Vietnam Cambodia 3-week Itinerary

Vietnam Cambodia 3-week itinerary is designed for those who travel to Vietnam and Cambodia in the first time with the hope of fully discovering the essential sites of both countries.

The Vietnam Cambodia 3-week itinerary is set up carefully that you can explore the countries slowly and deeply. From the terraced rice fields in the North mountain to the cruise in Halong Bay – the world wonder, from the Imperial city in Hue to peaceful and charming town of Hoi An, or from the bustling and hustling Saigon to the fascinating floating market in Mekong Delta, then stream up to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia) – all of them are waiting for your exploration.

This Vietnam Cambodia 21-day tour is an invitation that surely will not be ignored. Lets come and discover!

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Day 02: Hanoi city tour – cyclo ride (B/L/-)

Day 03: Hanoi – Ha Giang - Hoang Su Phi Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 04: Hoang Su Phi Loge – Nam Khoa village - Hill tribe – Hoang Su Phi Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 05: Hoang Su Phi Lodge - Nam Nghi village - Hill tribe - Hanoi (B/L/-)

Day 06: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu ancient capital - Tam Coc – Jade cave – Hanoi (B/L/-)

Day 07: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay – Surprise cave - Overnight on cruise (B/L/D)

Day 9: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B/L/-) – by flight

Day 10: Hue - Imperial city tour - Boat ride (B/L/-)

Day 11: Hue - Danang - Hoi An - Walking tour - Boat ride (B/L/-)

Day 12: Hoi An - Free Leisure - Danang - Saigon (B/-/-) - by flight

Day 13: Saigon - Cu Chi tunnels - City tour (B/L/-)

Day 14: Saigon - Mekong Delta - My Tho  - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh (B/L/D)

Day 15: Tra Vinh - Can Tho – City tour (B/L/-)

Day 16: Cai Rang floating market - Chau Doc (B/L/-)

Day 17: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – city tour (B/L/-) – by speedboat

Day 18: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – city tour (B/-/D) – by flight

Day 19: Siem Reap – Kbal Spean – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre (B/L/-)

Day 20: Siem Reap – Ta Prohm – Banteay Kdei (B/L/-)

Day 21: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Khleang floating village - Departure (B/L/-)

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Arrive at Noi Bai international airport, be welcomed by our guide and driver then transfer to hotel in Hanoi for check-in (at 14.00). Take your time to explore the city on your own way. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
 

Day 02: Hanoi city tour – cyclo ride (B/L/-)

After breakfast, start your tour by firstly visiting Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum which is keeping the body of Ho Chi Minh. Then visit house on stilts (passing President Palace) which was the place of working and living of Ho Chi Minh before 

Later, have a stroll along the West Lake to visit Quan Thanh and Tran Quoc temples. The former is a Taoist temple in Hanoi, Vietnam dated to the 11th century, the temple was dedicated to Xuan Wu, or Trấn Vũ in Vietnamese, one of the principal deities in Taoism. The latter is the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế (from 544 until 548).

After that, drive to Van Mieu/Temple of Literature which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Next, do a beautiful cyclo ride around the old quarter to get closer to Hanoian to understand more about the culture and daily life of locals, especially passing different streets owning their own crafted items. Finally, participate in a folk song show (Cheo) or water puppet show. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
 

Day 03: Hanoi – Ha Giang - Hoang Su Phi Lodge (B/L/D)

After breakfast at hotel, then be transferred from Hanoi by private car/public bus to Hoang Su Phi. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes from the plain to midland and mountainous area. Have some stops on the way to freshen up yourself and photos. Arrive at Hoang Su Phi Lodge around 14.00. Upon arrival, check in Hoang Su Phi Lodge and enjoy the stunning beauty of the valley through your bungalow or relaxing by taking massage or herbal bath at the lodge (at your own cost). Overnight at Hoang Su Phi Lodge.
 

Day 04: Hoang Su Phi Loge – Nam Khoa village - Hill tribe – Hoang Su Phi Lodge (B/L/D)

After breakfast at Hoang Su Phi Lodge, enjoy your trekking day in the surrounding villages. Walk along small path through forests, rice fields, streams and ethnic villages. Enjoy lunch at a local homestay of Red Daos. After breakfast, continue trekking back to the lodge by another track in order to enjoy more beautiful landscapes and meet more smiling locals. In the evening, attend the traditional dancing performance shown by local ethnic minorities. Overnight at Hoang Su Phi Lodge.
 

Day 05: Hoang Su Phi Lodge - Nam Nghi village - Hill tribe - Hanoi (B/L/-)

After breakfast, spend the last day for the treks from Hoang Su Phi Lodge to Nam Nghi village. After lunch with a family of red Daos, you will trek down the main road where our driver will meet you up for the transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival at hotel, check in and overnight in Hanoi.
 

Day 06: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu ancient capital - Tam Coc – Jade cave – Hanoi (B/L/-)

After breakfast, then head out to Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh which was the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of countryside along the way. Arrive in Ninh Binh after 2-hour driving, you will see numerous karst mountains which make Ninh Binh famous as the “Halong Bay on land”. Upon arrival at Hoa Lu, visit temples of King Dinh and Le dating in the 11th century which are mostly still remained its original architectures. Next, drive to Tam Coc which is about 10km from Hoa Lu. Upon arrival, board a rowing boat for exploration Tam Coc along river surrounded by villages and mountains and rice fields passing Hang Ca (first cave), Hang Nhi (second cave) and Hang Ba (third cave) to get the wonderful feelings. After that, drive/cycle to Bich Dong (Jade cave) pagoda which was recognized as the second-best cave in the Southern Heaven thanks to its breathtaking scenery. Finally return to hotel and overnight in Hanoi.
 

Day 07: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay – Surprise cave - Overnight on cruise (B/L/D)

After breakfast, head out to Halong Bay which is about 160km from Hanoi. Have some stops on the way for your relaxing and visiting. Arrive in Halong Bay around noon. Upon arrival, be welcomed by the cruise and board a beautiful cruise. Be shortly introduced by the cruise staff about instruction and safety before having lunch during the cruise is towards to the center of the bay where your cruise anchors for great activities such as, exploring one of the most beautiful caves in Halong – Surprise cave and relax or swim on Titov island or do a short trek to the top of the mountain on the island for a wonderful panoramic view of Halong Bay. Finally, enjoy dinner on cruise with delicious seafood an overnight on the cruise.
 

Day 9: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B/L/-) – by flight

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sun coming out the sea and participate in the Tai Chi to fresh up yourself before a great day tour again. Afterwards, having breakfast before sailing to Luon cave where you will do a kayaking to explore the cave or comfortably on bamboo boat rowed by the locals. Back to the cruise to do check out and then join a cooking demonstration offering you a Vietnamese traditional food – nem cuon “spring roll”. Enjoy lunch during the cruise is sailing back to the port. Be transferred by car to the airport in Hanoi for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival, be welcomed and drive to hotel in center for check-in and overnight in Hue.
 

Day 10: Hue – Imperial city tour – Boat ride (B/L/-)

After breakfast, start your tour today by visiting Khai Dinh mausoleum. Khai Dinh was the 12th king of Nguyen dynasty who was the last king constructing the mausoleum for the death.  The mausoleum is an impressive monument situated in an imposing site nestled high on the mountainside.

Afterwards, drive to center for visiting Imperial city built under Gia Long dynasty with three parts: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue capital citadel), Hoang Thanh (royal citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden citadel).

Take a boat ride on the Perfume river to Thien Mu pagoda (Heavenly Lady pagoda), then Minh Mang mausoleum before reaching Dong Ba market by car. Dong Ba is the biggest local market in Hue where you can find many local products. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
 

Day 11: Hue – Danang – Hoi An – Walking tour – Boat ride (B/L/-)

After breakfast, drive to o Hoi An which was recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage in 1999 and was used as a busy port of trade with Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese in the 17th century. Have stops at Lang Co beach and Cloudy Ocean pass which separate Hue and Danang. Upon arrival in Hoi An, do a boat ride on Thu Bon river to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Hoi An over the boat. Then disembark at Thanh Ha craft village which is very famous for its pottery-related products. Next, get back to Hoi An center for strolling in the old quarter to visit Japanese covered bridge, Tan Ky old house, Phuc Kien Assembly hall dating back over 400 years, local market and splendid and colorful alleys. Transfer to hotel for check-in and overnight in Hoi An.
 

Day 12: Hoi An – Free leisure – Danang - Saigon (B/-/-) – by flight

Enjoy your free time in Hoi An by exploring the town on your own way or just relax on the beautiful beaches of An Bang or Cua Dai until being transferred to the airport for the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, be welcomed by our guide and then drive to hotel in center for check-in and overnight in Saigon.

Optional: excursion to My Son sanctuary

In the morning, drive to My Son which is the largest Cham site in Vietnam. If Simhapura (Tra Kieu) was the political capital of Champa kingdom, My Son was the intellectual and religious center constructed from the 4th to 13th century. The temples are dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva, known under various local names, the most important of which is Bhadreshvar.
 

Day 13: Saigon – Cu Chi tunnels – city tour (B/L/-)

After breakfast, then be welcomed and picked up by our guide and driver, then transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels located about 60km from the center.  Cu Chi tunnels are a massive network of connecting underground tunnels built by Viet Minh (under French Indochina/1950s) and Viet Cong (under Vietnam war/1965-1975). The tunnels system is divided into some levels with storage facilities, weapon factories, kitchens, command centers and innumerable traps. You will have a chance to crawl in hundreds of meters of tunnels system and join the fire off rounds of an AK47 or MK16.

Return to Saigon for city tour. Start your tour of this exciting city by strolling along Dong Khoi street which was known as the Rue Catinat and heart of old colonial Saigon. Next, visit Reunification Palace (formerly known as Independence palace) which was the home and workplace of Governor-General of French Indochina during Vietnam war and most beautiful official palace in Asia. Finally, drive to Ben Thanh market which is the biggest wholesale one in the South with a wide range of products from Saigon, nearby areas and Mekong Delta. Overnight at hotel in Saigon.
 

Day 14: Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Ben Tre - Tra Vinh (B/L/D)

After breakfast, then drive to My Tho located about 70km from Saigon. Dip into the beauty of rice fields along the way. Firstly, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which is the “must visit” site in Tien Giang. The pagoda is an ancient Southern gem with the combination of Asian and European architecture.

Next, continue to the dock in My Tho where you take a boat trip on Mekong River to visit farmer’s house and garden. Enjoy the beautiful scenery with the fishing ports, floating stilt houses and craft workshops with some stops on islands including Dragon, Phoenix, Unicorn and Tortoise. You will take a horse and carriage ride around villages to explore the local life; taste tropical fruits and honey tea at bee-keeping farm; listen to traditional music and especially, visit a coconut candy workshop. Roam on village path with fruit orchards and bonsai garden. Meet the locals to get deeper understanding about their daily life in the watery area.

After that, drive to Tra Vinh, a beautiful destination out of mass tourism. Arrive at Tra Vinh Lodge in the afternoon, check in a private bungalow overlooking a beautiful pond. Then, do a cycle about 3km through the village's small roads under the shade of coconut trees. In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration which shows you how to make some local food such as Banh Xeo – a specialty in South Vietnam. Enjoy dinner with dishes prepared by you with the help of the chef. Overnight at Tra Vinh Lodge.
 

Day 15: Tra Vinh - Can Tho – City tour (B/L/-)

Breakfast at Tra Vinh Lodge, then depart for Can Tho. Upon arrival, take boat ride to Son island which is a small but authentic and ecological island as you will do the tour by foot or bike. Visit a peasant family to get better discovery of their life and daily work then they will teach you how to make local cakes. Have lunch with the locals and taste exotic fruits. Return to the city center to visit the old house of Binh Thuy and Ong pagoda before transferring to hotel for check-in and overnight in Can Tho.
 

Day 16: Cai Rang floating market - Chau Doc (B/L/-)

Wake up at early for transferring to Cai Rang floating market where you board on a private boat to visit the market. At the market, we can find various local products such as watermelons, potatoes, squash, cabbage, coconuts, durians…. put on the top of the bamboo poles which can be easily recognized by others. Afterwards, visit the craft workshops including coconut, popcorn, rice cakes, workshops and then a bee farm. Taste exotic fruits and honey tea. Next, drive to Chau Doc. Upon arrival, board on a boat to visit floating houses, raft village to learn the history of development of fishery. A visit to the Chau Doc floating village is truly a fascinating excursion, providing provocative insight into the lives of the Khmer people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in Vietnam. Transfer to hotel for check in and overnight in Chau Doc.
 

Day 17: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – city tour (B/L/-) – by speedboat

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to the Hang Chau port for speedboat to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Sisowat pier, you will be welcomed by our friendly driver and transfer to hotel for check-in. After that, we visit the private quarters of the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda the most sacred shrine in the country. Continue to the National Museum, dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period (9th to 15th Century), but some date from as early as the 4th Century. Finish your tour by visiting and shopping at Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tompong). Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

Day 18: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – city tour (B/-/D) – by flight

After breakfast, then depart to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the center for visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of Temple Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. It is time to visit one of the great wonders of the world, symbol of the heart and soul of the Cambodia, Angkor Wat. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner with Khmer Apsara Dance Show. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
 

Day 19: Siem Reap – Kbal Spean – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre (B/L/-)

Breakfast at your hotel, today we drive to visit Kbal Spean, 50km northeast of Siem Reap or 18km from Banteay Srei. The original "River of Thousand Lingams", Kbal Spean is an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills of the Cambodian jungle. Visit to Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer Art. Then continue your visit to Banteay Samre, build in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompany by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved.  Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
 

Day 20: Siem Reap – Ta Prohm – Banteay Kdei (B/L/-)

Breakfast at your hotel, we continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers, Pre Rup, East Mébon, Neak Poan. Afternoon - visit Kravan, Royal Bath of Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei temples. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
 

Day 21: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Khleang floating village - Departure (B/L/-)

Breakfast at your hotel, visit to Kampong Khleang. Kampong Khleang is located on the northern lake-edge about 55 km east of Siem Reap town. The village is a permanent community within the flood plain of the Lake, with an economy based in fishing and surrounded by flooded forest. Kompong Khleang is the largest community on the Lake.

On the way back we will take sometimes to visit artisan D’Angkor. A visit to Artisans D’Angkor is a must to get a deep insight into the remarkable skilled workmanship of traditional handicrafts in Cambodia and local Market “Psar Chas” Free for your own leisure until our guide transfer to Siem Reap international airport for your departure.