Vietnam & Cambodia: 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel. Start your day with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot in the city center.

Afternoon: Visit the Old Quarter to experience bustling streets lined with shops and street food vendors. Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s historic university.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show and dine at a local restaurant sampling authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Tour

Morning: Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including his preserved residence and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Afternoon: Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.

Evening: Stroll around West Lake and enjoy dinner with a lakeside view.

Day 3: Halong Bay Day Trip

Morning: Depart early for a full-day cruise of Halong Bay, taking in stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Afternoon: Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and participate in optional activities such as kayaking or cave exploration.

Evening: Return to Hanoi and relax after a day of scenic beauty.

Day 4: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City & City Highlights

Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum and the historic Reunification Palace.

Evening: Explore Bui Vien Street for lively nightlife and street food.

Day 5: Arrival in Siem Reap & Angkor Wat Temples

Morning: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. Check in to your hotel and prepare for temple visits.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Apsara Dance Performance during dinner.

Day 6: Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple

Morning: Visit Angkor Thom, including the majestic Bayon Temple with its enigmatic smiling faces.

Afternoon: Explore Ta Prohm, famous for the trees growing out of ruins.

Evening: Wander around the vibrant Old Market in Siem Reap for souvenirs and local snacks.

Day 7: Tonle Sap Lake & Departure

Morning: Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages and observe local life.

Afternoon: Return to Siem Reap for a leisurely lunch and last-minute shopping or relaxation.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your onward journey or flight home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hoan Kiem Lake: 1 hour; Free
• Temple of Literature: 1.5 hours; $2
• Water Puppet Show: 1 hour; $5
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: 2 hours; Free
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: 2 hours; $3
• Halong Bay Cruise (day trip): 8 hours; $70
• War Remnants Museum: 1.5 hours; $2
• Reunification Palace: 1.5 hours; $2
• Bui Vien Street Dining & Nightlife: 3 hours; $15
• Angkor Wat: 3 hours; $37 (1-day pass)
• Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom: 3 hours; Included in Angkor pass
• Ta Prohm: 2 hours; Included in Angkor pass
• Apsara Dance Dinner: 2 hours; $20
• Tonle Sap Lake Boat Trip: 3 hours; $15

Total Estimated Cost: $173

Tips

For travelers wanting a deeper cultural experience, consider extending your trip by a few days in Cambodia to visit Battambang or explore Phnom Penh. Conversely, if time is limited, reduce Vietnam to 3 days by skipping the Halong Bay cruise and focus on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City highlights to streamline your experience.