10 Days in Vietnam & Cambodia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Landmarks of Vietnam & Cambodia

Discover the secrets of Vietnam and Cambodia's must-see landmarks on this highlights itinerary. Perfect for first-time travelers seeking an immersive trip, a guide will be on hand to show you Hanoi's historic landmarks, bring you into the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, and reveal Siem Reap's flavor-packed street food. Other notable highlights include an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, a day trip into the lush Mekong Delta, and two days of meandering through Angkor's fascinating temples.

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon landing in Hanoi, kick start your adventure with a free afternoon to explore the inviting Old Quarter independently, followed by a full-day guided tour of the city's must-see points of interest on Day 2. Next, transfer north to Ha Long Bay and board a ship for a spectacular overnight cruise that features a cooking masterclass, morning tai chi, and abundant time to relax. After disembarking, return to Hanoi and catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Here, you'll unwind at your hotel before heading out to explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and admire city highlights alongside an expert guide.

Spend your final day in Vietnam sailing along the Ben Tre River, one of the Mekong River's tributaries, and sampling treats at a nearby coconut candy workshop. Then, board a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and savor the city's Khmer culinary delights on a food tour. The following day is set to be one for the memory books, with a guided exploration of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm on the schedule. You'll also delve even deeper into the history of Angkor's temples while visiting the 12th-century Banteay Samré and the archaeological complex of Roluos before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Treasures of Vietnam & Cambodia: Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An & Siem Reap

Replacing Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City with Da Nang and Hoi An, this alternative itinerary packs in the activities with two or more days based in Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Siem Reap. Between city tours, you'll head into the countryside to boat through Ninh Binh, cycle alongside organic farms in Tra Que Vegetable Village, and head up Ba Na Hill to ponder the special Golden Bridge. Then, round off the adventure meandering among Angkor's fascinating temples and ruins. 

Your trip begins with a leisurely introduction to Hanoi, meandering through the Old Quarter and pausing for lunch at Dong Xuan Market. Well-rested and eager for adventure, you'll float through Ninh Binh's winding rivers and under limestone caverns on a flat-bottomed sampan boat the following day. Next, transfer by flight and vehicle to Hoi An and settle in for a two-night stay. Spend your first evening here pondering the colliding architectural styles in Ancient Town, then pack in a bicycle ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a city tour, and a Japanese lantern-making workshop the following day. 

Return to Da Nang on Day 5 and journey up Ba Na Hill, where you'll devote a day to strolling across the famous Golden Bridge and meandering through the picturesque French Village. Following that, bike through the rural landscapes of Hoi An, bob down the waterways in a traditional basket boat, and master the art of local cuisine at a cooking workshop. Afterward, catch a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. With four days here, you'll find plenty of time to discover Angkor's many temples, ruins, and towers, boat through Tonlé Sap's floating villages, and enjoy the city's lively street food scene. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Mekong Discovery: Southern Vietnam & Cambodia

Traveling by boat along the Mekong Delta is a bucket-list adventure for many, and on this southern Vietnam and Cambodia trip, you'll do exactly that. After an introduction to Ho Chi Minh City's war-torn history, you'll boat to Can Tho, onward to the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, and even right into Cambodia. Then, spend the second half of your journey learning about Phnom Penh's dark past and roaming the ancient ruins and temples surrounding Siem Reap.

Your journey starts in Ho Chi Minh City, an ideal place to shake off jet lag while exploring Ben Thanh Market and indulging in a traditional massage. The next morning is reserved for a tour of the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by an afternoon wandering the War Remnants Museum. Afterward, transfer to the lush Mekong Delta and take a boat down the Ben Tre River to reach your hotel in Can Tho, a charming waterfront city. The following day, continue by boat to experience the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market before traveling by vehicle to Chau Doc, your base for a night.

There's hardly a better way to travel into Cambodia than by speedboat, which is what awaits on the morning of Day 5. Your destination is Phnom Penh, and upon arrival, you'll join up with a local guide to visit the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. After a happier tour of the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom on Day 6, a transfer north to Siem Reap is next on the agenda. Here, you'll enjoy a traditional Apsara dinner and dance performance, devote a day to exploring Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, and ponder the intricate stonework of Banteay Srey before catching your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Vietnam & Cambodia Culture Escape

Immerse yourself in the deep-rooted cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia with this 10-day escape that covers more of Vietnam. You'll witness a traditional water puppet show, cycle through villages untouched by time, delve into the war-torn past at the Cu Chi Tunnels, and wander through the Angkor ruins. An overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay is also planned, coupled with time to relax or explore on your own, ensuring a perfect blend of adventure and downtime.

After arriving at Hanoi's airport and refreshing at your hotel, your trip begins with a guided city highlights tour and a traditional water puppet show. Eager to delve deeper into Vietnam's timeless culture, you'll head out of the city for a full day in the Ninh Binh province, which includes a walking tour of the Bai Dinh Temple and a bike ride around Trang An. Then, detour to Ha Long Bay for a serene overnight cruise before transferring to Hoi An. Once here, devote your evenings exploring independently and the next day's afternoon browsing Central Market and biking through the idyllic countryside.

Midway through your adventure, you'll fly south to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon exploring the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. The next day, enjoy a guided tour that includes the Reunification Palace and a stroll along Dong Khoi Street before catching a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. During your three-day stay, you'll have ample opportunity to discover the grandeur of Angkor Thom, marvel at the iconic Angkor Wat, and witness a sunset from Bakheng Hill. Finally, cap off your journey with a leisurely bike ride through the countryside and a boat trip among Tonlé Sap's floating villages. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Off the Beaten Path in Northern Vietnam & Cambodia

Ideal for adventurous travelers craving a unique, immersive experience, this 10-day adventure is all about the less-trodden paths of Northern Vietnam and Cambodia. From tasting Vietnam's famous street food in hidden alleys of Hanoi to visiting hill tribes in the northern Sapa mountains, each day promises adventure, culture, and discovery. Other notable highlights include two overnight train journeys, a cable car ride to the top of Mount Fansipan, and a cycling tour through Phnom Penh.

Start your adventure exploring the lesser-discovered parts of Hanoi, first on an independent walk along Hang Gai Street, followed by a visit to the Bat Trang Pottery Village and a street food tour through Old Quarter's hidden lanes. While in Hanoi, you'll also check out the city's top sights before hopping on an overnight train bound for Lao Cai. Continue to Sapa the next day and spend the afternoon visiting nearby villages, including Ta Van, known for its wooden stilt homes rising above rice fields. Then, take a cable ride to the top of spectacular Mount Fansipan and return to Hanoi via another overnight train.

More exploration awaits after breakfast in Hanoi, as you'll fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Pause for a relaxing evening at your hotel, then dedicate the following day to gazing upon the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. While in Siem Reap, you'll also embark on a leisurely boat ride through Tonlé Sap's floating villages before transferring south to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. Here, you'll enlist the help of a guide to learn the stories behind the Independence Monument and the Royal Palace and round off your adventure with a splendid sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other 10-day Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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