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10-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary: Hanoi to Siem Reap — Top Sights & Practical Route

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Day 1: Hanoi highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Pho Gia Truyen

Classic Hanoi pho served in the Old Quarter; great quick introduction to northern Vietnamese flavours. Popular spot; best visited early (opens ~6:00am).
VND70000, 0h45m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Scenic central lake and small island temple at the lake's north; ideal for a relaxed morning stroll and photos. Ngoc Son Temple typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Old Quarter walking & markets

Wander narrow streets of craft shops, street food stalls and tailors — good for souvenirs and immersing in Hanoi life. Most shops open 9:00am–9:00pm.
VND0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), famously simple and tasty; open midday and a lunchtime favourite. Excellent introduction to local midday food culture.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Temple of Literature

Historic Confucian temple and Vietnam's first university with beautiful gardens and courtyards; typically open 8:00am–5:00pm. A calm cultural stop.
VND30000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Cha Ca Thang Long

Specialty fish dish of Hanoi prepared tableside with turmeric and dill; excellent for tasting a regional signature (opens afternoons/evenings).
VND200000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre show

Traditional Vietnamese water puppetry performance — fun and cultural; shows usually around 8:00pm (check current schedule and book seats).
VND100000, 1h0m

Day 2: Halong Bay day

Hanoi → Halong Bay, Vietnam on August 22, 2025

6:30am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Shared shuttle or private car pickup from Hanoi to Halong — early departure to maximise time on the bay; coach transfers typically start ~6:30–7:00am and take ~3.5–4 hours.
USD25, 3h30m

10:00am

Halong Bay day cruise

Scenic cruise through limestone karsts, visiting caves, viewpoints and possibly a short kayak or swimming stop; most day cruises operate ~9:30am–4:30pm. A highlight of northern Vietnam.
USD80, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on board

Fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes served on the cruise — included with most day cruise packages so you can relax and enjoy the view.
USD0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return transfer to Hanoi

Coach returns to Hanoi arriving in the evening; expect ~3.5–4 hour drive depending on traffic. Rest in the hotel once back in the Old Quarter.
USD0, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Home Hanoi Restaurant

Contemporary Vietnamese restaurant in the Old Quarter, great for a comfortable sit-down meal after a long day; open evenings.
VND300000, 1h30m

Day 3: To Hoi An

Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on August 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast and coffee before airport transfer; hotels and cafes around Old Quarter open early (~7:00am).
VND80000, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight Hanoi to Da Nang

Airborne in ~1h20min; multiple daily flights connect Hanoi and Da Nang — book morning flight to reach Hoi An by midday. Allow time for airport transfer (1h including check-in).
USD50, 1h20m

11:30am

Transfer Da Nang to Hoi An

Private car or shuttle (45–60 minutes) to Hoi An Ancient Town; scenic coastal and river views en route.
VND300000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Banh Mi Phuong

Famous banh mi in Hoi An — short, tasty and very local; open most of the day and ideal for a quick but iconic lunch.
VND40000, 0h45m

2:30pm

Hoi An Ancient Town (Japanese Covered Bridge & old houses)

Explore UNESCO-listed streets, traditional houses and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Pedestrianised from evenings; daytime museums typically open 8:00am–6:00pm.
VND120000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Morning Glory Restaurant

Popular spot for Hoi An specialties in a comfortable setting; open evenings and perfect for tasting local dishes.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening lanterns & riverside walk

Hoi An's lantern-lit river at night is magical — drop small paper lanterns into the river (available to buy) and stroll the lively riverside.
VND0, 1h0m

Day 4: Hoi An options

Hoi An, Vietnam on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Reaching Out Tea House

Relaxed breakfast spot focusing on calm ambience and local teas; opens around 8:00am (check local hours).
VND100000, 0h45m

8:30am

Option A — My Son Sanctuary half-day tour

Visit Hindu Cham ruins set in jungle; the site is open ~6:30am–5:30pm and a guided tour takes ~3–4 hours including transfer. Choose this for history and archaeology.
USD30, 4h0m

8:30am

Option B — An Bang Beach relaxation & cycling

If you prefer beach time, cycle 10–15 minutes to An Bang Beach for a morning swim and coffee; beaches generally accessible from early morning to early evening.
VND0, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Bale Well

Set-menu featuring local Hoi An dishes served family-style; a good place to try cao lau and local snacks.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Tailor appointment or cycling countryside

Hoi An is famous for quick tailor-made clothing — schedule a fitting or take a cycle ride through rice paddies to nearby villages for photography and calm.
VND200000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — The Cargo Club or local riverside restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with western and Vietnamese options along the river; good choice for variety and desserts.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 5: Fly to Saigon

Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Pho Hoa Pasteur or hotel

Classic Saigon-style pho or coffee before transfer to Da Nang airport; many places open early (~6:00–7:00am).
VND80000, 0h45m

9:30am

Transfer to Da Nang & flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive to Da Nang (45–60 mins) and take a ~1 hour 20 minute flight to HCMC; allow time for transfers and check-in. Midday arrival gives an afternoon of sightseeing.
USD50, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Ben Thanh Market food stalls

Sample varied southern Vietnamese dishes and street food in the market food hall; open most of the day, lively at lunchtime.
VND100000, 1h0m

3:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Powerful photographic exhibitions on the Vietnam War era; usually open ~7:30am–6:00pm (check for closures).
VND40000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Architectural stroll-by points in District 1 — quick photo spots and pleasant for a short walk; most areas open during daytime hours.
VND0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Cục Gạch Quán

Highly recommended restaurant for traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cosy setting — a great way to sample southern specialties.
VND300000, 1h30m

Day 6: Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 26, 2025

7:00am

Mekong Delta day tour pickup

Full-day guided trip visiting floating markets, orchards and village workshops; tours typically run ~7:00am–6:00pm and include boat rides and local stopovers.
USD35, 10h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on tour

Local riverside meal included with most Mekong tours — usually fresh fish, rice and tropical fruit.
USD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Return to HCMC

Evening arrival back in the city — rest or take a short stroll around the vibrant streets of District 1.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Nhà Hàng Ngon

A reliable restaurant offering a range of Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable setting; open evenings and good for sharing several small plates.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 7: To Phnom Penh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam → Phnom Penh, Cambodia on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — local cafe

Quick Vietnamese coffee and breakfast before the short international flight to Phnom Penh; many cafes open early.
VND80000, 0h45m

9:30am

Flight Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

Short international flight (~1 hour) — several carriers operate this route; allow time for immigration and transfers on arrival.
USD60, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Romdeng

A social-enterprise restaurant serving Khmer specialties and supporting training programs; open midday and a good introduction to Cambodian flavours.
USD8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Grand royal complex with ornate architecture and royal artifacts; typically open 8:00am–5:00pm — dress respectfully (no shorts/exposed shoulders).
USD10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)

A sobering museum documenting the Khmer Rouge era; open roughly 7:30am–5:30pm, best visited in the late afternoon for quieter crowds.
USD5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Malis Restaurant

Upscale Khmer cuisine focusing on traditional recipes with refined presentation — reservations recommended for evenings.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 8: Phnom Penh → Siem Reap

Phnom Penh → Siem Reap, Cambodia on August 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — FCC Phnom Penh or local cafe

Morning riverside breakfast option with international and local choices; opens early for travellers.
USD8, 0h45m

9:00am

Choeung Ek (Killing Fields)

Memorial site with tree of skulls and informative audio tours — open ~8:00am–5:00pm; a respectful and educational visit on the Khmer Rouge history.
USD6, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — Friends the Restaurant

Social-enterprise restaurant training disadvantaged youth; tasty international and Khmer options, open for lunch.
USD7, 1h0m

2:30pm

Flight Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Short flight (~50 minutes) is the quickest way; buses take ~6 hours so flying saves time for evening in Siem Reap.
USD70, 1h30m

6:00pm

Arrive Siem Reap — Pub Street stroll

Evening market, street food and lively nightlife near Pub Street — ideal first-night stroll and souvenir shopping.
USD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Haven

Community-run restaurant serving Khmer and fusion dishes while training local youth; open evenings and well-regarded for both food and mission.
USD7, 1h30m

Day 9: Angkor sunrise

Siem Reap, Cambodia on August 29, 2025

4:30am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Early start to witness sunrise over the Angkor Wat silhouette — temple complex is accessible from very early morning (sunrise viewing common). Purchase Angkor Pass ahead (one-day pass available).
USD37, 3h0m

8:30am

Breakfast — Sister Srey Cafe

Healthy breakfast options and excellent coffee near town; opens early and popular with travellers.
USD6, 0h45m

10:00am

Angkor Thom & Bayon

Explore the ancient city gates and the Bayon temple with its many carved faces; open 5:00am–6:00pm along with the Angkor complex.
USD0, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Marum

Training restaurant with quality Khmer dishes and a strong social mission; open for lunch and a short walk from the centre.
USD8, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ta Prohm and further temple exploration

Visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm (the 'Tomb Raider' temple) and nearby temples — park open 5:00am–6:00pm. Late afternoon is a pleasant time for photos.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Cuisine Wat Damnak (reservation recommended)

Highly-regarded fine-dining Khmer tasting menus that change seasonally — reserve well in advance for dinner service (opens evening).
USD45, 2h0m

Day 10: Banteay Srei & Tonle Sap

Siem Reap, Cambodia on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — local cafe

Light breakfast and coffee to prepare for the morning trip; many cafes open early for tourists.
USD6, 0h45m

8:00am

Banteay Srei

Visit the pink sandstone temple famed for intricate carvings (about 45km from Siem Reap); site typically open 7:00am–5:30pm and is best in the morning to avoid heat.
USD10, 2h0m

11:30am

Tonle Sap floating village boat tour

See life on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and floating communities — boat tours generally operate 8:00am–5:00pm and take ~1.5–2 hours.
USD20, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — The Sugar Palm or similar

Final Khmer meal in town with classic dishes; perfect last chance to sample local flavours before departure.
USD8, 1h0m

3:30pm

Last-minute shopping & relax

Free time for souvenirs, a spa stop or rest at the hotel before your onward journey; Siem Reap markets and boutiques open well into the afternoon/evening.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

End of 10-day itinerary — depart Siem Reap

Head to the airport or next destination. If you have a late flight, confirm airport transfer in advance; Siem Reap International is well connected regionally.
USD0, 0h0m
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