Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand Adventure – 2‑Week Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Freshen up and enjoy a quick coffee at a local street stall.

Afternoon: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple. Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, sampling fresh spring rolls.

Evening: Attend a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre followed by dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the lake.

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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Morning: Transfer to Halong Bay and board a comfortable cruise ship. Sail through the emerald waters and admire the towering limestone karsts.

Afternoon: Enjoy a guided kayak tour around Ti Top Island and relax on its sandy beach. A fresh seafood lunch is served on board.

Evening: Participate in a cooking class on the deck, learning to make Vietnamese spring rolls, then unwind with a nightcap under the stars.

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Day 3: Hanoi to Hue

Morning: Return to Hanoi, catch a short flight to Hue, and check into a boutique hotel near the Perfume River.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Imperial City (Citadel), visiting the Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City.

Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant and take a leisurely boat ride on the Perfume River, watching the city lights reflect on the water.

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Day 4: Hue – Royal Tombs

Morning: Visit the majestic Tu Duc Tomb, surrounded by tranquil gardens and a serene lake.

Afternoon: Continue to the elaborate Khai Dinh Tomb, known for its vibrant mosaics and intricate architecture.

Evening: Sample local specialties such as bun bo Hue at a popular street market.

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Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Morning: Travel by private car through the scenic Hai Van Pass, stopping for photos of the coastline.

Afternoon: Arrive in Hoi An, check into a heritage hotel, and begin exploring the lantern-lit Ancient Town.

Evening: Join a guided lantern‑making workshop and enjoy dinner at a riverside café.

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Day 6: Hoi An – Cultural Immersion

Morning: Take a cooking class at a local market, learning to prepare cao lầu noodles.

Afternoon: Cycle to the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village and participate in a hands‑on farming experience.

Evening: Wander the illuminated streets of the Ancient Town, snapping photos of the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

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Day 7: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and settle into a modern downtown hotel.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market and visit the historic War Remnants Museum.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife on Bui Vien Street, enjoying street food and live music.

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Day 8: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning: Depart for the Mekong Delta, boarding a traditional wooden boat at My Tho.

Afternoon: Cruise through narrow canals, visit a coconut candy workshop, and enjoy a homestyle lunch on a riverside island.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax at your hotel.

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Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

Morning: Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and check into a boutique guesthouse near the city center.

Afternoon: Explore the lively Old Market (Psar Chas) and sample Khmer delicacies.

Evening: Attend a traditional Apsara dance performance while enjoying a Cambodian dinner.

**Day 10: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Temples**

Morning: Witness a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, then explore the temple’s intricate bas-reliefs.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom and the mysterious Ta Prohm, famous for its tree‑wrapped ruins.

Evening: Relax with a sunset cocktail at a riverside bar overlooking the Tonle Sap.

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Day 11: Siem Reap – Countryside & Floating Villages

Morning: Take a guided tour to the Tonle Sap Lake and explore the floating village of Kompong Phluk.

Afternoon: Return to Siem Reap for a visit to the Angkor National Museum for deeper historical context.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Angkor skyline.

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Day 12: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Morning: Travel by short flight to Phnom Penh, check into a riverside hotel.

Afternoon: Tour the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the historic Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda.

Evening: Stroll along the riverfront promenade and dine on fresh fish amok.

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Day 13: Phnom Penh to Bangkok (Optional Thailand)

Morning: Fly to Bangkok, Thailand, and settle into a boutique hotel in the Sukhumvit area.

Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Grand Palace and the adjoining Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Evening: Explore the vibrant night market at Asiatique and enjoy Thai street food.

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Day 14: Bangkok – City Highlights & Departure

Morning: Cruise the Chao Phraya River and stop at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) for stunning river views.

Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market (if open) or explore the trendy Siam district.

Evening: Transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your international departure, concluding the adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Noi Bai Airport Transfer – 30 min – $15
  • Halong Bay 2‑Day Cruise – 2 days – $180
  • Domestic Flight Hanoi → Hue – 1 h – $80
  • Imperial City (Hue) – 3 h – $10 entry
  • Hai Van Pass Scenic Drive – 2 h – $30 transport
  • Hoi An Ancient Town – 4 h – $6 entry
  • Cooking Class in Hoi An – 3 h – $45
  • Domestic Flight Hue → Ho Chi Minh City – 1.5 h – $110
  • War Remnants Museum – 2 h – $5
  • Mekong Delta Day Trip – 8 h – $70
  • Flight Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap – 1 h – $120
  • Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour – 5 h – $37 (park pass)
  • Bayon & Ta Prohm – 4 h – included in park pass
  • Tonle Sap Floating Village – 6 h – $40
  • Flight Siem Reap → Phnom Penh – 0.5 h – $90
  • Tuol Sleng Museum – 2 h – $6
  • Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – 2 h – $12
  • Flight Phnom Penh → Bangkok – 1 h – $130
  • Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – 3 h – $15
  • Chao Phraya River Cruise & Wat Arun – 3 h – $20
  • Accommodation (13 nights average) – 13 nights – $910
  • Meals (average $25/day) – 14 days – $350
  • Local Transportation & Tips – 14 days – $200
  • Travel Insurance – entire trip – $80
  • International Flights (to/from Asia) – round‑trip – $1,200
  • Visa Fees (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand) – total – $65
Total Estimated Cost: $4,265

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a few days in northern Vietnam to explore Sapa’s terraced rice fields or extending your stay in Bangkok to visit Ayutthaya’s historic ruins. For a shorter trip, you can skip the Mekong Delta and the optional Bangkok leg, focusing on the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, which reduces travel time and overall cost while still delivering a rich cultural experience.

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