Vietnam and Cambodia 8 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel. Start with a leisurely walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake to soak in the local atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter with its bustling streets and street food stalls, and visit the Temple of Literature for a taste of Vietnamese history.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show followed by dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant in the city center.

Day 2: Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise

Morning: Depart early for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands.

Afternoon: Board a cruise boat and explore the bay, visiting caves and floating villages while enjoying a seafood lunch onboard.

Evening: Relax on the deck watching the sunset and have a dinner prepared on the boat, with options for night squid fishing or simply stargazing.

Day 3: Halong Bay to Hanoi & Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Continue cruising around Halong Bay with a visit to the Sung Sot Cave before returning to the harbor.

Afternoon: Transfer back to Hanoi and catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city lights.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning: Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam’s war history through an underground network of tunnels.

Afternoon: Return to the city and tour the War Remnants Museum and the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

Evening: Enjoy a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and sample local street food.

Day 5: Travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia & City Highlights

Morning: Take a morning flight or bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital.

Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, then walk along the scenic Riverside.

Evening: Dine at a local Khmer restaurant and explore Phnom Penh’s night market for souvenirs.

Day 6: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap & Angkor Wat Sunset

Morning: Fly or drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temples.

Afternoon: Relax and explore the Siem Reap Old Market for local crafts and snacks.

Evening: Visit Angkor Wat to witness a spectacular sunset over the temple complex.

Day 7: Angkor Archaeological Park Full Day

Morning: Begin early with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat temple to beat the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore other major temples such as Bayon with its smiling faces, Ta Prohm entwined in jungle roots, and Banteay Srei.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Apsara dance performance venue in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap Departure

Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or a visit to the Angkor National Museum.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home or next destination.

Evening: Departure or additional overnight stay as per travel plans.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter (Day 1): 3 hours - $0 (walking tour)
• Water Puppet Show (Day 1): 1.5 hours - $10
• Halong Bay Cruise (Day 2-3): 2 days - $150 (including lunch and dinner)
• Flight Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 3): 2 hours - $50
• Ben Thanh Market (Day 3): 2 hours - Free entry
• Cu Chi Tunnels (Day 4): 4 hours - $15
• War Remnants Museum & Notre-Dame Cathedral (Day 4): 3 hours - $5
• Flight Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh (Day 5): 1 hour - $60
• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (Day 5): 3 hours - $10
• Flight Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (Day 6): 1 hour - $70
• Angkor Wat Sunset (Day 6): 2 hours - Park pass included below
• Angkor Archaeological Park (Day 7): Full day - $37 (1-day pass)
• Apsara Dance Dinner (Day 7): 2 hours - $25
• Angkor National Museum (Day 8): 2 hours - $15

Total Estimated Cost: $452

Tips

For travelers looking to extend the trip, consider adding an extra day in Halong Bay for kayaking or a longer cruise, or two days in Siem Reap to explore lesser-known temples and take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake.

If you prefer to reduce the duration, skip the Halong Bay cruise and instead spend more time exploring Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, condensing some activities to maintain a comfortable pace.