Days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Over the course of 20 days, you can explore all highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia without worrying about the time constrain. Since both these two countries offer rich cultural heritage, spectacular natural landscapes, and flavors of cuisine, your adventure will be full of fun and excitement. Below are some suggested activities you can do during your holiday.
Explore the World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is an unmissable destination during your 20-day tour to Vietnam and Cambodia. This bay is home to more than 1,600 limestone karsts of small to colossal size, offering spectacular natural scenery.
There is nothing better than taking an overnight cruise to fully admire the marvelous beauty of the bay. You can see the limestone karsts, wild cave systems, and unique formations in the near distance, such as Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and Dau Go Cave. Various water activities await visitors, including kayaking to explore small bays hidden within the rocky mountains.
Majestic limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay
>>> Planning a family holiday to the stunning S-shaped country? Check out the Vietnam Highlights Tour for Family in 10 Days.
Wander around the Town of Lantern, Hoi An
Located in the central region, Hoi An is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam. Coming to Hoi An, visitors can immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere, in which each small valley and old house tells their own story.
As the sun sets, the lantern lights in Hoi An
Despite being a compact town, Hoi An offers various interesting places to visit. Travelers can wander around the Hoi An Ancient Town, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, or visit the Fuiji Assembly Hall and embrace the magic atmosphere of the night when thousands of lanterns light. For those who are eager to savor local cuisine and specialties, Hoi An is truly a food heaven with diverse dishes such as Cau Lau, Banh Mi Phuong, and My Quang. You can unwind and relieve your stress by engaging in a lantern-making class or riding a bicycle through the serene countryside.
Conquer Fansipan Peak, the Roof of Indochina
Fansipan is located in north-west Vietnam. With an altitude of 3,143m, this is the highest mountain peak in Indochina. In the past, only professional climbers could reach its peak, but now, thanks to the modern system, every tourist can conquer the mountain easily in 15 minutes. From the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. If you visit the peak when the fog covers, you can witness the magical scene.
It is worth noting that you can combine a visit to Sapa, the misty town, Cat Cat Village, and Ta Van Village into your itinerary. This brings you an authentic experience of the life of minority people in the mountainous area of Vietnam.
The sea of clouds on the peak of Fansipan
Visit Angkor Wat Temple Complex
Angkor Wat is a must-see destination when visiting Cambodia. As the largest religious site in the world, Angkor Wat is not only famous for its huge scale but also depicts Hindu myths with its exquisite reliefs.
In addition to the main Angkor Wat Temple, visitors can also explore Bayon Temple with mysterious stone faces or Ta Prohm, huge ancient trees inhabiting the temple, creating a fascinating, mysterious landscape. To get the complete experience, you should get up early and watch the sunset in the ancient ruins; it’s an unforgettable moment that you can admire once in a lifetime.
Discover the world famous Angkor Wat Complex
>>> Wanna explore the world’s famous religious complex in depth? Visit this 9 Days Discovery the Jewel of Angkor Wat for an immersive adventure.
Stroll around Phnom Penh and visit the Royal Palace
The lovely capital, Phnom Penh, is the cultural and historical center of Cambodia. One of the most important attractions here is the Palace, which is still used as the residence of the King of Cambodia.
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
The palace features golden-domed temples and traditional Khmer architecture. You can also visit the Silver Temple, where the emerald Buddha statue and thousands of precious stones are stored. If you want to know more about Cambodia’s history, a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the place to learn more about the country’s tragic past during the Khmer Rouge period.
Relax on the pristine beach of Koh Rong Island
If you are looking for a tranquil place to unwind after a nature and culture adventure to historical ruins, Koh Rong Island is totally a perfect destination.
The Cambodia beach heaven Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong Island, known as the “beach paradise” of Cambodia, boasts pristine beaches, smooth white sand, and pristine water. Here, you can dive to watch coral reefs, canoe, or just merely lie on the beach and enjoy the magnificent sunset. Notably at night, you can swim with luminous plankton, which is a magical natural phenomenon that can be found nowhere else.
Suggested Itinerary for 20 Days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Itinerary 1: Nature Adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia in 20 Days
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi—Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 4: Ha Long Bay—Transfer to Phong Nha
Day 5: Phong Nha Exploration
Day 6: Phong Nha Exploration—Transfer to Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An Exploration
Day 8: Free Day in Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An—Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City—Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City—Fly to Phnom Penh
Day 13: Phnom Penh Exploration
Day 14: Phnom Penh—Transfer to Sihanoukville—Visit Koh Rong Island
Day 15: Free Day in Koh Rong Island
Day 16: Koh Rong Island—Transfer to Siem Reap
Day 17: Siem Reap Exploration
Day 18: Siem Reap—Explore Angkor Wat
Day 19: Siem Reap Exploration
Day 20: Departure Flight
Detailed Itinerary: Here
Itinerary 2: Discover Beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia in 20 Days
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour—Night Train to Sapa
Day 3: Sapa—Village Tour
Day 4: Sapa Trekking
Day 5: Sapa—Back to Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi—Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 7: Ha Long Bay—Hanoi—Fly to Hue
Day 8: Hue City Tour
Day 9: Hue—Hoi An City Tour
Day 10: Hoi An Cooking Class
Day 11: Free Day in Hoi An
Day 12: Hoi An—Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City—Vinh Long—Can Tho
Day 14: Can Tho—Cai Rang Floating Market—Vespa Group Tour
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City—Fly to Siem Reap
Day 16: Siem Reap—Angkor Temple Tour
Day 17: Siem Reap—Banteay Srei Temple—Ta Prohm
Day 18: Siem Reap—Tonle Sap Lake—Fly to Phnom Penh
Day 19: Phnom Penh Exploration
Day 20: Phnom Penh—Departure Flight
Detailed Itinerary: Here
Itinerary 3: Discover Best of Cambodia and Vietnam in 20 Days
Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival
Day 2: Phnom Penh
Day 3: Phnom Penh—Transfer to Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap—Explore Angkor Wat Temple
Day 5: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City—Mekong Delta Exploration
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City—Fly to Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An Walking Tour
Day 11: Hoi An Cooking Class
Day 12: Hoi An—Transfer to Hue
Day 13: Hue Exploration
Day 14: Hue—Fly to Hanoi
Day 15: Hanoi—Transfer to Mai Chau
Day 16: Mai Chau
Day 17: Mai Chau—Return to Hanoi
Day 18: Hanoi—Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 19: Ha Long Bay—Return to Hanoi
Day 20: Departure Flight
Detailed Itinerary: Here
>>> Create the holiday of a life time with our 23 Days Tour through the Heart of Indochina.
Some helpful tips
Visa & Necessary documents
Before starting your journey, you need to prepare the visas and documents required to enter Vietnam and Cambodia. Currently, Vietnam provides electronic visas to citizens of over 80 countries, with a validity period of 90 days and multiple entries. You can apply online on the official website and obtain your visa within approximately 3 working days.
For Cambodia, tourists can apply for a visa at the airport or border crossing upon arrival, or more simply, apply for an electronic visa before arrival. If you plan to travel between two countries multiple times, please carefully review your visa policies to avoid any trouble upon entry.
In addition, don’t forget to bring a valid passport for at least 6 months and keep an electronic copy on your phone or email in case of losing personal belongings.
Getting around Vietnam and Cambodia
The diverse transportation systems in Vietnam and Cambodia allow visitors to travel flexibly between major cities and further away. For airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Airlines, and Cambodia Angkor Airlines, domestic flights are a quick and time-saving option.
Getting around Vietnam by Grab
If you want to experience local culture, long-distance buses are a popular choice, especially on city routes such as Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh or Siem Reap–Phnom Penh.
For short trips within the city, you can use Grab (Vietnam), PassApp (Cambodia), traditional taxis, or rent a motorbike to move around proactively. However, if renting a motorbike, make sure you have a valid international driving license.
Please visit our car rental service if you are looking for a prestigious private transfer in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Estimated budget
A 20-day trip in Vietnam and Cambodia may be suitable for all budget levels, from budget-friendly to luxury. The average cost of a day ranges from $50 to $150, depending on your travel style. You can note down these tips below to save on travel expenses:
- Book flights in advance to get good prices, especially for domestic flights.
- If you have time, take a bus or train instead of a plane.
- Dining at local restaurants instead of luxury ones, because they are both delicious and affordable.
- Book hotels in advance and choose high-quality homestays or inns at reasonable prices.
- Purchase tickets online before arrival to avoid prices or “logging” at tourist attractions.
Suggested accommodation
Depending on your preference and budget, you can stay at luxurious hotels, cozy homestays, or family hostels. Below are some suggestions:
- Hanoi: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa (Luxury), The Honoian Hotel (Mid-range), and Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (Economy).
- Ha Long: Peony Cruise (Luxury), Rosa Boutique Cruise (Mid-range), and City Bay Palace (Economy).
- Hoi An: Anantara Hoi An Resort (Luxury), Green Heaven Resort (Mid-range), Tribee Hostel (Economy).
- Ho Chi Minh City: The Reverie Saigon (Luxury), Silverland Jolie Hotel (Mid-range), The Common Room Project (Economy).
- Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (Luxury), Khmer Mansion Boutique Hotel (Mid-range), Onederz Hotel (Economy).
Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa
If you love to stay close to nature, you can book a homestay at Sapa, southwestern Vietnam, or a fishing village in Tonle Sap Lake to get more insight into local life.
Local cuisine
Both Vietnam and Cambodia are famous for their unique flavor, which is the combination of fresh ingredients and exquisite cooking styles. Here are some must-try foods during your 21 days in Vietnam and Cambodia:
- Vietnam: Pho, Bun cha, banh mi, cao lau, com tam, hu tieu Nam Vang.
- Cambodia: Amok (coconut curry), Bai Sach Chrouk (grilled meat and rice), Nom Banh Chok (Khmer vermicelli), Lort Cha (fried noodles).
Some Vietnamese and Cambodian famous dishes
You should spend time exploring famous street markets such as Hoi An Night Market, Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City), and Siem Reap Night Market to savor delicious street foods at affordable prices.
Shopping and souvenirs
Vietnam and Cambodia have many souvenirs with local cultural characteristics. You can bring some of these suggestions below to your hometown:
- Hanoi: Van Phuc Silk, Bat Trang pottery, egg coffee.
- Hoi An: Handmade lanterns, leather products, customized clothing.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Cashew nuts, lacquer paintings, Vietnamese coffee.
- Siem Reap: Khmer handkerchiefs, handmade silver, Khmer spices.
When shopping in a market or local store, you should bargain to get a better price, but don’t bid too low, as it is difficult for the seller. If you find there are so many worth-buying items and cannot decide what to buy, please visit our Best Vietnam Souvenirs to Bring Home.
In conclusion, spending 20 days in Vietnam and Cambodia offers an immersive adventure into the essence of Southeast Asia. This tour brings nature adventure to majestic limestone karsts on Ha Long Bay, the rice paddy field in Sapa, and the pristine beach of Koh Rong Island; culture exploration to the former capital of Vietnam in Hue and the world’s largest religious region of Angkor Wat Complex. Furthermore, this is also a food adventure since you can savor numerous Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines. Are you ready to pack your luggage and embark on this exciting trip? Please contact us to plan your unforgettable holiday now!
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