14-Day Adventure in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Phuong Cafe

Start your adventure with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of pho at Phuong Cafe.
Take a taxi or walk to the cafe.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander through the vibrant stalls and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Walk from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Savor the clay pot rice, a local favorite.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain an understanding of Vietnam’s history and the effects of the war.
Take a taxi to the museum.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll along Nguyen Hue Street

Relax and watch the busy city life in this walking area.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide range of street food-style dishes in a restaurant setting.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Day Trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with some fresh banh mi from local vendors.
Walk to the local vendor.
VND 30,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and understand its significance during the war.
Join a group tour from your hotel.
VND 200,000, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at local eatery

Grab a quick local meal after the tour; try pho.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and eat nearby.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Take pictures of the beautiful architecture in the heart of the city.
Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Saigon Central Post Office

Marvel at the colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Walk to the post office.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Pho 2000

Enjoy a bowl of the famous Vietnamese noodle soup before heading to bed.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 60,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Mekong Delta Adventure

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruits and Vietnamese coffee.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Mekong Delta

Travel to the Mekong Delta and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.
Join a tour that includes transportation.
VND 350,000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Boat ride on Mekong River

Experience local life on the water and stop at various islands.
Included in the tour.
Included, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a local riverside restaurant

Taste delicious Mekong specialties like fried fish.
On the boat tour.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit a traditional workshop

Learn about the production of coconut candy and rice paper.
Included in boat tour.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city and enjoy some rest.
Part of the tour.
Included, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Banh Mi Hoa Ma

Indulge in the iconic Vietnamese sandwich in a local eatery.
Taxi from the hotel.
VND 50,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: A Day in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the free breakfast offered at the hotel.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An

Make your way to picturesque Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taxi to the airport, fly to Da Nang, and take a local bus to Hoi An.
VND 500,000 for flight + VND 100,000 for transfer, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mr. Son

Taste the famous Cao Lau noodles, unique to Hoi An.
Walk to the local restaurant.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the lantern-lit streets and visit the historical houses.
Walking Tour.
VND 120,000 for entrance tickets, 2 hours

4:30PM

Take a bike ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Experience rural life while enjoying the scenic rice paddies.
Riding a rented bike to the village.
VND 30,000 rental, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at visuals

Enjoy a meal at The Cargo Club with views of the river.
Ride back to Hoi An Ancient Town.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at local café

Have a taste of Vietnamese egg coffee at Café 43.
Walk to the café.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take a traditional cooking class

Learn to cook classic Vietnamese dishes and enjoy your creations.
Join a cooking class in Hoi An.
VND 400,000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the cooking class

Enjoy the fruits of your labor during the cooking class.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

A symbol of Hoi An and an architectural wonder.
Walk from the cooking class.
VND 20,000, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An’s Lantern Shops

Find unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in local craftsmanship.
Walking around Ancient Town.
Free (shopping extra), 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend your late afternoon at the beach and enjoy the sunset.
Take a bike to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Home Kitchen Hoi An

Savor a regional dish of White Rose dumplings.
Return by bike to Hoi An.
VND 75,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural and Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the hotel breakfast.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hue

Take a bus to the ancient capital of Hue.
Bus transfer.
VND 150,000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Bo Hue 16

Try the famed beef noodle soup unique to the region.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the grandeur of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Walk to the historical site.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax by the Perfume River

Enjoy a quiet moment along the riverbanks.
Walk to the river.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Witness the stunning architecture and beauty of this ancient pagoda.
Take a taxi to the pagoda.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Z Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes with a river view.
Return by taxi.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hanoi’s Rich History

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the breakfast buffet offered by your hotel.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hanoi

Hop on a bus to discover the capital of Vietnam.
Bus transfer.
VND 300,000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in Hanoi's iconic grilled fish dish.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
Walk from the restaurant.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Learn about Vietnam's leader and visit his final resting place.
Take a taxi to the mausoleum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets filled with shops and street food.
Walk from the mausoleum.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at New Day Restaurant

Savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a cozy eatery.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 75,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Halong Bay Excursion

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before hitting the road.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Journey to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scheduled bus transfer.
VND 300,000, 3.5 hours

11:00AM

Cruise Halong Bay

Take in the breathtaking views of limestone islands and caves.
Included in tour package.
VND 700,000, 5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Marvel at the stunning rock formations and the beauty of the cave.
Included in the cruise.
Included, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi after an amazing day.
Bus back.
Included, 3.5 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at 3Bat Dat

Enjoy a hearty meal enjoying the local flavors.
Return transfer to restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Journey to Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your breakfast before heading to Cambodia.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Siem Reap

Take a bus from Hanoi to Siem Reap.
Bus transfer.
VND 600,000, 12 hours, including border crossing

9:30PM

Arrive in Siem Reap

Check into your hotel and settle down after a long journey.
At the bus station.
Included in bus ticket., 1 hour

10:30PM

Late Dinner at Angkor Palm

Indulge in Cambodian cuisine late at night.
Tuk-tuk to the restaurant.
USD 10, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Exploration of Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, Cambodia

5:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

6:30AM

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Witness the magical sunrise in front of the iconic temple.
Take a tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat.
USD 37 for Angkor Pass, 2 hours

9:00AM

Explore Angkor Thom Complex

Take in the grandeur of this historical site, including Bayon Temple.
Continue the tuk-tuk ride.
Included with Angkor Pass, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Khmer Grill Restaurant

Enjoy a selection of traditional Cambodian dishes.
Tuk-tuk from Angkor Thom.
USD 8, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Ta Prohm Temple

Explore the tree-covered ruins featured in the Tomb Raider movie.
Tuk-tuk ride.
Included with Angkor Pass, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Siem Reap

Head back to your accommodation to relax.
Tuk-tuk ride back.
Included., 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Hive

Indulge in delicious fusion dishes and enjoy the ambiance.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD 12, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Urban Adventure in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel in Siem Reap

Eat a hearty breakfast before the journey to Bangkok.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Bangkok

Take a direct flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok.
Airport transfer.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Terminal 21 Food Court

Enjoy a variety of cuisine options in a fun setting.
Walk to food court.
THB 150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Wat Pho

See the stunning Reclining Buddha and the intricate temple grounds.
Take the MRT to Wat Pho.
THB 200, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Grand Palace

Marvel at one of Thailand's most important cultural landmarks.
Walk from Wat Pho.
THB 500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Street Food Stalls in Yaowarat

Indulge in Bangkok's famous street food for dinner.
Walk to Yaowarat.
THB 100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Historic Temples in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast at the hotel.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Learn about the American entrepreneur who promoted Thai silk.
Take the BTS to the Jim Thompson House.
THB 150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Bangkok Art and Culture Center

Delve into contemporary art and performances in this vibrant space.
Walk from Jim Thompson House.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Som Tam Nua

Relish authentic Thai papaya salad and other dishes.
Take BTS to the restaurant.
THB 150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Erawan Shrine

Worship in this important shrine dedicated to Brahma.
Take a taxi to Erawan Shrine.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Lumpini Park

Take a moment in this green oasis in the heart of the city.
Walk to the park.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal at this famous street food stall.
Taxi to the restaurant.
THB 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Ayutthaya

Take a train to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Train station.
THB 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Tour of Ayutthaya Historical Park

Explore the ruins of ancient temples and palaces.
Bike rental in Ayutthaya.
THB 50 rental + THB 100 entrance, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at local cafe

Enjoy local Thai dishes at a small café.
Nearby café.
THB 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Visit these iconic temple ruins with impressive stupa.
Biking.
Included in entrance fee., 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax by the riverside

Unwind by the river before heading back to Bangkok.
Biking.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Bangkok

Head back to the city after your adventure.
Train to Bangkok.
THB 300, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at local restaurant

Savor a meal at a local restaurant of your choice.
Nearby restaurant.
THB 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Departure from Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast in Thailand before departure.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Leisurely Day in Bangkok

Take some time for last-minute shopping or exploration.
Walk around.
Variable, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at nearby café

Have a casual last lunch before your flight.
At local café.
THB 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Transfer to Bangkok Airport

Head to the airport for your departure.
Taxi to airport.
THB 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability