12-Day Cambodia & Vietnam West-to-East Route: Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh → Hoi An → Hanoi + Halong Bay (24 Nov–05 Dec 2025)

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia on November 24, 2025

8:00am

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel and settle in; many hotels allow early check-in if pre-arranged. Useful to rest briefly before temple views.
USD0, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast — Blue Pumpkin or Sister Srey Cafe

Light Western/Cambodian breakfast and good coffee; both open from ~7:00am and ideal for a relaxed first meal while planning temple visits.
USD6, 45m

10:00am

Siem Reap Old Market & Pub Street Walk

Stroll through the Old Market and Pub Street area to get a sense of local crafts and snacks; good for buying a water bottle and SIM card. Most shops open by 9:00am.
USD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Embassy Restaurant or Genevieve's

Cambodian specialties with a comfortable atmosphere; open midday and a nice introduction to Khmer cuisine.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Angkor National Museum (optional)

Introductory museum giving archaeological and historical context to the Angkor temples; open 8:30am–6:30pm — a great primer before temple exploration.
USD12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Sunset at Phnom Bakheng or Tonle Sap Sunset Boat

Catch sunset atop Phnom Bakheng (arrive early; sunset viewpoint popular) or take a short sunset boat ride on the Tonle Sap for calm evening views. Phnom Bakheng is open until sunset (arrive by 5:00–5:30pm).
USD5, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Mahob Khmer

Creative Khmer tasting dishes in a cozy setting; open evenings and excellent for a first-night Cambodian dinner.
USD18, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening — Night Market & Pub Street

Return to the night market for souvenirs and enjoy lively Pub Street; markets open until ~10:00–11:00pm.
USD0, 1h30m

Day 2: Angkor Sunrise

Siem Reap, Cambodia on November 25, 2025

4:30am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Classic sunrise at Angkor Wat to see the temple silhouette and first light — arrive ~4:30–5:00am; Angkor Park opens at 5:00am (Angkor pass required).
USD37, 2h0m

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or Local Café

Return to town for a leisurely breakfast; many cafes open by 7:00–7:30am to serve travelers after sunrise trips.
USD6, 45m

9:00am

Angkor Thom & Bayon

Explore the ancient capital of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple's carved faces; park open 5:00am–18:00 with best light mid-morning.
USD0, 2h0m

11:30am

Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) Visit

See the atmospheric Ta Prohm with trees growing through ruins — a highlight for pictures and unique atmosphere; open until 6:00pm.
USD0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Local Khmer Restaurant (e.g., Huen Phen)

Traditional Khmer dishes such as fish amok or lok lak; restaurants open through afternoon and offer local staples.
USD8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Banteay Srei or Small-Temples Loop

Visit the intricately carved Banteay Srei (approx. 45–60 min drive each way) or smaller temple circuit to avoid crowds; sites open 5:00am–18:00.
USD10, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner — Chanrey Tree

Riverside restaurant offering refined Khmer cuisine and good atmosphere; open evenings and popular so reserve if possible.
USD20, 1h30m

8:00pm

Optional Phare Circus

Modern circus performance blending acrobatics and Cambodian storytelling — shows typically at 8:00pm; book ahead.
USD18, 1h15m

Day 3: Tonle Sap + Last Temples

Siem Reap, Cambodia on November 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Peaberry Coffee

Good coffee and breakfast options; opens ~7:00am and perfect before a morning trip to the lake or temples.
USD6, 45m

8:30am

Tonle Sap Floating Village Boat Trip

Guided boat trip to see floating communities and seasonal wetlands; tours run mornings and early afternoons, typical duration 2–3 hours.
USD20, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Local Noodle Spot

Simple local lunch (rice/noodle dishes) to taste everyday Khmer food; many stalls open midday.
USD6, 45m

1:30pm

Final Angkor Temple Visits or Museum Shopping

Return to any temples you missed or head into town for crafts and silk shops; temples open until 6:00pm and shops until 18:00–20:00.
USD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Spa or Khmer Massage

Relax with a traditional Khmer massage after days of walking; many spas open until late evening and massages cost less than in many countries.
USD15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Mahob Khmer (if missed) or Haven

Enjoy either a refined Khmer tasting menu or social-enterprise dining for quality local dishes; open evenings.
USD18, 1h30m

Day 4: Transfer to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on November 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Early breakfast and check-out; if you choose the bus, departure can be early; otherwise fly (~1 hour) to Phnom Penh for speed.
USD6, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Phnom Penh (flight or bus)

Short flight Siem Reap–Phnom Penh (~1h) or 5–7h road transfer; flight recommended to save time and maximize sightseeing in Phnom Penh.
USD70, 1h0m

10:30am

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Check in and freshen up; central hotels allow easy afternoon walks to riverfront and museums.
USD0, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch — Romdeng or Friends the Restaurant

Social-enterprise restaurants offering Khmer food with a cause; open midday and good for sampling authentic flavors.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Explore the ornate Royal Palace complex and the Silver Pagoda displaying national treasures; open ~8:00am–5:00pm — plan 1–2 hours.
USD10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk the Sisowath Quay (Riverside)

Stroll along the Tonle Sap riverfront to see local life, cafés, and sunset; lively in the late afternoon and evening.
USD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Malis Restaurant

Higher-end Khmer restaurant focusing on traditional recipes; open evenings and a great place for a special meal.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 5: Phnom Penh Museums + Fly to HCMC

Phnom Penh, Cambodia → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Local Café

Breakfast near your hotel; get an early start for museum visits as they open mid-morning.
USD6, 45m

8:30am

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

Powerful museum in a former prison documenting Khmer Rouge history; open 8:00am–5:00pm — allow 1.5–2 hours and bring water.
USD5, 1h30m

10:30am

Choeung Ek (Killing Fields)

Memorial site for Khmer Rouge victims; open ~8:00am–5:00pm and typically paired with S-21 for a full historical understanding.
USD6, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Local Riverfront Café

Casual lunch with river views to reflect and rest before afternoon travel; most places open midday.
USD10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Short international hop (approx 1 hour) to Tan Son Nhat Airport (Saigon); schedule late afternoon to maximize Phnom Penh time.
USD80, 1h30m

5:00pm

Arrival & Transfer to Hotel — HCMC

Check in and a short rest; Saigon has vibrant evening dining and markets within walking distance of District 1 hotels.
USD0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner — Cục Gạch Quán or Propaganda Bistro

Classic Vietnamese dishes in atmospheric settings; both popular for visitors and open in the evening (reserve if needed).
USD15, 1h30m

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Sights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Pho Hoa or Local Café

Start with a bowl of authentic pho or coffee and banh mi; many pho shops open early (6:00–10:00 and again later).
VND80000, 45m

9:00am

War Remnants Museum & Reunification Palace

Visit the War Remnants Museum (open 7:30am–6:00pm) and Reunification Palace (open 7:30am–4:00pm) to learn modern Vietnamese history.
VND150000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Ben Thanh Market Food Stalls

Discover Vietnamese street-food classics at Ben Thanh Market; stalls open from morning through evening and are ideal for sampling multiple dishes.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Saigon Central Post Office & Notre-Dame Cathedral

Short walk to these iconic colonial-era landmarks; both are accessible in the afternoon and great for photos and people-watching.
VND0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Optional Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Afternoon half-day group tours to the Cu Chi tunnels depart ~1:00–2:00pm and return by evening; alternatively schedule this on Day 7 if you prefer a full day.
VND450000, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Nightlife on Bui Vien or Fine Dining

Try street-side seafood and BBQ on Bui Vien for lively nightlife or pick a rooftop restaurant for views; open late into the night.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 7: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Can Tho / Mekong Delta → HCMC, Vietnam on November 30, 2025

6:30am

Depart for Mekong Delta (Ben Tre or Cai Be/Can Tho)

Full-day Mekong Delta trip with boat rides through canals, local markets and small-island visits; tours depart early (6:00–7:30am) and return by evening.
VND800000, 10h0m

9:00am

Boat Ride & Local Workshops

Ride small boats along the Mekong canals, visit family-run workshops (coconut candy, rice paper), and enjoy village life; most activities run mid-morning.
VND0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — River Island Homestay or Local Restaurant

Fresh Mekong specialties such as grilled fish and tropical fruits; typically included or available at local restaurants during the tour.
VND150000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive back in HCMC in the early evening; rest before a final Saigon dinner.
VND0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Secret Garden Rooftop or Local Eatery

Relax with rooftop views or classic Vietnamese evening dishes; many restaurants open until 10:00–11:00pm.
VND180000, 1h30m

Day 8: Fly to Da Nang → Hoi An

Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on December 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Early breakfast and transfer to Tan Son Nhat for a morning flight to Da Nang; flights often leave early for best hotel availability in Hoi An.
VND100000, 45m

9:00am

Flight Ho Chi Minh → Da Nang

Flight duration ~1.5 hours; Da Nang is the closest airport to Hoi An and saves a long car trip from the north.
VND1200000, 1h30m

11:00am

Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town

30–45 minute drive from Da Nang airport to Hoi An; check in and leave bags before strolling the Old Town.
VND250000, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Morning Glory or Mango Mango

Hoi An specialties such as cao lầu and white rose dumplings in a popular setting; open midday and excellent for regional cuisine.
VND180000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Hoi An Old Town

Wander the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and tailor shops; pedestrian area busiest late afternoon into evening (museum hours ~8:30am–5:30pm).
VND120000, 2h30m

5:30pm

Sunset on An Bang Beach

Short taxi to An Bang beach to relax before the evening light; beachside bars and restaurants open through sunset.
VND0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Bale Well or Lantern Riverfront

Local specialties served in cozy courtyard settings; Hoi An's evening atmosphere is magical with lanterns and riverside dining.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 9: Hoi An Culture & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Local Café or Hotel

Start with coffee and banh mi or tropical fruit; many cafes open from 7:00am onward.
VND80000, 30m

8:30am

My Son Sanctuary Morning Trip (optional)

Half-day tour to the My Son Hindu temple complex (~1.5h each way) — tours depart early and the site is open 6:30am–5:30pm; skip if you prefer beach time.
VND450000, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Street Food or Riverside

Try cao lầu, mi quang or local seafood at casual spots; open midday and ideal after morning touring.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cooking Class or Bicycle Ride to Nearby Villages

Hands-on cooking classes (3–4 hours) or an easy bicycle ride through rice paddies to local craft villages — many classes start mid-afternoon.
VND400000, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Evening Lantern Experience

Dine by the river and join locals lighting lanterns on the water; riverfront restaurants open until late and create a memorable evening.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 10: Fly to Hanoi

Hoi An/Da Nang → Hanoi, Vietnam on December 3, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast & Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Breakfast and transfer to Da Nang for a morning flight to Hanoi; flights usually depart from 7:00–10:00am windows.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight Da Nang → Hanoi

Flight ~1.5 hours; arrives at Noi Bai Airport with easy transfers into Hanoi Old Quarter.
VND900000, 1h30m

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch — Bun Cha or Local Pho

Drop bags and enjoy Hanoi specialties like bun cha; many Old Quarter places open at lunchtime.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour

Wander the narrow streets, see colonial architecture, and visit Hoan Kiem Lake; shops and cafés are lively through the afternoon.
VND0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Water Puppet Show

Traditional Vietnamese water puppet theater with scheduled shows typically at 3:45pm, 5:00pm and 6:30pm — check current showtimes and book in advance.
VND200000, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner — Cha Ca La Vong or Local Old Quarter Restaurant

Try cha ca (grilled fish dish) or a classic Hanoi dining spot; restaurants open through the evening and make for a memorable meal.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 11: Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi → Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 4, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Coach transfer to Halong Bay (approx 2.5–4 hours depending on traffic) for a scenic cruise; most day cruises depart from midday, overnight cruises earlier in the day.
VND200000, 3h30m

11:30am

Board Halong Bay Cruise (Day or Overnight)

Board your boat for a cruise among limestone karsts and islands; day cruises typically last 4–6 hours, overnight cruises 1+ night (overnight recommended if you prefer less rushed experience).
VND1400000, 6h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on Board

Fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes served on board while cruising — included in most cruise packages and excellent for scenic dining.
VND0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kayaking / Cave Visit / Swimming

Cruise excursions often include kayaking, visiting caves or floating villages; activities usually scheduled in the afternoon.
VND0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on Board & Sunset Views

Evening meal on the boat with sunset over the bay — a highlight of the cruise if you stay overnight (dinner included for overnight cruises).
VND0, 1h30m

Day 12: Return & Departure

Halong Bay → Hanoi (Departure day) on December 5, 2025

7:30am

Morning Cruise Activities & Breakfast

Sunrise views, light morning activities (tai chi, short kayaking) and breakfast on board before disembarkation; morning routines depend on cruise schedule.
VND0, 1h30m

9:30am

Disembark & Transfer Back to Hanoi

Return coach to Hanoi (2.5–4 hours). Aim to arrive comfortably ahead of your international flight — allow margin for traffic and airport check-in.
VND200000, 3h30m

1:30pm

Arrive Hanoi — Lunch & Last-minute Shopping

Light lunch in the Old Quarter and pick up any last souvenirs; many shops open through late afternoon.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport — Depart Vietnam

Allow 2+ hours for international flight check-in; schedule your outbound flight in the evening from Hanoi if possible to make this timetable comfortable.
VND0, 1h0m
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