2-Week Vietnam and Cambodia Tour Itinerary: My Unforgettable Journey

So, what places to visit in Vietnam and Cambodia over 2 weeks? This is an experience for which many travelers half a world away always long. These two neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, which enjoy apparent traditional cultures steeped in history for tens of thousands of years, offer boundless opportunities for every traveler in Vietnam and Cambodia to mingle with warm and kind people, sample the local foods, and behold the wonders of ecosystems wreathed with giant edifices by human ingenuity. 

A detailed travelogue in which our dear traveler Mr. Miguel Léon writes down everything in meticulous detail for the interest of many.
 

Written by Lan DUONG (Travel Consultant) Updated on 19-02-2025

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Michel Lefèvre: A combined Vietnam and Cambodia tour is an excellent way to explore two of the three former French Indochina countries. Returning from this fabulous journey with beautiful images and rich experiences, I am pleased to share my itinerary and experiences during my 2-weeks Vietnam and Cambodia tour. I hope it inspires your next trip to this beautiful region of Southeast Asia.

1. What to Do in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2 Weeks?

It wasn't easy to decide which places to see; the travels are not solo affairs! My wife and I are leaving along with another couple- our two dear friends. Therefore, some meetings were held for the debating of the project and for settling on what we wanted to see. There was contact with a Kampá Tour travel planner, with whom we worked quite closely, along with the responsive advice given to us for which we appreciate greatly, to tie together an itinerary that satisfied all our requirements in a well-balanced way.

The two weeks were spent chiefly visiting important sites at each destination. That gave us a good survey of Vietnam, along with a fleeting view of Cambodia from the capital downward onto Angkor. These 2 weeks stay in Vietnam and Cambodia further buttressed our likelihood of going back to delve deeper into these 2 rather lovable countries at a later time. Because of the weather conditions, we opted to traverse Vietnam from north downwards and then by river into Cambodia.

2. My 2 Weeks Vietnam and Cambodia Tour Itinerary

Actually, for this travel, I only have two weeks and after much research on the net and on Kampa Tour, so I decided to devote 11 days touring Vietnam's must-sees before heading off to Cambodia for 4 more days. Here we go!

Our brief Vietnam and Cambodia 2-Week Itinerary

• Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival, first city tours
• Day 2: Hanoi – City tour
• Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh’s terrestrial bay
• Day 4: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay cruise
• Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Evening flight to Hue
• Day 6: Hue – City tour
• Day 7: Hue – Transfer to Hoi An
• Day 8: Hoi An – Free day
• Day 9: Hoi An – Flight to Ho Chi Minh
• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta (Ben Tre – Vinh Long)
• Day 11: Visit the floating market in Can Tho – Transfer to Chau Doc
• Day 12: Chau Doc – Boat to Phnom Penh
• Day 13: Phnom Penh – Road to Siem Reap
• Day 14: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom temples)
• Day 15: Siem Reap – Small and Grand Circuit temples – Departure

Tour details I booked: From Halong Bay to Angkor Temples in 15 days. However, as I had many impressions of the city of Hue, Mrs. Thuy, my advisor, adjusted the itinerary a little to my wishes.

Day 1-2: Hanoi – City Tour

My first two days of our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia during the course of these two weeks were spent getting to grips with life in the Vietnamese capital. Hanoi would captivate any traveler with its endless cultural and historical sites. Within the aforementioned days, I saw: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the symbol of this capital; Hoan Kiem Lake; the old town of 36 streets; Temple of Literature; Tran Quoc Pagoda; Ba Dinh Square, the Museum of Ethnography, and monuments inherited from the colonial period.

Water puppet shows are fascinating spectacles and by far the most exciting activities I experienced in Hanoi. Water puppetry is an indigenous art that originated mainly in the 12th century around the Red River Delta, now mostly on Saturdays, and features peasant life and local myths rendered to the rhythm of traditional music. The bustling life of Hanoi, with street entertainment, vibrant neighborhood markets, complex and delicious foods, and, of course, the smiling people, made me most delighted, with smiles found anywhere from street vendors with their bicycles full of tropical fruits, "head chefs" of street stalls, to school children and elderly people walking down the street.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Outdoor Excursion

A two-hour drive from Hanoi, Ninh Binh seduced me, the splendor of a picturesque countryside and rich natural and cultural heritage! The Ninh Binh tour was made by boat and bicycle. On arrival, we first had a nice row down the Ngo Dong River. The boat glided over landscapes of great beauty, where karst rocks rise from the water, rice fields are flooded by rivers and lakes (we were lucky to be there in the rice season!), and last but not least, through three caves carved by the erosion of rocks (do mind not hitting your head on those stalactites!). The bike ride, on the contrary, took us into the typical Vietnamese countryside: rice fields, small villages with their smiling people, vegetable fields...

Day 4-5: Halong Bay Cruise

We spend two days on a magical cruise to discover the largest marine karst complex in the world. Our 15-day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia could not have been successful without discovering this grandiose natural site, also classified by UNESCO. We opted for a cruise in Halong Bay shared aboard a small junk with 10 cabins. I have nothing to say about the quality of the cabins, as well as the services, particularly the seafood banquets served on the boat.

Kayaking, discovery of beaches and magnificent caves, swimming, night squid fishing marked my two days of cruising. I especially appreciated the majesty of the romantic landscapes at sunset, a postcard beauty! Follow the guide to choose a cruise: 11 Best Halong Bay Cruises - Recommended For 2025

Day 6: Hue – Discovering the Ancient Royal Capital

A single hour's flight took me from Hanoi to the beautiful and graceful city of Hue, right in the central part of Vietnam. The cultural and historical attractions of the last imperial capital of the Nguyen lords in Vietnam caught my attention. In a day, I was able to visit the ancient imperial citadel, the most famous of all, the Thien Mu Pagoda, some of the tombs of emperors scattered along that poetic Perfume River, and finally Dong Ba market. The market is where I found beautiful conical hats called "non la" and the traditional Vietnamese dress called "ao dai" that are of very high quality.

Remember, as an ancient royal city, Hue boasts some of the best gastronomy that can compete with any in the world. Read further here: What is it like to be in Hue, Vietnam?

Day 7: Road to Hoi An

The early morning takes a spectacular drive to arrive at the enchanting city of Hoi An, which is a UNESCO heritage site. On one side of the road, we have the East Sea, and on the other side, there are vast stretches of beautiful, soft green fields stretching far and wide. We can catch glimpses of the mesmerizing Lang Co Peninsula and, after that, ascend to the famed Cloud Pass. From the top, one is treated to a magnificent view of the coastline on clear days.

What stood out was the trek through cemetery appointments near the road, dubbed "Ghost towns." The guide elaborated on the original custom of the "Double Burial" practiced by the Vietnamese; it was indeed a great avenue to understand the lively culture of the land.

On descent to Danang, we have the opportunity to visit the Cham Sculpture Museum, executed by archaeologist Henri Parmentier. Undoubtedly, Hoi An City beckons us into it. No one’s weak will to refuse a well-deserved rub-down from the therapeutic action of the spa, so we flow!

Day 8: Hoi An – Discovery Day

I just visited the most historic center of Hoi An; it is a magnificently well-preserved city that served as a trading port for Southeast Asia from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Hoi An is like an open-air museum because of its beautiful old Japanese covered bridge and several century-old wooden houses with yellow, beautifully patinated walls, pagodas, and temples. Amazing walking along the banks of the Thu Bon River, through the streets and alleys of the old town.

Today, we took our bicycles and rode out into the beautiful countryside, over the horticultural village of Tra Que, through one of those quiet little fishing villages, past the golden, undulating rice paddies, and ended up, as the sun set, at the gorgeous beach of An Bang. Today was a busy day, by the end of which Hoi An's old town glowed with hundreds of lamps. Read more: Top Places to Do in Hoi An.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh – City and Surroundings

Another pearl among other pearls of the world. Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon on the move, is a must visit for anyone looking to learn more about southern Vietnam. It seems a bit too short for me since half a day was long enough to cover most of the city: visiting some remnants of French presence (such as the cathedral, central post office, colonial buildings), the war museum, walking through the throngs in Ben Thanh market, and then exiting into the buoyant Chinese district, Cholon. I really wanted to do the whole city and area views, including some of that fantastic Cu Chi Tunnels stuff, and even the famed Caodaist temple of Tay Ninh.

Day 10-11: Mekong Delta’s Aquatic World

So, that's it. The Mekong Delta. The last of the discoveries we have for our trip after spending two weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia. The region is interestingly crossed by the nine branches of the legendary Mekong River, crisscrossed by a multitude of canals, green rice fields, orchards, and indifferent peoples. Great and different handicrafts were seen, sailing with a sampan through the labyrinth of streams, comprehension of nature, wonder at the amazing ballet of hundreds of boats at the Can Tho floating market, enchanted by the much-beautified Tra Su Flooded Forest, and lastly, the hospitality and friendliness of the people. A destination that left me with such memories! 

>>> For those discovering the Mekong Delta for the first time, read our article to get an overview: Mekong Delta Vietnam: 12 Interesting Facts to Know!

Day 12: Phnom Penh – City Discovery

I took the speedboat up the Bassac, the largest arm of the Mekong, from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. After 5 hours of sailing, I strolled about the glimmering Royal Palace from the mid-19th century, a splendid monument of Khmer architecture, including the magnificent Silver Pagoda that houses many national treasures.

Right next to it was the National Museum, a true masterpiece of traditional Khmer architecture and an amazing place for preserving the Khmer culture with its traditions and the identity of the kingdom, which gave me a good introduction to my future visit to the temples of Angkor. Afterward, I went up to Wat Phnom Temple, a landmark of the capital and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in the city, before going down to Sisowath Pier for a stroll at sunset. Have a look at the guide: What to see in Phnom Penh?

Day 13-14: Siem Reap – Discovering Angkor’s Treasures

In order to glimpse the Cambodian countryside, I decided to travel by road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. By no means do I regret the 5 hours of driving that allowed me some beautiful moments of travel through the heady Cambodian countryside, besmirched with paddies and where the majestic sugar palm trees, the insignia of Cambodia, rise blissfully.

Beautiful places and villages like Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom passed me; this journey has made me really passionate about coming back and delving deeper into these territories of unending beauty. After I reached Siem Reap, I rested at the hotel and then went to the center, where I busily munched on Cambodian delicacies, especially their amok, the staple good fish steamed in a banana leaf. The hotels selected by Kampá Tour are rightly acknowledged to be well situated just a stone's throw from the center of town, allowing us to savor other local gastronomic choices by the return trek.

The next day was a trip to the magnificent temples of Siem Reap, Angkor, architectural marvels that have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I did the short circuit in the archaeological park on a bicycle. The temples of Angkor Thom and Bayon, with their majestic posturing and 54 faces with enigmatic smiles, had a spellbinding effect on me. I crashed heavily at the astonishingly grand Angkor Wat, the largest of the temples in the whole complex of Angkor, in finishing touches to the discovery of the day. An architectural wonder, distinguished with extreme finesse in its bas reliefs. More information: Angkor Wat Temple and All about Bayon Angkor.

>>>> Explore more: Tourist map of Cambodia: Top Tips to Explore like a Pro!

Day 15: Departure

I took advantage of the morning to discover some farther temples, such as those magnificent temples of Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei, a jewel of pink sandstone so delicately chiseled. Ta Prohm is certainly one of my favorites during this 15-day journey that took me through Vietnam and Cambodia, along with Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. It is nestled in the jungle, invaded by trees and gigantic roots alike, resembling snakes, yet it retains its authenticity and its original appearance.

Before our overnight flight, we still had time for shopping. Siem Reap is a shopper's paradise, and because Khmer craftsmanship is so delicate and elegant, you'll want to buy everything.

3. Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia

I would, therefore, like to give you brief general information about both Vietnam and Cambodia (population, language, currency, and weather detail).

I hope my 2 weeks Vietnam and Cambodia tour story inspires your next trip to this fascinating region of the world, where history, culture, nature, gastronomy, and encounters create everlasting memories!

🌏✨ Open your gateways to travel with us to Vietnam & Cambodia🌏✨:

• Vietnam E-Visa: Your Gateway to Seamless Travel
• Cambodia Visa: Procedures and Updated News
• Comprehensive Guide to Vietnam Map & Regions: Explore North, Central & South
• Vietnam Visa: Latest Procedures and News 2024