Why Should You Travel Both Countries
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Convenience: As neighboring countries, Vietnam and Cambodia are easily accessible, whether by air, land, or even waterways.
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Cultural and historical richness: These destinations offer an immersive experience into diverse local cultures and historical legacies, each unique to its land.
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Breathtaking landscapes: The natural beauty of both Vietnam and Cambodia makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and relaxing holidays.
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World heritage sites: Vietnam boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Halong Bay, Trang An Landscape Complex, Citadel of Ho Dynasty, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Hue Citadel, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Relic. Cambodia, in turn, is home to the iconic Angkor Temples—a must-see for history enthusiasts.
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Culinary delights: Vietnam and Cambodia offer a rich and diverse culinary scene that can cater to every palate, even for those on specific diets.
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Affordable travel costs: As of August 2024, Vietnam and Cambodia remain highly affordable destinations. The exchange rates stand at around 1 USD = 24,845 VND (Vietnam) and 11 USD = 4,062.23 Riel (Cambodia), making it easier to access quality services while keeping costs low.
A trip to Vietnam and Cambodia is worth it
How Long To Spend In Vietnam And Cambodia
You can plan your trip or choose package tours that range from a minimum of 7 days to a month or more. The most common travel itineraries are 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks.
A 2-week itinerary is often considered the sweet spot. It strikes the perfect balance, allowing you to explore both countries in-depth while maintaining a reasonable budget. This timeframe gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in both cultures and enjoy a well-rounded experience.
For those short on time, a 1-week itinerary still offers the opportunity to see some of the key highlights in both countries. On the other hand, 3 weeks or more gives you the luxury of taking your time to explore each destination more leisurely. Ultimately, the decision is yours—depending on your interests and how deep you want to dive into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia.
How long to stay in Vietnam and Cambodia for the perfect travel experience
Suggested Itineraries & Budget
To help you better visualize how to spend your time in Vietnam and Cambodia, here are some suggested itineraries and corresponding budgets. Each option gives you a clear idea of what to do and how to plan your days efficiently.
7 days in Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary
A 7-day trip typically divides into 4 days in Vietnam and 3 days in Cambodia. The budget for this itinerary is approximately 800 - 1,300 USD per person. The focus here is on South Vietnam and Cambodia.
Vietnam and Cambodia Itineraries suggested for you
Itinerary |
Overnight |
Transportation |
|
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Fly Motorbike |
Day 2 |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Long Bus |
Day 3 |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Long Bus Boat Sampan boat |
Day 4 |
|
Phnom Penh |
Fly River Cruise |
Day 5 |
|
Siem Reap |
Tuktuk Fly/Long bus |
Day 6 |
|
Siem Reap |
Tuktuk |
Day 7 |
|
- |
Tuktuk Boat |
14 days in Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary
For a 14-day trip, you can explore all three regions of Vietnam before heading to Cambodia. The budget for this journey is around 1,000 - 2,100 USD per person, with 9 days spent in Vietnam and 5 days in Cambodia.
Mysterious and timeless beauty of Cambodia
Itinerary |
Overnight |
Transportation |
|
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 |
|
Hanoi |
Fly Cyclo/Double-decker bus |
Day 2 |
|
Halong Bay |
Long bus Cruise |
Day 3 |
|
Hanoi |
Cruise Long Bus |
Day 4 |
|
Hanoi |
Long bus Boat |
Day 5 |
|
Da Nang |
Fly Motorbike/Long bus |
Day 6 |
|
Da Nang/Hoi An |
Long bus Boat |
Day 7 |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Fly Motorbike |
Day 8 |
|
Can Tho |
Long Bus Boat |
Day 9 |
|
Chau Doc |
Long Bus Boat |
Day 10 |
|
Phnom Penh |
Speedboat |
Day 11 |
|
Phnom Penh |
Tuktuk |
Day 12 |
|
Siem Reap |
Fly/Long bus |
Day 13 |
|
Siem Reap |
Tuktuk/Bike |
Day 14 |
|
- |
Tuktuk Boat |
21 days in Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary
For an extended 21-day trip, you can take your time at each location and explore additional destinations. The budget for this option is around $1,200 - $2,800 per person.
21 days in Vietnam and Cambodia
Itinerary |
Overnight |
Transportation |
|
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 |
|
Hanoi |
Fly Cyclo/Double-decker bus |
Day 2 |
|
Hanoi |
Long bus/motorbike |
Day 3 |
|
Hanoi |
Long bus Boat |
Day 4 |
|
Halong |
Long bus Cruise |
Day 5 |
|
Halong |
Cruise Bicycle |
Day 6 |
|
Hue |
Cruise Long bus Fly |
Day 7 |
|
Da Nang |
Long bus |
Day 8 |
|
Da Nang |
Long bus/ Motorbike |
Day 9 |
|
Hoi An |
Long bus Bicycle/Vespa |
Day 10 |
|
Hoi An |
Long bus |
Day 11 |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Fly |
Day 12 |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Long bus |
Day 13 |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Long bus Boat |
Day 14 |
|
Siem Reap |
Fly |
Day 15 |
|
Siem Reap |
Tuktuk/Motorbike |
Day 16 |
|
Siem Reap |
Tuktuk Boat |
Day 17 |
|
Battambang |
Tuktuk/Bicycle |
Day 18 |
|
Battambang |
Tuktuk |
Day 19 |
|
Phnom Penh |
Long bus |
Day 20 |
|
Phnom Penh |
Tuktuk |
Day 21 |
|
- |
Fly |
Travel Tips
If you already have some ideas about how long to stay in Vietnam and Cambodia, next, check out some helpful tips and advice to better prepare for your trip.
Travel Cambodia by remorks
Visa
Always remember to apply for your visa at least one month before your trip starts to ensure you can enter the countries without issue. Visa requirements for Vietnam and Cambodia vary depending on your nationality, so make sure to verify the specific requirements.
How to get around
The transportation infrastructure in both Vietnam and Cambodia is steadily improving, making it relatively easy to access tourist destinations. Common modes of travel included in 2 countries are planes, long buses, boats, and motorbikes. In Vietnam, you can also take trains for long-distance travel, which is quite convenient. In Cambodia, the most popular form of transportation for tourists is the tuk-tuk (also called remork).
The best time to visit
The best time to visit both countries is from November to March, during the dry season when there is less rain and the weather is not too hot.
Safety and local culture
Vietnam and Cambodia are safe and friendly countries for travelers. Particularly in Vietnam, the local life is stable, and tourism services are improving. However, be cautious about petty theft and inflated prices when shopping. You should keep your belongings secure and double-check prices during transactions.
Floating village in Tonle Sap
Plugs
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In Vietnam, the standard plug types are A, C, and F.
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In Cambodia, the plug types are A, C, and G.
SIM cards and currency exchange
You can easily find SIM cards and currency exchange services at the airports.
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In Vietnam, you will need to exchange for VND (Vietnamese Dong).
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In Cambodia, both USD and KHR (Cambodian Riel) are widely used, with USD being quite common for travel transactions.
Packing tips
Make sure to check the weather at each destination before packing, especially for any essential items you may need that could be difficult to find locally, such as specific medicines or personal care products.
To gain more insights, navigate to our post about Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries!
To Sum Up
How long to spend in Vietnam and Cambodia? It could be 7 days, 14 days, or even more—it all depends on how much time you can dedicate to travel, your budget, and how well you prepare for your trip. I hope the information provided has given you useful insights for making your decision. You can check detailed travel guides, day-by-day itineraries, and travel deals for Vietnam tours on our website. Feel free to leave us a message if you need further assistance.