10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Bangkok, Cambodia, Vietnam

  1. Day 1: Bangkok—Wat Arun
    Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes

    Visit the Temple of the Dawn and watch the sunset over the Chao Phraya River.

  2. Day 2: Bangkok—Chatuchak Weekend Market
    Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes

    Experience the world's largest outdoor market and shop for souvenirs and local goods.

  3. Day 3: Siem Reap—Angkor Wat
    Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Explore the stunning temples of Angkor Wat and watch the sun rise over the ancient ruins.

  4. Day 4: Siem Reap—Tonle Sap Lake
    Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes

    Take a boat tour of the floating villages and learn about the traditional way of life in Cambodia.

  5. Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City—Cu Chi Tunnels
    Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours

    Discover the underground network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

  6. Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City—Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
    Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes

    Visit the beautiful Catholic cathedral and admire the French colonial architecture.

  7. Day 7: Hoi An—Japanese Covered Bridge
    Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes

    Take a stroll over the charming bridge and explore the picturesque town of Hoi An.

  8. Day 8: Hoi An—Hue Citadel
    Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial City and admire the ancient architecture and artifacts.

  9. Day 9: Hanoi—Hoa Lo Prison
    Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour

    Learn about the history of the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" and the experiences of American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

  10. Day 10: Hanoi—Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
    Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes

    Pay your respects to the beloved leader of Vietnam and visit his final resting place.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Wat Arun (2 hours, free)
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market (4 hours, transportation and food costs vary)
  • Angkor Wat (8 hours, $37 for admission)
  • Tonle Sap Lake (4 hours, $25 for admission and boat tour)
  • Cu Chi Tunnels (6 hours, $20 for admission and transportation)
  • Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica (1 hour, free)
  • Japanese Covered Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Hue Citadel (4 hours, $6 for admission)
  • Hoa Lo Prison (2 hours, $3 for admission)
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $91

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the stunning Halong Bay in Vietnam or the beautiful beaches of Southern Thailand. If you have less time, you can cut out one of the locations or combine them into a shorter trip. Be sure to research transportation options in advance to save money and make the most of your time.

0