12-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Adventure: Hanoi to Siem Reap via Ninh Binh, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy authentic Hanoi pho at this popular spot, known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients to start your day right.
VND60000, 1h0m

10:45am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake, a sacred spot in the city.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor traditional bun cha, grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, famously enjoyed by President Obama during his visit.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, checking out local shops, markets, and street art.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university, a peaceful historical site with beautiful gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
VND30000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try Hanoi's signature dish Cha Ca, turmeric fish cooked with dill and served with noodles and peanuts.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ninh Binh & Trang An

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Take an early morning drive (~2 hours) from Hanoi to Ninh Binh to maximize your day exploring the landscape.
VND250000 (private car), 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Ninh Binh Central Market

Enjoy local Vietnamese breakfast dishes such as banh cuon or pho at the vibrant market atmosphere.
VND40000, 1h

10:45am

Boat Tour at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take a 2-3 hour boat ride through the limestone karsts and caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning scenery and cultural insight.
VND200000, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Com Chay Nang Tam

Taste vegetarian and traditional rice dishes in a cozy restaurant specializing in local cuisine.
VND80000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, known for its beautiful statues and panoramic views of the area.
VND60000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at local Ninh Binh restaurant

Try goat meat specialties, a regional delicacy, accompanied by fresh vegetables.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Danang City

Danang, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Danang from Ninh Binh

Take a morning flight or overnight train south to Danang to begin coastal adventures.
USD50 (flight), 1h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Sample one of Danang’s most famous banh mi sandwiches for a quick and tasty meal.
VND35000, 0h45m

11:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas, and viewpoints atop these five marble and limestone hills near Danang, open daily 7am-5pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Madam Lan

Enjoy authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine, including Mi Quang noodles and fresh seafood in a charming atmosphere.
VND90000, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon swimming or sunbathing on Danang’s well-known sandy beach.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang

Dine at a riverside restaurant, sampling fresh seafood while enjoying Danang’s evening skyline.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Coconut Village Visit

Cam Thanh Coconut Village, near Hoi An, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Coconut Village

Transfer from Danang to the nearby Cam Thanh Coconut Village, about 30 minutes away.
VND150000 (transport), 0h30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Village Local Eatery

Sample fresh tropical fruits and local breakfast dishes in a village setting.
VND50000, 0h45m

9:45am

Coconut Village Basket Boat Tour

Experience a unique basket boat ride through the coconut palm forest waterways, learning traditional fishing techniques.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Village Home Restaurant

Enjoy authentic local Vietnamese rural cuisine prepared by village families.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bicycle Tour Around Village

Cycle through the village paths and coconut groves to explore daily life and scenic nature.
VND30000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Danang

Travel back to Danang to rest or prepare for the next day.
VND150000, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Maison 1888

Treat yourself to fine dining at one of Danang’s top luxury restaurants specializing in French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
VND1000000, 2h0m
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, taking about 1.5 hours.
USD40, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Enjoy some of the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City, a must-try noodle soup for visitors.
VND60000, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits detailing the Vietnam War’s history and impact, a sobering but essential cultural stop.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Sample a variety of local dishes, street food, and fresh fruit from market vendors.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

See these iconic French colonial landmarks located close to each other in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Experience the vibrant nightlife and street performances on this popular pedestrian boulevard.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on delicious and authentic Southern Vietnamese dishes in a charming rustic atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine Cafe

Start your day with coffee and western-style breakfast in this trendy café/gallery.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day trip to explore the famous underground network used during the Vietnam War, about 1.5 hours outside the city.
VND250000, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at local market near Cu Chi

Enjoy simple, hearty Vietnamese dishes served at a market food stall after your tour.
VND60000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax

Spend the rest of the afternoon resting or exploring local shops at your leisure.
Free, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with traditional Vietnamese dishes in a quiet garden setting in the city center.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

Take a morning flight to Siem Reap to start your Cambodia experience.
USD70, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Enjoy fresh coffee and organic food to energize before temple explorations.
USD5, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Angkor National Museum

Gain deeper understanding of the Angkor Wat temples and Khmer history, open 8am-6pm.
USD12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Red Piano

Dine at a popular spot for western and Khmer fusion cuisine famous among travelers.
USD10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Angkor Wat Main Temple

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, open 5am-6pm.
USD37 (1-day pass), 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Chanrey Tree

Enjoy traditional Khmer dishes made from locally sourced ingredients in a beautiful setting beside the river.
USD15, 1h30m
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