Itinerary #1: Essential Vietnam & Cambodia: Hanoi to Siem Reap
Perfect for first-time visitors to Vietnam and Cambodia, this two-week itinerary ensures a well-rounded introduction to the country's historic sites and natural landscapes. In Vietnam, you'll journey from Hanoi down to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops in Hoi An and Hue on the way. Then, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and wrap up your adventure with two immersive days exploring Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi (Vietnam), Street Food Tour | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Hanoi Highlights Tour | Hanoi |
Day 3 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
Day 4 | Morning Cruise, Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hoi An | Hoi An |
Day 5 | Hoi An City Tour & Lantern Workshop | Hoi An |
Day 6 | Transfer to Hue via Da Nang's Highlights | Hue |
Day 7 | Imperial City Tour, Royal Tombs & Thien Mu Pagoda | Hue |
Day 8 | Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 9 | Ho Chi Minh City Culture & Heritage Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 10 | Boat Trip to the Mekong Delta & Cycling | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 11 | Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Floating Villages Tour | Siem Reap |
Day 12 | Day Trip to Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat | Siem Reap |
Day 13 | Angkor Temples: Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm & Prasat Kravan | Siem Reap |
Day 14 | Depart Siem Reap |
Welcome to Vietnam! Your adventure begins in Hanoi, where you'll shrug off travel fatigue while tasting your way through Thanh Ha Market and checking out the city's highlights. Then, transfer to Ha Long Bay and board a luxurious cruise ship for an overnight voyage on the Gulf of Tonkin. Travel to charming Hoi An afterward, and with two days here, you'll have time to explore Ancient Town and participate in a lantern-making workshop. Continue to Hue on Day 6, a coastal city known for its massive Imperial City and for being the home of the Royal Tomb of King Minh Mang, both of which you'll check out on a guided city tour.
Midway through your adventure, a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll settle in for a three-night stay, is on the agenda. Spend your first day here exploring the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by an immersive city tour and a half-day excursion boating in the lush Mekong Delta. Next, bid farewell to Vietnam and board a flight bound for Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, embark on a relaxed floating villages tour on Tonlé Sap, then immerse yourself in the ancient marvels of Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, and Ta Prohm before catching your onward flight. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Treasures of Vietnam & Cambodia
On this two-week trip, swapping Hue for Da Nang, take a deep dive into Vietnam and Cambodia's warm culture and treasured historical sites. Crafted especially for travelers eager to keep on the move and experience must-see highlights and unique excursions, you'll tick off renowned sites like Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat while setting aside time to visit rural villages and attend cooking classes. Other highlights include a cruise on Ha Long Bay, a day trip to the Golden Bridge, and a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi (Vietnam), Old Quarter City Tour | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Pottery Village Experience, Coffee Culture & Street Food Tour | Hanoi |
Day 3 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
Day 4 | Morning Cruise, Fly to Da Nang | Da Nang |
Day 5 | Day Trip to the Golden Bridge | Da Nang |
Day 6 | Transfer to Hoi An, Cycle to Herb Village | Hoi An |
Day 7 | Countryside Cooking Class, Sunset River Ride | Hoi An |
Day 8 | Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Optional Activities | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 9 | Ho Chi Minh City Wartime History Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 10 | Day Trip to the Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 11 | Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Optional Activities | Siem Reap |
Day 12 | Day Trip to Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat | Siem Reap |
Day 13 | Day Trip to Banteay Srei & Floating Villages | Siem Reap |
Day 14 | Depart Siem Reap |
Upon arriving in Hanoi, your trip starts with a city tour featuring the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the Museum of Ethnology, and the historic Old Quarter. While here, you'll also visit the Bat Trang Pottery Village to learn about the traditional handicrafts of the Red River Delta before transferring to Ha Long Bay. Soon, you'll sail the Gulf of Tonkin on board an overnight luxury ship, delighting in a gourmet multicourse dinner. On Day, fly south to Da Nang, where you'll visit the Golden Bridge, reachable by the Ba Na Cable Car. Your trip continues to Hoi An, the ideal place to cycle through nearby rural villages and learn the art of Vietnamese cooking.
Next, you're off to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll kick start your stay with a free afternoon to visit Ben Thanh Market or take in sprawling city views from Bitexco Tower. Delve into the city's history the following day during a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, then lighten things up with a memorable boating adventure down the Mekong Delta. On the morning of Day 11, you'll hop countries and find yourself in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Three days here gives you plenty of time to explore the city by tuk-tuk, visit the renowned Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, and boat among the floating village of Tonlé Sap. Learn more
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Itinerary #3: Authentic Adventures in Vietnam & Cambodia
Travelers who love packing in activities and keeping on the move will find this fast-paced adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia the perfect fit. Throughout, you'll bike, raft, tour by Vespa, cruise, and embark on guided walking excursions through rural villages and bustling cities. Stops along the way include Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh—ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Street Food Tour | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Hanoi Vespa Tour | Hanoi |
Day 3 | Transfer to Mai Chau, Rural Cycling Tour | Mai Chau |
Day 4 | Village Tour & Bamboo Rafting, Transfer to Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
Day 5 | Boat & Cycling Tour of Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
Day 6 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Cruise to Lan Ha Bay | Ha Long Bay |
Day 7 | Visit Dark & Light Cave, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 8 | Day Trip to the Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 9 | Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 10 | Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Artisan D'Angkor & Killing Fields Pagoda | Siem Reap |
Day 11 | Day Trip to Angkor Temples | Siem Reap |
Day 12 | Visit Floating Villages, Fly to Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh |
Day 13 | Phnom Penh Highlights Tour | Phnom Penh |
Day 14 | Depart Phnom Penh |
Your activity-filled journey begins in Hanoi with a captivating three-hour food tour, which will fuel you up for the following day's vintage Vespa scooter excursion through the city's Old Quarter and along Huu Hiep Lake. Next, trade in the city for the lush mountain valley of Mai Chau, where you'll explore by bike and traditional bamboo raft before transferring to Ninh Binh. Take an evening to relax; then it's back to the activities with a boat and bike tour on the agenda. Afterward, set your sights on Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise, complete with a stop by the impressive Dark and Light Cave.
Your next destination is Ho Chi Minh City, and with three nights here, there's plenty of time to tour the War Remnants Museum, visit sprawling markets, and even explore the nearby Mekong Delta by boat. On Day 10, catch a flight to Siem Reap and kickstart the Cambodia portion of your trip with a somber visit to Wat Thmei (New Wat). Afterward, delve into ancient history during tours of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat and enjoy a relaxing boat excursion around Tonlé Sap. Lastly, wrap up your adventure in Phnom Penh, where you'll discover landmarks like the Independence Monument and Royal Palace. Learn more
Itinerary #4: Off the Beaten Path in Vietnam & Cambodia
Immerse yourself in Vietnam and Cambodia's rich culture and incredible landscapes on this authentic trip plan. Perfect for the intrepid traveler, this itinerary offers you a unique journey through the highlights of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap, along with off-the-beaten-track gems in the rural regions of Sapa and Ninh Binh. Throughout, you'll experience vibrant city life, karst-covered landscapes, and bustling markets before wrapping up your adventure exploring the ancient wonders of Angkor.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Guided City Tour | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Day Trip To Ninh Binh, Temples & Mountains | Hanoi |
Day 3 | Pottery Experience & Hanoi Food Tour | Hanoi |
Day 4 | Hanoi Free Day, Overnight Train to Lao Cai | Lao Cai |
Day 5 | Transfer to Sapa, Visit Hill Tribe Villages | Sapa |
Day 6 | Day Trip to Mount Fansipan & Heaven's Gate | Sapa |
Day 7 | Countryside & Market Tour, Overnight Train to Hanoi | Hanoi |
Day 8 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
Day 9 | Morning Cruise, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 10 | Day Trip to the Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 11 | Market Visit & Cooking Class | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 12 | Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia) | Siem Reap |
Day 13 | Day Trip to Angkor Wat | Siem Reap |
Day 14 | Depart Siem Reap |
Kickstart your two-week adventure with a three-night stay in Vietnam's buzzing capital city of Hanoi, where you'll check out highlights alongside a guide and eat your way through the Old Quarter on a food tour. In between, spend an afternoon in Ninh Binh, learning about rural life and boating through dramatic karst scenery. You'll also have a free day to explore Hanoi independently before catching an overnight train bound for Lao Cai in northwest Vietnam. From there, continue to Sapa to hike among the region's terraced rice paddies and take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Fansipan, nicknamed the "Roof of Indochina."
After returning to Hanoi and transferring to Ha Long Bay, you'll board a luxury cruise for an overnight on the Gulf of Tonkin. Next, fly to Ho Chi Minh City and take the evening to relax, as the following morning, you're off to My Tho for a scenic boat ride along the Mekong Delta, followed by a visit to Thoi Son Island. On your final day in Ho Chi Minh City, visit a market and join a cooking class, then pack your bags in preparation for a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. You'll devote a whole day to exploring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm before catching your flight home. Learn more
Itinerary #5: Vietnam & Cambodia Culture Escape
Crafted for travelers seeking a relaxed-paced trip, this two-week escape focuses on the cultural highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia while limiting travel time. Starting in northern Vietnam, you'll soak up Hanoi's culture and flavor-packed culinary scene and board an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay. Then, spend three nights each in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll explore the idyllic countryside and learn about Vietnam's wartime history. Lastly, dedicate four days to Siem Reap, Cambodia, meandering through ancient temples and boating through floating villages.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi (Vietnam), City & Food Tour, Water Puppet Show | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Day Trip to Ninh Binh, Cycling & Sampan Ride | Hanoi |
Day 3 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
Day 4 | Morning Cruise, Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hoi An | Hoi An |
Day 5 | Hoi An Highlights Tour, Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village | Hoi An |
Day 6 | Hoi An Countryside Tour & Cooking Workshop | Hoi An |
Day 7 | Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 8 | Ben Thanh Market & Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 9 | Day Trip to the Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 10 | Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Sunset Food Tour | Siem Reap |
Day 11 | Day Trip to Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat | Siem Reap |
Day 12 | Angkor Temple Tour: Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm & Ta Keo | Siem Reap |
Day 13 | Angkor Zipline Adventure, Visit Floating Villages | Siem Reap |
Day 14 | Depart Siem Reap |
Straight off the plane in Hanoi, any signs of jet lag will quickly fade as you embark on a guided walking tour, followed by a street food experience and a traditional puppet show. The following morning, transfer to Ninh Binh, where you'll bike and boat past tranquil villages before setting your sights on Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise. Wake up to the gentle sounds of water, then dedicate the rest of the day to traveling to Hoi An. A three-day stay in this historic river city ensures time to tour the city's highlights, visit a local pottery village, and get hands-on during a trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village.
On Day 7, your trip continues with a flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend your first afternoon underground in the Cu Chi Tunnels learning about Vietnam's wartime history, then delve deeper while meandering through the War Remnants Museum and past the Reunification Palace. Afterward, set aside a day to boat down the Ben Tre River, one of the Mekong Delta's tributaries, before flying to Siem Reap, Cambodia. A more extended stay ensures time to join a food tour, spend two days exploring Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, and embark on a thrilling zipline adventure. Learn more
More Great 2-Week Vietnam Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other two-week Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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