Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 days and finding it difficult because there are so many things to consider? In this blog, we will provide you with an ultimate guide, featuring the best time to visit, suggested itineraries, and some helpful tips to make this 10-day Vietnam and Cambodia an unforgettable experience.
Is 10 days enough to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia?
While 10 days may seem brief for an immersive exploration of Vietnam and Cambodia, it can be sufficient if you concentrate on the key highlights instead of delving deeply into every aspect.
Each country boasts unique attractions, which holds true for both Vietnam and Cambodia. You can visit popular tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Halong Bay in Vietnam, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. These spots offer you a glance at national culture and history. Moreover, both counties have well-connected airports and frequent regional flights, so it is feasible to travel between mega cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap between days.
We suggest some itineraries for your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 days, which ensure you can explore the highlights of two nations without hustle and exhaustion in the next part. You can opt for this to have a holiday of your lifetime!
Hanoi (Vietnam) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
When is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
You might wonder when is the best time to pack your luggage and visit these two stunning countries since there are many things to consider.
Regarding weather conditions, we suggest you come during the dry season (from November to April) due to its perfect conditions. During this time of the year, Vietnam and Cambodia experience cooler temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking; and sightseeing such as visiting popular temples and historic ruins. This perfect weather allows you to effortlessly mix and match your outfits for stunning and unique pictures.
Rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia
If you love exploring culture and traditional customs, the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia might vary because there are several events throughout the year. To be more specific, the Tet holiday, or Lunar New Year in Vietnam, is one of the most significant festivals in Vietnamese culture. It is celebrated in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. People celebrate their houses with vibrant decorations, peach blossoms, and kumquat trees and give lucky money for the wish of luck and happiness in the new year. Coming to Vietnam during the Tet holiday, you can experience a lot of traditional activities such as writing calligraphy, watching dragon dance, and trying banh chung (chung cake), a kind of sticky rice cake. This is surely something special that leaves a long-lasting memory on you!
Tet holiday in Vietnam and Water Festival in Cambodia
>>> Explore all highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia in our Must-sees of Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 Days
In Cambodia, the Water Festival, which normally takes place in November, is a remarkable event that captivates the interest of visitors around the world. You can experience boat races, live music, and fireworks displays in this three-day festival.
Regarding the crowd condition, you should consider whether to opt for peak season or not. In the peak season of Vietnam and Cambodia (from November to April), you might experience jam-packed streets, long queues, and higher travel expenses. Meanwhile, the rainy season offers a less crowded and tranquil travel experience. The weather during this season can be less predictable with sudden rainfalls, but in return, travel expenses and accommodations are lower.
In summary, choosing the best time to start your Vietnam and Cambodia trip depends on several factors, including weather conditions, traditional festivals, and crowds. There is no fixed answer for this question, but it depends on individual preferences. Whether you want to immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the peak season or unwind in the tranquility and peaceful trip, there is always time for you to choose. If you need more specific information, please reach out to these two articles to figure out when is the best time for your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Where to Go in the 10-day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia
As mentioned above, 10 days is just sufficient for visiting some key highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia. Although there are various popular cities and attractions, you should spend time visiting some of the most outstanding that offer you an authentic experience.
Vietnam
Hanoi
In recent years, Hanoi has been ranked the top must-visit destination globally. This can be attributed to the unique beauty, rich cultural heritage, and remarkable culinary culture. Coming to Hanoi, you can admire the unique French architecture in the Hanoi Old Quarter that still remains from the colonial period. If you are a culture lover, Hanoi will meet all your desires because there are numerous temples and pagodas such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, and Quan Thanh Temple. Hanoi not only holds visitors to its famous landmarks but also unique culinary such as banh mi, bun bo, and bun cha. Just come to Hanoi; here’s always something special for everyone!
Hanoi, Vietnam
>>> Visit our Best Hanoi City Tours to get more information to explore the beauty of this stunning city in your next trip.
Ha Long Bay
Recognized by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay has drawn thousands of visitors annually. To admire the beauty of the bay, you should take an overnight cruise, which enables you to visit prominent attractions such as Sung Sot Cave, one of the wildest grottoes with enchanting fossil systems. Many spectacular formations in many unique shapes shimmering in colorful lights are awaiting you!
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
The economic, political, and cultural hub in the south of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-visit during your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 days. This city is the blend of remarkable landmarks like the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Post Office, alongside bustling entertaining areas such as Bui Vien Walking Street, where the vibrant nightlife awaits. Let’s come to this sleepless city and make the most of your time here.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
It would be a mistake if we didn’t mention the capital city, Phnom Penh. Unlike the bustling lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City, the pace of life in Phnom Penh is quite peaceful and tranquil. You can slow down and discover the famous tourist attractions, such as the Royal Palace, which is a symbol of Royal Cambodia. The night markets make it delightful for cuisine exploration and souvenir purchasing with a wide range of options from jewelry, handicrafts, and Buddha statues. We are sure that when you come here, you can bring a lot of unique souvenirs for your loved one after your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 days!
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Siem Reap
Known as the gateway to the iconic Angkor Wat Templex, Siem Reap is a must-go destination in Cambodia. This city offers a blend of ancient history and modern charm. If you want something exciting, just come to Pub Street and enjoy the vibrant nightlife where the traditional Apsare dance performance stirs the atmosphere. You can also have a chance to embark on the unique countryside tour in Siem Reap and try delicious Khmer cuisine.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat Complex
The Angkor Wat Temple is one of the world’s wonders, which draws thousands of visitors interested in historic exploration. People said that Angkor Wat was originally built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple for Vishnu, and then it transformed into a Buddhist temple. Visit Angkor Wat; you can appreciate the intricate carvings, majestic towers, and symbolic architecture that represent the pinnacle of the Khmer Empire. We strongly believe this site would make your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia an unforgettable experience in your journey.
Angkor Wat Temple Complex
Suggested Itinerary for 10 Days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Itinerary 1: Discover Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 Days
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival: Arrive in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
Day 2: Hanoi—Ha Long Bay Cruise: Take a one-night cruise to admire the dramatic limestone karsts and islets rising from the emerald-green waters.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay-Hanoi: Back to Hanoi for an immersive Hanoi City Tour.
Day 4: Hanoi City Tour—Ho Chi Minh City: Visit key highlights of Hanoi, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Liem Lake, and Museum of Ethnology.
Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels—Ho Chi Minh City: Explore the significant places in the Vietnam War.
Day 6: Mekong Delta Trip: Participate in the Mekong Delta trip to experience the daily life of locals.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City—Fly to Phnom Penh: Say goodbye to Vietnam and continue your journey to Cambodia.
Day 8: Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: Visit some famous tourist destinations of the capital city, Phnom Penh.
Day 9: Siem Reap-Angkor Wat: Transfer to Siem Reap for a cultural and historical exploration in the Angkor Wat Complex.
Day 10: Siem Reap—Departure Flight: Take your departure flight, end of your 10-day trip in Vietnam and Cambodia.
>>> Detailed Itinerary: Here
Itinerary 2: Uncover Best of Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 Days
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival: Arrive in Hanoi, the bustling capital city of Vietnam.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: Participate in the city tour to explore Hanoi’s signatures such as Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hoan Kiem Lake, One Pillar Pagoda, and Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Day 3: Hanoi-Hoi An Ancient Town: Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town, one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations.
Day 4: Hoi An-Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and admire some famous attractions of the city, such as the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Post Office.
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City–Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the significant places in the Vietnam War.
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City-Siem Reap: Bit a farewell to Vietnam and cross the border to Siem Reap.
Day 7: Siem Reap: Visit the highlights of Siem Reap.
Day 8: Siem Reap-Phnom Penh: Transfer to Phnom Penh to visit Tonle Sap Lake and enjoy local cuisine and specialties.
Day 9: Phnom Penh-Battambang: Visit the tranquil village of Battambang for an authentic countryside experience.
Day 10: Departure Flight
>>> Detailed Itinerary: Here
Itinerary 3: Splendor of Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 Days
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival: Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling city of Vietnam!
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnel Tour: Explore the significant places in the Vietnam War.
Day 3: Mekong Delta—My Tho—Can Tho: Engage in the full-day boat tour to get first-hand experience of local daily life.
Day 4: Cai Rang Floating Market: Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries and visit the floating market.
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City-Phnom Penh: Say goodbye to Vietnam and fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Day 6: Explore Phnom Penh: Visit some popular attractions in Phnom Penh.
Day 7: Phnom Penh-Siemm Reap: Transfer to Siem Reap.
Day 8: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat Temple: Spend a day to get an in-depth cultural immersion in the Angkorr Wat Complex.
Day 9: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake: Visit the tranquil riverside village.
Day 10: Departure Flight
>>> Detailed Itinerary: Here
Essential Travel Tips for your Vietnam and Cambodia 10-Day Trip
For first-time travelers, there are some things you need to know before embarking on the trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 days.
Firstly, about the currency, Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) as the official money measurement. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas; however, we recommend you transfer to VND for convenient purchasing. You can transfer to the ATMs or ask the travel agency for help. Riel (KHR) is Cambodia’s official currency. While USD is accepted and prices are often quoted in USD, you should transfer to local currency for easy trade.
Secondly, because of the cultural and historical visit included in the itinerary, you should dress modestly with clothes covering your shoulders and knees. Remember to remove your shoes before entering temples or someone’s home. It is worth noting that in Cambodia, you should avoid touching someone’s head because people consider it sacred.
Thirdly, it’s crucial to prepare your means of transportation during your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 days. For transfers between cities, in both Vietnam and Cambodia, you should opt for trains and buses for budget-friendly. For inner city transfers, motorcycles and grabs are recommended. If you prefer a private transfer, contact us for more information about our car rental in both Vietnam and Cambodia. And for country-cross transfer, use international flights because it’s easy to fly between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Lastly, this is packing tips for you. Many people might find it hard to pack their luggage, but the key is light and versatile. If you visit Vietnam and Cambodia in the dry season, pack light and breathable clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit. And an umbrella in case of sudden rainfall if you visit in the rainy season. It is crucial to bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated and pace yourself in the heat.
In conclusion, the journey to Vietnam and Cambodia in 10 days offers an exploration of culture and nature, allowing you to admire remarkable landmarks, uncover historical stories, and experience the breathtaking natural landscapes of these two stunning countries. Are you ready to embark on this exciting trip? If you need further information, don’t hesitate to contact us for immediate help!
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