8-10 Day Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure: From Vibrant Cities to Tropical Islands

Day 1: Arrival and Hanoi Orientation

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Flight Sydney to Hanoi

Depart Sydney early morning with a connecting flight to Hanoi; typical airlines are Vietnam Airlines or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. Flight time approximately 12-14 hours including layover.
AUD800-1200, 12h-14h

8:00pm

Check-in & Relax at Old Quarter Hotel

Settle into your centrally located hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to be close to restaurants and nightlife for easy exploring after your flight.
AUD60 per night, Overnight

9:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese street-style dishes in a charming setting, open till about 10:30pm, ideal for your first dinner to sample local cuisine.
AUD15, 1h
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Day 2: Hanoi City Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Try Hanoi’s famous pho at this popular local eatery, open from 6am-10am, known for rich broth and fresh ingredients.
AUD5, 1h

8:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a morning stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and serene gardens. Open 8am-5pm.
AUD3, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for serving the dish President Obama enjoyed; bun cha is grilled pork served with noodles and herbs. Open 10am-3pm.
AUD7, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Quarter Walking Tour

Discover Hanoi’s bustling streets, traditional shops, and colonial architecture. Ideal to experience the local shopping and culture.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theatre Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a unique cultural art form. Shows run at 3:30pm and 5:30pm daily.
AUD10, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Sample the famous grilled fish Hanoi specialty in an atmospheric setting open until 10pm.
AUD15, 1h

8:00pm

Nightlife at Ta Hien Street

Experience Hanoi’s lively nightlife with street bars and local beer in the 'Beer Street' area.
AUD10, 2h
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Day 3: Fly to Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast at hotel to fuel up before transfer to airport.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Flight Hanoi to Phu Quoc

Fly directly with Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways. Flight duration approx. 2 hours.
AUD80-120, 2h

11:30am

Check-in at Phu Quoc Beach Resort

Stay at a beachfront resort to enjoy easy access to the island’s beaches and nightlife.
AUD100-150 per night, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch at The Pepper Tree Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views, located at Mango Bay Resort, open 11am - 10pm.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Relax on Long Beach

Spend the afternoon on Phu Quoc’s famous Long Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sailing Club Phu Quoc

A stylish beachfront club offering cocktails and Vietnamese fusion dishes from 5pm to late.
AUD25, 2h
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Day 4: Phu Quoc Island Adventures

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your resort before a day of island adventures.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:30am

Phu Quoc National Park Trek

Explore the lush tropical forest and wildlife with a guided tour. Park open daily 7am-5pm.
AUD20, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Sample authentic seafood fresh from the sea at rustic village restaurants.
AUD15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dinh Cau Night Market (early visit)

Browse food stalls and souvenir vendors in late afternoon to avoid evening crowds; open 3pm-11pm.
Free entry, 2h

4:00pm

Snorkeling at An Thoi Islands

Take a half-day boat trip for snorkeling among coral reefs and tropical fish (trip duration approx 3 hours).
AUD50, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rory's Beach Bar

Casual dining with international and Vietnamese options at a popular beach bar open until midnight.
AUD20, 2h
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Day 5: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:30am

Flight Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City

Direct flight with Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air, approx. 1h 15m.
AUD50-80, 1h15m

11:00am

Hotel check-in in District 1

Stay in central Ho Chi Minh City for easy access to attractions and nightlife.
AUD80-120 per night, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Iconic pho restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City open 6am-10pm, well-known for delicious noodle soup.
AUD7, 1h

2:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this fascinating and sobering museum that delves into the Vietnam War history, open 7:30am-6pm.
AUD2, 2h

4:30pm

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Explore these colonial-era landmarks located close together and ideally visited in late afternoon.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

A stylish restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes with a homey atmosphere, open till 10pm.
AUD20, 1.5h

8:30pm

Nightlife on Bui Vien Street

Experience the vibrant backpacker nightlife with bars, clubs, and street performances open late.
AUD15 for drinks, 3h
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Markets & Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before day trip to historic tunnels.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Half-day guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the war. Tours depart early morning and return afternoon.
AUD40, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Explore this iconic market for street food like banh mi, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. Market open 6am-6pm.
AUD10, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Experience a serene temple known for intricate statues and religious art, open 7am-5pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Elegant riverside restaurant with a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes, great for a relaxing evening meal.
AUD35, 2h

9:00pm

Rooftop drinks at Chill Skybar

Enjoy panoramic views and cocktails at one of Ho Chi Minh’s best rooftop bars, open late.
AUD20, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia on September 7, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start early in preparation for travel and arrival in Cambodia.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

Fly direct with regional airlines like Cambodia Angkor Air or Vietnam Airlines, about 1 hour. Visa on arrival or eVisa recommended for Cambodians.
AUD80-120, 1h

10:30am

Check-in at Siem Reap Hotel

Stay centrally near Pub Street for easy access to attractions and nightlife.
AUD70-100 per night, Overnight

12:00pm

Lunch at Sister Srey Cafe

Popular cafe with western and Khmer fusion dishes, open 7am-9pm.
AUD15, 1h

1:30pm

Siem Reap Old Market & Artisans Angkor

Shop for souvenirs and see local crafts, open until 6pm.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Temple Brewing Co.

Brewery and restaurant offering Khmer and international dishes with craft beers, open until 10pm.
AUD20, 2h

9:00pm

Nightlife at Pub Street

Enjoy the lively nightlife scene with bars, music, and nightclubs open late.
AUD10-20, 3h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Angkor Wat and Temple Tour

Siem Reap, Cambodia on September 8, 2025

5:00am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Witness a stunning sunrise over the iconic temple complex; arrive early as crowds gather. The complex opens 5am-6pm.
USD37 for 1-day pass (approx AUD55), 2h

7:30am

Breakfast near Angkor Wat

Enjoy breakfast at a local eatery near the temple before a full day of exploration.
AUD10, 1h

8:30am

Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple

Visit the ancient walled city and distinctive carved faces of Bayon Temple, included in pass.
Included, 2h

11:00am

Ta Prohm Temple

Explore the atmospheric jungle-covered temple made famous by the Tomb Raider movie.
Included, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Traditional Cambodian dishes in a relaxed setting near the temples.
AUD15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Banteay Srei Temple

Known as the “Citadel of Women,” famous for intricate red sandstone carvings, about 30 min drive from main temples.
Included, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Hotel

Relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Marum Restaurant

Social enterprise restaurant offering modern Cambodian cuisine, open till 10pm.
AUD25, 1.5h
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Day 9: Phnom Penh Cultural Tour

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Check-out

Early breakfast and check-out before transfer to Phnom Penh.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Fly by local carrier; 45-minute flight recommended over bus (5-6 hours by road).
AUD60-90, 45m

10:30am

Check-in Phnom Penh Hotel

Choose a hotel centrally located near the Royal Palace area.
AUD70-100, Overnight

11:30am

Visit Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Explore Cambodia’s royal heritage with beautiful architecture and gardens. Open 8am-5pm.
AUD10, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Romdeng Restaurant

Dine on traditional Cambodian cuisine in a historic villa setting, open 11am-10pm.
AUD20, 1h

3:30pm

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Powerful museum exploring Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge, open 8am-5pm.
AUD5, 1.5h

6:00pm

Sunset drinks by Mekong River

Relax at a riverside bar such as Aquarius or The FCC for scenic views and cocktails.
AUD15, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Malis Restaurant

Upscale dining with modern Khmer cuisine, open till 10pm.
AUD35, 2h
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Day 10: Return to Sydney

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on September 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy an early breakfast and prepare for your flight home.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Flight Phnom Penh to Sydney

Return flight with one stopover in Asia, total travel time approximately 12-14 hours.
AUD900-1300, 12h-14h
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