A trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 days will offer a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty and adventure. From bustling cities like Hanoi and the ancient town Hoi An to the famous Angkor Wat and the tranquil scene of Tonle Sap Lake, this itinerary allows travelers to explore the best of two countries.
Why should choose Vietnam and Cambodia for your 18-day trip?
Rich cultural heritage
Vietnam is a country where tradition blends beautifully with modernity, maintaining a rich heritage and diverse traditions. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, visitors can explore ancient temples and pagodas, and participate in local festivals and rituals. Vietnam also has over 40,000 historical-cultural relics and scenic spots, 8 relics of which are recognized by UNESCO as world cultural and natural heritages. In addition, there is a festival system with traditional customs, handicraft villages and attractive cuisine. Coming to Vietnam, tourists can have authentic experiences and learn more about the cultural heritage.
Cambodia was voted Asia’s leading cultural destination by the World Travel Awards in 2023. This is a cultural tourist destination, famous for Angkor Archaeological Park, a world heritage site in Siem Reap province, and a beautiful bay in Sihanoukville city, Southwest Cambodia. In addition, Cambodia also has 3 other world heritage sites including Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, Preah Vihear temple and Koh Ker temple. These sites are not only UNESCO-listed architectural wonders but also reflect the spiritual and historical significance of the region, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Cultural experiences in Cambodia also invite visitors to participate in the country’s spiritual traditions. Visitors can join meditation retreats, participate in blessing sessions with Buddhist monks, and enjoy captivating Apsara dance performances. With the opportunity to experience traditional festivals such as the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) and Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day), Cambodia offers not only a journey through historical sites but also a deep connection to its cultural heritages
Angkor Wat
Diverse landscape and natural beauty
Cambodia and Vietnam both have unique natural beauty but offer different experiences. Known as the “land of temples and pagodas”, Cambodia is famous for its ancient relics and majestic architectural complexes bearing the cultural and artistic imprints of the old dynasties. Cambodia is famous for its Tonle Sap Lake, Cardamom Forest, and pristine beaches like Koh Rong, which are wild and peaceful. Visitors can explore floating villages, pristine nature, and unique riverside cultural life.
Vietnam impresses any visitor with its diverse landscapes, from the majestic Ha Long Bay, terraced fields in Sapa to the Mekong River system and beautiful beaches like Phu Quoc. Vietnam is suitable for travelers who love adventure, diverse culture, and exploring many types of nature. Each country has its own attraction, with Cambodia focusing on wildness and Vietnam standing out with its rich and diverse landscapes.
Sapa, Vietnam
Unique local cuisine
Both Vietnam and Cambodia boast vibrant culinary scenes and offer unique culinary experiences, reflecting their own cultures and regional characteristics.
In Cambodia, visitors can explore the unique Khmer cuisine, which combines flavors and typical ingredients. From trying fish amok, a traditional Cambodian curry, to street food such as grilled insects, Lort Cha, Nom Pao,…., the culinary delights of Cambodia offer a distinct cultural experience.
Vietnamese cuisine is a blend of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs and bold spices. From steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi, Vietnam offers a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds with its fresh ingredients, delicate flavors and unique cooking techniques.
Cambodia cuisine
Affordability and accessibility
Vietnam and Cambodia offer affordable and accessible travel options that cater to everyone. Accommodation ranges from hostels and guesthouses to eco-lodges and luxury resorts at competitive prices. Street food and local markets offer delicious meals at a low price, while mid-range and upscale restaurants remain budget-friendly.
Both countries have cheap transport options, with domestic flights, buses, trains and local tuk-tuks or motorbikes making getting around easy. Cruises and boat trips along picturesque rivers, such as the Mekong, enhance the travel experience. Additionally, e-visas and visa-on-arrival services simplify border crossing procedures between Vietnam and Cambodia, ensuring a smooth trip.
Suggested itineraries for Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 days
Itinerary 1: Coastal Adventure: Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap
Day 2: Explore Angkor
Day 3: Explore Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap – Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi City Tour
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue
Day 8: City tour in Hue
Day 9: Hue – Hoi An
Day 10: City tour in Hoi An
Day 11: Free time in Hoi An
Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels – discover Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc
Day 16: Free time in Phu Quoc
Day 17: Free time in Phu Quoc
Day 18: Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
For a more detailed itinerary, please check this link: Coastal Adventure: Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 Days
>>> Similar tours: Charming beauty of Cambodia in 12 days
Itinerary 2: Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 Days: Mountains to Coastlines
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Sapa
Day 4: Sapa – Ma Tra – Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc
Day 6: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 8: Explore Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue
Day 10: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap
Day 12: Explore the Angkor Complex
Day 13: Tonle Sap Lake – Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14: Mekong Delta experience
Day 15: Cai Rang Floating Market – Phu Quoc
Day 16: Relax in Phu Quoc
Day 17: Beach stay in Phu Quoc
Day 18: Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
>>> For a more detailed itinerary, please check this link: Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 Days: Mountains to Coastlines
Travel tips for the best experience in Cambodia and Vietnam
- Plan the best time to visit: In northern Vietnam, the best time to travel is spring (from February to April) and autumn (from October to December). Meanwhile, southern Vietnam has only 2 seasons, the dry season from December to April has the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. In Cambodia, the dry season (from December to April) is the ideal time because the weather is cooler and less rainy, suitable for outdoor sightseeing activities, especially the famous Angkor Wat.
- Pack essentials: Because the weather in both countries is hot and humid, you should bring light and breathable clothes. Don’t forget things to avoid the heat such as hats, umbrellas, sunscreen,… In addition, although many places accept payment by card or bank transfer, you should still exchange cash to enjoy street food or buy souvenirs at street vendors.
- Book accommodation and flight in advance: During peak seasons, there are a lot of tourists, so you should book your flights and accommodation in advance to avoid running out. In addition, when you book in advance, you can also get cheaper deals and promotions.
- Follow local customs and respect the culture: when visiting religious places such as temples you should dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
- To move around, you can go by tuk tuk, motorbike taxi, however you need to negotiate the price carefully before going to avoid troubles. You can also rent a motorbike but you must understand the traffic laws here and have an international driving license.
- Learn basic conversational phrases like xin chao, cam on, arkun,… to communicate more with locals, have a better experience.
This 18-day itinerary through Vietnam and Cambodia offers the perfect combination of cultural immersion, natural beauty and adventure. These two neighboring countries offer an exciting mix of ancient temples, vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes and diverse cuisine. Whether you’re cruising through Ha Long Bay, hiking in Sapa or watching the sunset at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, every day promises new discoveries. Contact us now to guide you through the heart of Southeast Asia, creating a truly enriching and memorable experience.
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