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8-Day Relaxation and Exploration: Vietnam and Cambodia

Viewed by 72 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle in at your hotel to refresh after your travels, the Renaissance Riverside Hotel is highly recommended for its riverside views.
Take a taxi from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
USD100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor a delicious bowl of Pho at this local favorite, known for its authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Located in the District 1 area.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Immerse yourself in the colorful local culture as you shop and discover Vietnamese handicrafts.
A short 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind in this serene park dotted with lush greenery, a perfect contrast to the busy city.
5 minutes by taxi from the market.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cục Gạch Quán

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy, vintage setting, making it a culinary highlight.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the park.
USD15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Culture and Relaxation

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Givral

Start your day with a rich Vietnamese coffee and a banh mi sandwich.
A popular café near your hotel.
USD4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's history with powerful exhibits documenting the war.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the café.
USD2, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

Another delightful meal at this renowned Vietnamese restaurant, with a focus on organic ingredients.
15 minutes by taxi from the museum.
USD12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax in Spa at Hotel

Pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment at your hotel's spa, perfect for unwinding.
On-site at the hotel.
USD50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Saigon River Cruise

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Saigon River as the sun sets, presenting beautiful city views.
Meet at the riverboat port, arrange through hotel.
USD20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ngon Villa

Take in a gourmet dinner featuring Vietnamese delicacies in an elegant setting.
A quick 10-minute drive from the cruise drop-off.
USD20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3: Travel to Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a buffet breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for your journey ahead.
Enjoy at the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Airport

Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for a short flight to Siem Reap.
Arranged taxi, about 30 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrival in Siem Reap

Check-in at your hotel, such as the Tara Angkor Hotel, and get settled in.
Tuk-tuks available at the airport.
USD10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Khmer Taste Restaurant

Experience authentic Khmer flavors with a lunch featuring local specialties.
5 minutes drive from the hotel.
USD7, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Angkor Wat

Explore the iconic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its grand architecture.
20 minutes by taxi from the restaurant.
USD37, 3 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Bakheng Hill

Climb Bakheng Hill to watch the stunning sunset over the temples—a magical experience.
Taxi from Angkor Wat for approx. 15 minutes.
USD20, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Haven

End your day with a calming dinner at The Haven, with a serene ambiance and delicious food.
Return to Siem Reap town (30-minute taxi ride).
USD15, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 4: Exploring Temples

Siem Reap, Cambodia

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before another adventurous day.
Dine at the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ta Prohm

Wander through Ta Prohm, famous for its tree-clad ruins, and capture breathtaking photos.
Short ride by tuk-tuk, about 15 minutes.
Included in Angkor pass., 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bayon Temple

Explore the mysterious faces of Bayon Temple, a highlight of the Angkor complex.
15-minute tuk-tuk ride.
Included in Angkor pass., 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Marum Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch while supporting local youth training programs.
Tuk-tuk to restaurant in town, 15 minutes away.
USD8, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Siem Reap Markets

Stroll through the night markets and local shops, gathering unique souvenirs to take home.
Walking distance from Marum.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel Pool

Spend some downtime soaking in the sun by the hotel pool, hydrating with refreshing drinks.
On-site at the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Sugar Palm

Delight in traditional Cambodian cuisine in a beautifully restored wooden house setting.
Reachable by a short taxi ride.
USD15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 5: Travel to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and heading to Phnom Penh.
In the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Phnom Penh

Take a bus to Phnom Penh, relishing the scenic countryside views along the way.
Bus departs from Siem Reap central bus station.
USD10, 6 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your Phnom Penh hotel, such as the Palace Gate Hotel & Residence.
Tuk-tuk from bus station, approximately 10 minutes.
USD20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Royal Palace

Explore the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace, and admire the Silver Pagoda.
Walking distance from the hotel.
USD10, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 313 Pizza Bar

Enjoy a casual dining experience with delicious pizza at this popular local establishment.
A short taxi ride or a 15-min walk.
USD12, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phnom Penh

Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax with a breakfast at the hotel before a day of exploration.
Available in hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Killing Fields

Pay respects at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a moving reminder of Cambodia's past.
Arrange a taxi for approximately 30 minutes.
USD6, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Friends Restaurant

Dine at this vibrant eatery supporting social enterprise with delicious dishes.
Return to city center by taxi.
USD10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore National Museum

Discover Cambodia's rich heritage, featuring ancient artifacts in this beautiful museum.
Just a 5-minute drive from Friends.
USD5, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Sisowath Quay

Stroll along the riverside promenade, where you can watch local life unfold.
Walking distance from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Riel Restaurant

Savor contemporary twists on Cambodian cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
A short taxi ride.
USD15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phnom Penh

Day 7: Travel to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for Ha Long Bay.
In the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Leave Phnom Penh for a scenic bus journey to Ha Long Bay, be mesmerized by the countryside.
Bus transportation arranged beforehand.
USD15, 4 hours

11:30AM

Arrive in Ha Long Bay

Check-in at your cruise ship, beginning a stunning voyage through the limestone islands.
On-site check-in.
USD100, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch on Board

Indulge in a delicious seafood feast as you cruise through Ha Long Bay.
On the cruise ship.
Included in cruise price., 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Experience the beauty of Ha Long Bay up close as you kayak among the stunning limestone karsts.
Equipment provided by the cruise.
Included., 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax on Deck

Cool off and unwind as you soak in the breathtaking views from the deck.
Onboard cruise.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a fine dining experience with traditional Vietnamese cuisine prepared onboard.
Cruise dining area.
Included in cruise package., 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay

Day 8: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

6:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Rise early for a delightful breakfast onboard as you take in the last views of Ha Long Bay.
In the dining area of cruise.
Included in cruise package., 1 hour

7:00AM

Morning Tai Chi Session

Participate in a refreshing Tai Chi session on the deck overlooking the bay.
Onboard cruise.
Included., 1 hour

8:00AM

Cruise Activity: Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the vast and stunning Sung Sot Cave, a highlight during the cruise.
Onboard activity guided by cruise staff.
Included., 2 hours

10:30AM

Return to Port

Arrive back at the marina, concluding your Ha Long Bay adventure.
Onboard return journey.
Included in cruise., 1 hour

11:30AM

Transfer to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi via bus or taxi, ready for your next adventure.
Arrange transportation at the marina.
USD15, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the traditional Vietnamese dish, Cha Ca, in one of Hanoi’s famous restaurants.
Located in central Hanoi.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a city’s oasis of calm.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hanoi Social Club

End your adventure with a delicious dinner at this cozy eatery with a diverse menu.
A taxi ride or 20-minute walk.
USD12, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi
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More About Vietnam and Cambodia

7-week SE Asia trip — Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore (beaches, temples, outdoors) — Feb–Mar
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3 months Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) + 1 month Europe (Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Berlin, Cologne, Amsterdam, Paris)
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