Embark on an unforgettable trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 15 days for spectacular natural landscapes and vibrant cultural exploration. You will have a chance to explore Vietnam, the beautiful S-shaped country, and Cambodia, the country of thousands of temples. Still don’t know where to start your trip to these beautiful countries? Let’s find out in this article!
Is 15 days Enough for Both Vietnam and Cambodia?
You might wonder if 15 days is enough to explore both Vietnam and Cambodia because it is not either too long or too short a period. However, our experts will help you plan a well-structured and suitable itinerary to ensure your trip will not be too crowded and you can still discover the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia. You will explore tourist attractions such as Hanoi, Hoi An, and Phnom Penh, immerse yourself in the cultural and historical atmosphere of Angkor Wat, and relax on the stunning beaches of Nha Trang and Ha Long.
While 15 days is sufficient for discovering popular tourist destinations, it may rush if you want to explore some remote areas such as Sapa (Vietnam) and the lesser-known temples of Angkor (Cambodia). Despite that, you can still have a well-rounded perspective of the rich culture and beautiful nature of Vietnam and Cambodia in the 15-day journey, which will leave a long-lasting impression and unique experience on you and inspire you to return for further exploration.
>>> For more comprehensive information about these two countries, read Vietnam Travel Guide and Cambodia Travel Guide.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia
The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia depends on the regions and travel experience you are looking for. If you wish to explore mountainous areas in the north, the ideal time would be different when you want to enjoy the stunning beach of Nha Trang in the south. The same applies to Cambodia since both these countries have distinct seasons throughout the year.
For Vietnam, the ideal time to visit is from November to April. During this month, the weather is cooler and dry, making it suitable for all kinds of activities and sightseeing. In the north, cities like Hanoi, Ha Long, and Sapa experience cooler and drier conditions, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), and low rainfall. Central Vietnam, including Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, has a dry season with sunny days and clear skies. The southern region with metropolises like Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc is characterized by warm, sunny weather, perfect for beach holidays.
Vietnam Weather
For Cambodia, the best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is dry and not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F), low rainfall and minimal humidity. If you are planning a culture exploration holiday, December and January are the best months since the temperatures are cooler and the humidity is lesser, making it ideal for visiting the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap. Meanwhile, February and March are ideal for beach holidays because it remains dry but gradually hotter.
Cambodia Weather
>>> For more detailed information, please check out The Best time to visit Vietnam and When is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia?
Suggested Itineraries for 15 days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Itinerary 1: Essentials of Vietnam and Cambodia in 15 Days
Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2 – Hanoi City Tour
Day 3 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 4 – Ha Long – Back to Hanoi – Visit Hue
Day 5 – Hue City Tour
Day 6 – Hue – Transfer to Da Nang – Visit Hoi An
Day 7 – Explore Hoi An – Transfer to Nha Trang
Day 8 – Free Day in Nha Trang
Day 9 – Free Day in Nha Trang
Day 10 – Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11 – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Day 12 – Ho Chi Minh City – Transfer to Siem Reap
Day 13 – Explore Siem Reap
Day 14 – Siem Reap – Fly to Phnom Penh
Day 15 – Phnom Penh – Departure Flight
>>> Detailed Itinerary: Here
Itinerary 2: Explore Treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia in 15 Days
Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2 – Explore rural villages of Hanoi
Day 3 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 4 – Ha Long – Hanoi – Train to Hue
Day 5 – Hue City Tour
Day 6 – Hue – Visit Da Nang – Transfer to Hoi An
Day 7 – Hoi An – Visit Fishing Village
Day 8 – Hoi An – Visit Tra Que Village – Join Cooking Class
Day 9 – Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10 – Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 11 – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Trip
Day 12 – Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Siem Reap
Day 13 – Discover the Angkor Temples
Day 14 – Kbal Spean & Banteay Srei Sightseeing
Day 15 – Siem Reap – Departure Flight
>>> Detailed Itinerary: Here
Some Traditional Festivals and Events in Vietnam and Cambodia
In Vietnam
Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday): one of the most significant festivals in Vietnam. It happens annually in January or February (according to the lunar calendar). During this festival, Vietnamese people adorn their houses and streets with red decorations, flowers, and lights. This is also the occasion for family gatherings, ancestral worship, and temple visits.
Mid-autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu): happens on the 15th of the 8th lunar month (September or October). This festival celebrated primarily by children, involves parades with colorful lanterns, lion dances, and the admiring of mooncakes. This is also the time for family reunion and gratitude for the harvest. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there are also traditional music and cultural performances.
Hue Festival: This biennial festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hue. During this event, people performed traditional music, and dances, and reenacted royal ceremonies from the Nguyen Dynasty. This festival showcases Vietnam’s rich history with events like the áo dài (traditional dress) fashion show, boat races, and street parades.
Lion dance in Mid-Autumn in Vietnam
In Cambodia
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey): This is one of the most important festivals in Cambodia, taken in mid-April and lasts for 3 days. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the rainy season. The celebrations include traditional games, music, dance, and a visit pagoda. This is also the occasion for family gatherings. In cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, there are public festivities with cultural performances and street parties.
Water Festival – Bon Om Touk (October or November): This festival is celebrated on the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk, to mark the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River. The highlight of the festival is the boat races that take place on the river in Phnom Penh which attract thousands of participants and spectators. In addition, they also feature illuminated boat processions, concerts, fireworks, and water splashing.
Pchum Ben – Ancestors’ Day (September or October): This Buddhist festival lasts for 15 days and is dedicated to paying respects to deceased relatives. During this festival, families visit pagodas to make offerings to monks and ancestors, who are believed to return to earth during this time.
Water Festival – Bon Om Touk
Tips and Recommendations for 15 days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Book flight tickets and accommodation in advance
It would be wise to book flight tickets and accommodation in advance, especially in the peak season to have a preferable choice and avoid last-minute changes.
Pack light and comfortable clothing
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen, and include a light jacket or sweater for cooler nights. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring temples, markets, and trekking through natural areas.
Respect local custom
When visiting temples and historical sites, you should wear formal clothes which cover your shoulders. Remember to put your shoes off when entering the temples and keep minimal distance from historical sites such as monuments or states.
Visit temples and historical sites early
Since the temperature gets higher in the afternoon, you should visit temples and tourist attractions in the early mornings. This not only avoids mid-day heat but also ensures an immersive experience of the country’s culture and history.
Stay hydrated and protected against the sun
Your itinerary might involve outside activities, so ensure you stay hydrated during your trip. Bring a refillable bottle and drink a lot of water throughout the day. You should also bring an umbrella or a hat, using sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin from UV rays.
Spending 15 days in Vietnam and Cambodia promises an incredible experience with rich cultures and spectacular natural landscapes. With detailed itineraries and useful tips we mentioned above, you could explore all the highlights of these two beautiful countries.
Feel free to contact us for more information. Our experts are always ready to assist you in tailoring a trip to Indochina!
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