14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Adventure: Ho Chi Minh to Koh Rong Samloem Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

9:30am

Ben Thanh Market

Begin your trip with a visit to Ben Thanh Market to experience vibrant stalls selling local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food. It's a perfect introduction to Ho Chi Minh culture.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a hearty bowl of traditional Pho at Pho 2000, famous for its authentic flavors and a visit from former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Explore this thought-provoking museum which provides deep insights into Vietnam’s history, especially during the Vietnam War. Open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office

Walk around these iconic French colonial landmarks located close to each other, perfect spots for pictures and enjoying the city vibe.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine at this charming restaurant known for its home-style Vietnamese dishes served in a cozy atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 2: Cu Chi & City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Start your day with specialty coffee and western-style breakfast in a stylish café setting.
VND120000, 1h

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels to understand the underground networks used in the Vietnam War. Tours run from 8am to 5pm.
USD20, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Sample famous Pho in an iconic Ho Chi Minh City eatery known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND70000, 1h

4:00pm

Saigon Opera House

Visit this beautiful French colonial building; check if any evening performances are available during your stay.
Free entry outside performances, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine on a rooftop setting with views over the city.
VND180000, 1h30m

Day 3: Fly to Da Nang & Hoi An

Da Nang, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before your morning flight to Da Nang.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Flight to Da Nang

Catch an early flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (approx. 1h30m).
USD50, 1h30m

10:00am

Marble Mountains

Explore these limestone and marble hills featuring caves, temples, and panoramic views of Da Nang. Open daily 7am-5pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ba Duong Banh Mi

Taste one of the best banh mi sandwiches in Da Nang, a local favourite near the city centre.
VND30000, 45m

2:00pm

Drive to Hoi An (30 mins)

Travel to historic Hoi An to check into your accommodation and begin exploring the ancient town.
Transport approx. VND200000, 30m

3:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the UNESCO Heritage-listed town featuring old houses, lantern-lit streets, and riverside cafes. Open daily.
Entrance ticket VND120000, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Enjoy traditional Central Vietnamese dishes at this renowned restaurant in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 4: Hoi An & Surrounds

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Start your day with strong coffee and fresh pastries just outside Ancient Town.
VND70000, 45m

8:30am

Cycling Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Cycle through countryside paths to this organic farming village and learn about traditional vegetable growing techniques.
VND200000 (guided tour), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cargo Club

Dine riverside with a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes known for good quality and service.
VND160000, 1h

2:00pm

An Bang Beach

Relax in the afternoon at this beautiful beach close to Hoi An with cafes and loungers.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Savour modern Vietnamese dishes with a river view in Hoi An’s night atmosphere.
VND180000, 1h30m

Day 5: Fly to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your flight to Hanoi.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fly to Hanoi

Take a morning flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, around 1 hour 20 mins.
USD55, 1h20m

11:00am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Visit the iconic lake and temple in the city centre and take a peaceful stroll around.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Hanoi’s famous bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), loved by locals and tourists alike.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Old Quarter Walk

Discover Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter streets famous for colonial architecture, markets, and street food.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience authentic Cha Ca, a famous Vietnamese grilled fish dish found only in Hanoi.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 6: Halong Bay Day Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your day trip to Halong Bay.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Depart for Halong Bay

Take a guided day cruise to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay featuring limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD85 (including transport and lunch), 10h

6:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Arrive back in Hanoi in the evening after a scenic and relaxing day on the bay.
Included, Evening free

7:30pm

Dinner at KOTO

Support a worthy cause by dining at KOTO, a vocational training restaurant serving tasty Vietnamese dishes.
VND160000, 1h30m

Day 7: Fly to Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before your flight to Cambodia.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fly Hanoi to Siem Reap

Catch a direct flight to Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor temples.
USD100, 1h30m

11:00am

Check in & Lunch at Sister Srey Cafe

Enjoy fresh, healthy dishes at this popular cafe in Siem Reap town.
USD10, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Angkor National Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the Khmer empire before exploring the temples. Open 8am-6pm.
USD12, 2h

3:00pm

Relax at hotel or local spa

Unwind after travel at your hotel or book a spa treatment with Khmer traditional massage.
USD25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Haven

Dine at Haven Restaurant which supports local youth training programs offering delicious Cambodian fare.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 8: Angkor Wat Temples

Siem Reap, Cambodia on April 29, 2025

5:00am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Witness the iconic sunrise over Angkor Wat, an awe-inspiring start to your day. Gates open at 5am.
USD37 (1-day pass), 2h

7:00am

Breakfast at nearby cafe

Grab a light breakfast at a café close to the temple complex.
USD8, 1h

8:00am

Explore Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple

Visit the fascinating faces of Bayon Temple and other ruins inside Angkor Thom area.
Included in temple pass, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Khmer dishes with fresh ingredients in Siem Reap.
USD12, 1h

1:30pm

Ta Prohm Temple

Wander through the jungle-engulfed Ta Prohm Temple made famous by Tomb Raider movie.
Included in temple pass, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Siem Reap

Head back to town and relax or shop in the night markets.
Free, Evening free

7:00pm

Dinner at Marum

Delicious Cambodian dishes served in a beautiful heritage setting with social enterprise support.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 9: Tonle Sap & Local Life

Siem Reap, Cambodia on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Start with nutritious and fresh breakfasts preferred by locals and tourists alike.
USD10, 45m

8:30am

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Tour

Discover life on Cambodia's largest freshwater lake by visiting a floating village. Tours available from 8am to 5pm.
USD25, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chamkar

Enjoy farm-to-table Khmer cuisine emphasizing sustainability and fresh ingredients.
USD15, 1h

3:00pm

Artisans Angkor Visit

See traditional Khmer crafts and support local artisans who preserve ancient techniques.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak

Experience one of Siem Reap’s top dining venues offering creative dishes inspired by Cambodian ingredients.
USD35, 1h30m

Day 10: Travel to Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before checking out for your island transfer.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Sihanoukville

Travel by minivan or taxi from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville port (~5-6 hours).
USD25, 6h

2:00pm

Ferry to Koh Rong Samloem

Take a ferry from Sihanoukville to the tranquil island of Koh Rong Samloem (approx. 45 mins).
USD15, 45m

3:00pm

Check-in and beach relaxation

Settle into your beachfront accommodation and enjoy stunning coastal views.
Varies, Afternoon free

7:00pm

Dinner at the hostel or local beach restaurant

Experience fresh seafood and laid-back island dining under the stars.
USD10-20, 1h30m

Day 11: Island Exploration

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with island views to start your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Snorkeling or Kayaking

Explore the clear waters around the island with snorkeling gear or kayak rental, activities usually available from 8am to sunset.
USD15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sunset Beach Bar & Grill

Dine with spectacular views on fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Hiking to Lighthouse

Take a scenic hike to the island’s lighthouse for panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islets.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Beach House

Enjoy delicious local and western dishes in a relaxed beachfront setting.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 12: Relax & Leisure

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your pace with island ambience.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Beach Day and Swimming

Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and reading on the beautiful beaches of Koh Rong Samloem.
Free, 5h

3:00pm

Explore local village

Visit a nearby local fishing village to experience island community life.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Dorm

Enjoy a casual dinner at this popular beachfront spot known for tasty food and live music.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 13: Return & Optional Phu Quoc

Cambodia to Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Have breakfast and prepare for your departure from Koh Rong Samloem.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Ferry back to Sihanoukville

Transfer by ferry back to the mainland for onward travel.
USD15, 45m

9:00am

Fly to Phu Quoc (optional)

Catch a connecting flight from Sihanoukville to Phu Quoc Island for the last leg of your trip if flight times allow.
USD100, 1h10m

11:30am

Lunch in Phu Quoc

Sample fresh seafood on the island at a popular local restaurant such as Saigonese.
USD15, 1h

Afternoon

Beach and explore Phu Quoc

Relax on long beautiful beaches like Sao Beach or explore the island’s night market.
Free, Afternoon and evening free

7:00pm

Dinner at Rory's Beach Bar

Enjoy western and Vietnamese dishes with sunset views right on the beach.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 14: Departure Day

Phu Quoc / Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a final breakfast with the sound of waves before departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Phu Quoc Airport

Head to the airport for your onward flight home or next destination.
Varies depending on flight, 1h