Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Itinerary: My Impressive 3-Week Adventure

Follow in the footsteps of our dear travelers, Nelly & Jean Claude SALESSE, for memorable experiences from their trip to Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos in 2019! A big thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Salesse for your trust and for this story.

Written by Lan DUONG (Travel Counsellor) Updated on 03-06-2024

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Nelly & Jean Claude SALESSE - Since my adolescence and reading many books and travel diaries, I have always thought about visiting Southeast Asian countries, particularly Vietnam and its charming neighbors Laos and Cambodia, which seem to promise a thousand wonders.

The Indochinese peninsula has always had a strong attraction for me. Who hasn't dreamed of discovering its legendary landscapes like Halong Bay, terraced rice fields, dense jungles, navigating the mythical Mekong, or exploring historically rich cities like Hanoi, Saigon, Luang Prabang, or Phnom Penh?

These splendid landscapes made me dream of visiting Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for a long time. What better way to discover Indochina for the first time than with a three-week tour at my own pace? After thoroughly researching various local travel agencies and tour operators in France (yes, a trip to the other side of the world, to Vietnam Laos Cambodia for 3 weeks, costs a fortune!), I decided to go with Kampá Tour, which was very responsive and always attentive to my needs. The agency offered a well-balanced itinerary that met my need for a change of scenery mixed with a touch of culture, a hint of adventure, and a dash of originality. So, follow me through this story where I reveal my dream trip to Indochina.

1. Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia? All three, please!

If you are as indecisive as I am and always hesitate when a choice arises, know that with Kampá Tour, you won't have the anxiety of missing out on something, as the agency offers you the possibility to explore all three countries on the same trip!

You will have the opportunity to discover Vietnam, the country of the Dragon, where you will be warmly welcomed by generous and smiling people. Let yourself be seduced by the extreme beauty of its landscapes in Northern Vietnam, with surreal settings of terraced mountains, the vertiginous limestone landscapes of Halong Bay, and the terrestrial bay of Ninh Binh. Appreciate its historically rich cities like Hanoi, the millennial capital, Hue with its imperial city, and the old Saigon with its colonial vestiges. Be enchanted by the exuberant nature of the Mekong Delta.

The terraced rice fields, a "specialty" of Northern Vietnam. Laos, a source of wonder and total change of scenery, is one of the most surprising and endearing countries in Southeast Asia. How can one resist this small landlocked country, with natural beauty coupled with an unusual history, still floating in its delightful past levitation? Everything is to be discovered in this unique country where modernity and traditions, colors and scents, cultural richness and natural wealth coexist. So many wonders are waiting for you and your desire for discovery!

Pha That Luang - the most sacred monument in Vientiane, Laos. Cambodia, an extraordinary country in Asia, skillfully combines archaeological remains, architectural riches, grand natural sites, enchanting countryside, idyllic beaches, and surprising gastronomy. Discover an unseen Cambodia beyond the famous temples of Angkor; the country has so much to offer!

Explore Tonlé Sap, the largest natural lake in Southeast Asia, its cities with gentle colonial nostalgia. Delve into its dense jungles where remarkable fauna and flora abound, or explore the wild territories of Ratanakiri and Mondolkiri before relaxing among the coconut trees of the paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

2. My 3-week itinerary in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

If you are curious about all the sites my wife and I visited during this trip, you can find the brief itinerary below:

DAY 1 + 2: HANOI – ARRIVAL + CITY TOUR

DAY 3: HANOI – MAI CHAU (150 KM ≈ 3.5 HOURS BY ROAD)

DAY 4: MAI CHAU – NINH BINH (150 KM ≈ 3 HOURS BY ROAD)

DAY 5: NINH BINH

DAY 6: NINH BINH - HALONG BAY (200 KM ≈ 4 HOURS BY ROAD)

DAY 7: HALONG BAY - HANOI - EVENING FLIGHT TO HUE (4 HOURS BY ROAD + 1 HOUR FLIGHT)

DAY 8 + 9: HUE – CITY TOUR - HOI AN (150 KM ≈ 3 HOURS BY ROAD)

DAY 10 + 11: HOI AN – FREE DAY - HO CHI MINH (1 HOUR BY ROAD + 1 HOUR FLIGHT)

DAY 12: HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA (BEN TRE - VINH LONG ≈ 3 HOURS BY ROAD)

DAY 13: MEKONG DELTA (CAN THO - CHAU DOC ≈ 3.5 HOURS BY ROAD)

DAY 14: MEKONG DELTA - PHNOM PENH (4.5 HOURS BY FAST BOAT)

DAY 15: PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP (300 KM ≈ 6 HOURS BY ROAD)

DAY 16: SIEM REAP (TEMPLES OF ANGKOR WAT AND ANGKOR THOM – 20 KM)

DAY 17 + 18: SIEM REAP (TEMPLES OF THE SMALL & GRAND CIRCUIT) - LUANG PRABANG (1.5 HOURS FLIGHT)

DAY 19 + 20 + 21: LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR + ITS SURROUNDINGS - DEPARTURE

>>> 🗺️ Find the complete itinerary here: Vietnam Cambodia & Laos in 21-days ✈

By doing this 3-week tour in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, I had the opportunity to discover the essentials of ancient Indochina, focusing on must-see destinations and original activities, such as meeting with ethnic minorities, hiking, cycling, or sampan rides.

I greatly appreciated the moderate pace; we did not spend our time rushing from city to city hoping to visit every corner in record time. On the contrary, the itinerary is cleverly designed so that this first approach reveals the most beautiful places without wasting time. We do not skip any points of interest and take the time to enjoy the journey.

3. What to do in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia in 3 weeks?

3.1 What to do in Vietnam?

During my 3-week trip to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, I spent the most time in Vietnam because this country encompasses many beautiful destinations. My wife and I visited about ten sites, but here are our favorites:

Hanoi

The capital of Vietnam is a must-see during a stay in the Land of the Dragon. I particularly enjoyed its bustling ambiance and typically Asian vitality. I loved strolling in the old quarter of the 36 streets and guilds, whose charm and reputation are well established.

The walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Lake of the Returned Sword, is very relaxing. I enjoyed being able to move around the city in a cyclo to visit some of the emblematic tourist sites like the famous Temple of Literature, Saint Joseph's Cathedral, the elegant Hanoi Opera House, and old buildings from the colonial era, a true French architectural heritage. Learn more about Hanoi, the millennial capital of Vietnam.

Mai Chau

To be honest, Mai Chau was not on my list of sites to visit. It was the travel advisor from Kampá Tour who suggested adding it to the program, and I am very glad I followed her recommendation. Mai Chau is a valley 3 hours' drive from Hanoi. I went there in April, which is when the rice starts to grow.

I had the opportunity to admire the beautiful green terraced rice fields, a "specialty" of Northern Vietnam. Walking amidst the sumptuous landscapes, the vast green carpets of rice fields, and the villages with stilt houses while breathing in the fresh air was one of the most memorable moments of my 3-week Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia tour.

At the Halong bay

If there is one mythical place in Vietnam, it is undoubtedly its splendid Halong Bay, whose beauty is praised worldwide. It is unthinkable to visit Vietnam without taking the time for a magical cruise through the world's largest marine karst, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And believe me, the landscapes are well worth the trip.

I recommend taking your cruise in Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, both neighboring Halong, just as majestic but with the advantage of being less crowded. I spent two wonderful days in this beautiful mineral and marine world, particularly enjoying it from the water's edge during a kayak ride at the foot of these giant stone formations covered with vegetation.

Hoi An, Charming Old Town

What a charming and relaxing city! I was captivated by the city of a thousand lanterns, whose historic center has superbly preserved, to a high degree of authenticity, its traditional urban fabric. It was a real pleasure to stroll through the streets and alleys of the old town of Hoi An to discover a well-preserved ensemble of over a thousand wooden frame buildings, delightfully patinated by the years and monsoon rains.

Its evident and well-preserved cultural and historical characteristics have earned it UNESCO inscription. My wife particularly enjoyed the boutiques and silk workshops where she had custom-made clothes of good quality and inexpensive. More details on Hoi An, what to do.

Mekong Delta

In Southern Vietnam, I visited Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, but it was the latter that left unforgettable memories. I went to Ben Tre, the land of coconuts, a small town located on the northern branches of the Mekong, and took off-the-beaten-path xe loi rides and small rowing boat trips.

After a night with Mrs. Thuy and her warm family in Vinh Long, I discovered an original "river commerce" by visiting the Cai Rang floating market, the soul of all Mekong Delta excursions. An experience not to be missed!

3.2 What to do in Cambodia?

The second major part of my 3-week Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia tour is dedicated to Cambodia. After the floating market, I continued to ascend the Mekong by boat to Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, before heading to Siem Reap.

Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, it was mainly the architecture that impressed me the most. Indeed, the unique architecture of the city reflects both traditional style and the European style of the colonial period, which left a strong cultural imprint. Thus, the pagodas, palaces, and temples reflect the traditional style, while most administrative and commercial buildings are in a more Western style.

Angkor Temples

The Angkor archaeological site in Siem Reap, a jewel of world heritage listed by UNESCO, is one of the 7 wonders of the world to see in one's lifetime. I was truly fascinated to discover these ruins buried in the jungle, whose existence was revealed to the world in 1861 by the French naturalist Henri Mouhot.

Spread over a total area of 400 square kilometers, between peaceful villages, rice fields, humid forests, and devouring jungle, hundreds of monuments, all different, are the remnants of the Khmer Empire, which imposed its power, art, and grand architecture in Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century.

3.3 What to do in Laos?

Laos is the last stage of my 3-week tour in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Given my limited time, I only visited Luang Prabang, which is certainly among the must-sees. It is the former royal capital of Lan Xang (kingdom of a million elephants), and its historical and cultural heritage is incredibly rich.

I particularly loved its peaceful atmosphere and superb temples. If you wake up early enough in the morning, you will have the opportunity to see hundreds of monks from different monasteries walking through the streets to collect alms from the inhabitants. And, if you are not allergic to sports like me, do not hesitate to cycle around; you will have the chance to discover this amazing city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, in a different way.

4. When to visit Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia?

According to my research, the best periods to visit these three Indochina countries vary depending on visitors' interests. However, the climate is at least acceptable everywhere from October to April. This is the dry season, with pleasant weather and little risk of rain. The period from late January or early February (following the lunar calendar) is conducive to cultural discoveries such as the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year, Tet.

5. What are the required formalities?

The required formalities for a 3-week trip to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia are quite simple. Remember that your passport must be valid for another 6 months after your return date, or you risk being turned away at boarding.

Also, you must have a visa to enter Vietnam (except for some exemptions) if you plan to stay more than 15 days in Vietnam.

For Laos and Cambodia, obtaining a visa is mandatory regardless of the length of your stay. This tourist visa will allow you to travel in these countries for up to 30 days and is valid for up to 3 months after its issue date.

All Covid-19 health restrictions have been lifted. Travelers can enter Vietnam without needing a vaccination passport, negative SARS-CoV-2 test result, or health declaration upon arrival. For Cambodia and Laos, these two countries are fully open to vaccinated tourists.

For ideas on combined Vietnam Laos Cambodia tours or a custom trip that suits you best, check here:

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

• Best time to visit Cambodia
• Cambodia Visa: Procedures and Updated News
• Laos visa 2024: Formalities to obtain your visa for Laos
• Vietnam Visa: Latest Procedures and News 2024