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Limestone karsts rising from emerald waters of Ha Long Bay
Vietnam & Cambodia

Vietnam Cambodia itinerary: how many days and best routes

Compare durations, start points, border options, and seasonal tips to pick the best Vietnam–Cambodia route.

Limestone karsts rising from emerald waters of Ha Long Bay
Vietnam & Cambodia · Itinerary📅 Updated 2026-06-17 · last reviewed by Phuong Le📖 2 min readPLPhuong Le15-yr Hanoi history guide
Last reviewed by Phuong Le: 2026-06-17 · Quarterly review

Quick answer

Pick 10, 14, or 21 days. 10: Hanoi-Ha Long or HCMC-Mekong + Angkor (fly to Siem Reap). 14: Hanoi->Hue->Hoi An->HCMC, then Phnom Penh->Siem Reap. 21: add beaches or overland Mekong. E-visa for both, 3-5 days. Dry season Nov-Apr. Buses HCMC-PP 6-7h; PP-SR 5-6h.

10 days: Hanoi-Ha Long or HCMC-Mekong + Angkor2 weeks: north-south Vietnam, Phnom Penh stop, Siem Reap3 weeks: add beaches or overland Mekong; e-visas 3-5 days

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About this guide

A Vietnam–Cambodia itinerary pairs two distinct travel experiences: French colonial architecture and mountain tribal culture in Vietnam alongside ancient Khmer temple complexes and riverside markets in Cambodia. Most travelers start in Hanoi, work southward through Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, then cross into Cambodia via the Mekong Delta or the Moc Bai–Bavet land border before finishing in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. The reverse direction works equally well depending on flight schedules and availability.

Vietnam's highlights are spread along a north-to-south corridor, while Cambodia's key sites — Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, and Tonle Sap Lake — are more geographically concentrated. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, requires at least two full days to cover properly. Phnom Penh provides historical context through sites such as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Royal Palace, and should not be treated as a transit stop. Logical south-to-north routing through Vietnam eliminates unnecessary backtracking before the Cambodia leg.

Border logistics shape the itinerary considerably. The overland Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh bus journey takes six to eight hours including border procedures at the Moc Bai–Bavet crossing. Travelers preferring a scenic alternative can take the Chau Doc–Phnom Penh speedboat through the Mekong Delta, a four-to-five-hour journey. For shorter itineraries, flying between major cities — for example, Hanoi to Siem Reap in roughly one hour — saves meaningful time. Both countries issue e-Visas for land crossings; Cambodia's e-Visa costs $36, while visa on arrival at major borders costs $30. Travelers should carry printed visa copies and small USD bills for border fees.

Key facts & good to know

Trip length
10 days minimum; 14 days is the practical sweet spot; 5–7 days leads to a rushed schedule given travel times between destinations.
Getting between countries
Fly Hanoi–Siem Reap (~1 hr); bus Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh (6–8 hrs); speedboat Chau Doc–Phnom Penh (4–5 hrs, most scenic).
Visas
Both countries offer e-Visas for land crossings. Cambodia e-Visa $36; visa on arrival $30. Vietnam requires e-Visa or exemption; 6-month passport validity requ…
Route logic
Most routes run Hanoi → south through Vietnam → Cambodia (Phnom Penh then Siem Reap), or in reverse. Avoids backtracking.
Angkor Wat time
Allocate at least 2 full days for the Angkor complex (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon). It is the largest religious monument in the world.
Border tip
Carry printed copies of both e-Visas and small USD bills for border fees. Confirm your visa lists the correct port of entry and exit.
Overland budget
Bus is the most economical overland option. Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh via Moc Bai–Bavet crossing takes 6–8 hrs including border procedures.
Key UNESCO sites
Halong Bay (overnight cruise, kayaking, caves), Hoi An Ancient Town (400-yr-old Japanese Bridge), and Angkor Wat are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The honest pacing

When we map out a Vietnam–Cambodia route for travelers, the first question we address is duration. A minimum of 10 days is the practical floor — anything in the five-to-seven-day range creates a schedule so tight that long transit times between destinations eat into actual sightseeing. The 14-day itinerary gives most people enough time to move through the major stops without feeling like they are constantly packing a bag. For those who want a genuinely relaxed pace across both countries, 30 days is worth considering.

We typically structure the Vietnam portion around four anchor points: Hanoi, with its Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and water puppet performances; Halong Bay, where overnight cruises cover the limestone karsts with options for kayaking and cave exploration; Hoi An, whose UNESCO-listed Ancient Town includes the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and lantern-lit streets; and Ho Chi Minh City paired with the Mekong Delta, which leads naturally into the Cambodia crossing. From there, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap — home to Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Tonle Sap Lake — complete the circuit.

Want this tailored to your dates?

We run these routes ourselves. Send your dates, group size and pace and our Hanoi team will build a custom version — with real prices, not estimates.

What to skip on 0 days

These are the 4 mistakes 80% of first-time Vietnam travellers make when researching online.Phuong Le has personally seen each one destroy trips that could have been excellent.

✗
Trying to cover both countries in 5–7 daysWhen to consider · short
Long travel times between destinations — including 6–8 hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh or multi-hour border crossings — consume entire days, leaving too little time at each stop to do anything beyond arriving and leaving.
✗
Skipping Phnom Penh to save timeWhen to consider · short
Travelers rushing to Angkor Wat often bypass the capital entirely, but Phnom Penh provides essential historical context — the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum — that shapes how you understand the rest of Cambodia.
✗
Allocating only one day to Angkor WatWhen to consider · short
The Angkor complex includes not just Angkor Wat but also Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and the Terrace of the Elephants. The facts specifically recommend at least 2 full days; one day results in a surface-level visit where most of the complex goes unseen.
✗
Crossing overland without verifying the correct port of entry on your e-VisaWhen to consider · short or empty
Both Vietnam and Cambodia issue e-Visas that are tied to a specific port of entry and exit. Arriving at a border crossing not listed on your visa can result in denial of entry, requiring you to backtrack or pay for a visa on arrival where available.

0-day Vietnam itinerary FAQ

How many days do I need to cover highlights in both countries?
With 7–10 days, focus on two hubs: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (3–4 days) plus Siem Reap for Angkor (3–4 days), linked by a 1.5–2 hour flight. With 12–14 days, go Hanoi (2–3) – Halong Bay (1–2) – Hue/Hoi An (3–4) – Ho Chi Minh City (2–3) – Siem Reap (2–3) or Phnom Penh (1–2). With 18–21 days, add Sapa or Ninh Binh (2–3), a Mekong Delta homestay (1–2), and beach time in Phu Quoc, Kep/Kampot, or Koh Rong (2–3).
What are sensible route options?
North-to-south then into Cambodia is straightforward: Hanoi – Halong – Hue/Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Reverse works too if you start in Siem Reap, then Phnom Penh, then enter Vietnam via Ho Chi Minh City and head up the coast. Key legs: Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh flight ~1 hour (bus 6–7 hours), Ho Chi Minh City–Siem Reap flight 1.5 hours, Hanoi–Siem Reap flight ~1.5–2 hours.
How do I travel between the two, and how long does it take?
Flights are fastest and often cost-effective (one-way usually USD 60–180 booked in advance). Popular land/river links: Moc Bai (VN)–Bavet (KH) by bus between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh (6–7 hours including border), Ha Tien–Prek Chak for Phu Quoc/Kep-Kampot (4–6 hours with transfers), and Chau Doc–Phnom Penh by speedboat (about 5 hours). Build in extra time for border formalities (30–90 minutes).
When is a good time to go, and what about holidays?
Drier weather runs roughly November–March; April–May is hot; May–October is the main rainy season, with short heavy showers. Travel is possible year-round if you stay flexible. Expect higher prices and booked-out trains/boats around Tet (Vietnamese New Year, Jan/Feb) and Khmer New Year (mid-April).
What budget should I plan for this trip?
Typical daily spend per person: backpacker USD 35–60, mid-range USD 80–150, boutique USD 180–300, excluding international flights. Sample big-ticket costs: domestic flights USD 40–120, international hops between the two countries USD 60–180, Halong Bay overnight cruise USD 120–250 pp, Angkor pass USD 37 (1 day), USD 62 (3 days, usable over 10 days), USD 72 (7 days, usable over 1 month). Night trains/buses can save on hotel nights but add transit time.
Can I customize the plan (beaches, trekking, slow travel)?
Yes. Add Sapa trekking (2–3 extra days from Hanoi), Ninh Binh karst landscapes (1–2 days), Phu Quoc or Con Dao beaches (2–3 days, flights from Ho Chi Minh City), or Kep/Kampot or Koh Rong from Phnom Penh (2–3 days). A private car for point-to-point days like Hue–Hoi An with stops runs about USD 80–130 depending on distance.
How far ahead should I book, and what are the usual cancellation terms?
For peak months (Nov–Mar), book regional flights 6–10 weeks out and key stays/cruises 1–3 months out; shoulder/low season needs less. Many hotels offer free cancellation until 24–72 hours before arrival; Halong cruises often require 48–72 hours’ notice. Low-cost airline tickets are usually nonrefundable or credit-only; travel insurance can help with covered disruptions. Angkor passes and e-visas are not refundable once issued.
What visas do I need, and can I cross by land with e-visas?
Vietnam offers an e-visa (many nationalities) valid up to 90 days; Cambodia offers a 30-day tourist e-visa or visa on arrival (about USD 30–36). If you exit and re-enter Vietnam, apply for a multi-entry visa. E-visas are accepted at major airports and main land checkpoints such as Bavet–Moc Bai; check official sites for which smaller posts (e.g., Ha Tien–Prek Chak, Vinh Xuong–Kaam Samnor) accept them. Carry printouts, a passport with 6+ months’ validity, and a passport photo for land borders if requested.

People also ask

Which entry and exit airports work well for an open-jaw trip across both countries?
Fly into Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and fly out of Siem Reap–Angkor (SAI) or Phnom Penh (PNH) to avoid backtracking. These four airports have frequent regional connections, and multi-city tickets are widely available on major carriers.
Should I take the train or fly for long distances inside Vietnam?
On key legs, the Reunification line takes about 13-14 hours Hanoi–Hue, 16-17 hours Hanoi–Da Nang, and 2.5-3 hours Hue–Da Nang; soft-sleeper berths usually cost $35-60. Flights on the same routes take 1-1.5 hours, but factor in airport transfers and bag fees ($10-25 on low-cost carriers).
What should I pack for the north-south climate differences?
Pack a light jacket for the North in Dec-Feb (Hanoi 10-18 C) and breathable clothing for the South year-round (28-34 C; heavy showers May-Oct). Bring a compact rain layer for the central coast Sep-Dec. For temples, cover shoulders and knees; at Angkor, shawls are often refused, so wear sleeved tops and knee-length bottoms.
Is tap water safe to drink, and how can I eat street food without getting sick?
Tap water is not potable; use sealed bottled water or boiled water, and note that ice in cities is usually from purified factory blocks. Choose cooked-to-order, hot dishes and peel fruit; carry oral rehydration salts and loperamide for mild diarrhea.
Do I need cash, and how do ATMs and currency work across both countries?
Vietnam uses dong (VND), while Cambodia uses USD cash widely with small change in riel; carry small, clean USD bills. Typical ATM fees are 30,000-55,000 VND per withdrawal in Vietnam and about $4-6 in Cambodia, plus any card issuer fees. Cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants in big cities, but keep cash for markets, transport, and small vendors.
Do I need a guide for Angkor or Ha Long Bay, and what does it cost?
At Angkor, guides are optional; licensed day guides typically cost about $30-50 (entrance passes extra: 1-day $37, 3-day $62, 7-day $72). In Ha Long Bay you must go by organized boat: day cruises run 4-6 hours ($35-60) and overnights start around $120 including permits and meals.

Verified sources

  1. ATL DMC booking log · 12,000+ trips since 2011
  2. BestPrice Travel – Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary Guide · https://www.bestpricetravel.com/travel-guide/vietnam-and-cambodia-itinerary-2561.html
  3. Indochina Tour – Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary (7–21 Days) · https://www.indochinatour.com/vietnam-cambodia-tour/itineary-for-vietnam-and-cambodia.html
  4. Custom Asia Travel – Best Routes 10 to 30 Days · https://customasiatravel.com/vietnam-and-cambodia-itinerary
  5. Asia Tour Advisor – Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary for Epic Adventures · https://www.asiatouradvisor.com/get-inspired/vietnam/vietnam-and-cambodia-itinerary/
  6. Asia Tour Advisor – How to Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia (2026) · https://www.asiatouradvisor.com/get-inspired/vietnam/how-to-travel-from-vietnam-to-cambodia/
  7. Vietnam Entry Visa – Vietnam–Cambodia Border Crossings Guide (2026) · https://vietnamentryvisa.com/vietnam-travel-guide/borders/vietnam-cambodia/
  8. Asia Odyssey Travel – Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary: 7, 10, 14 Days · https://www.asiaodysseytravel.com/southeast-asia/vietnam-cambodia-itinerary.html

Plan your custom 0-day with Phuong Le

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Phuong Le

Senior guide · Hanoi

“Tell us your dates and pace — we'll turn this guide into a realistic, booked-and-paced trip for you, not a generic template.”

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About the authors

PL

Phuong Le · primary author

15-yr Hanoi history guide

Specialty: Hanoi · Halong Bay · Vietnam itineraries.

Editorial process: Pacing and picks tested across thousands of ATL trips · reviewed quarterly.

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