Is 8 days enough to see Vietnam and Cambodia?

Yes, 8 days is a reasonable amount of time to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia. While it won’t allow you to explore every corner of these two countries, it is sufficient to visit some of the most iconic and worthwhile destinations.

For an 8-day trip, I suggest visiting two regions of Vietnam (north, central, or south) and then exploring Cambodia's two must-see cities, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Alternatively, you can focus only on southern Vietnam before heading to Cambodia. It is all about deciding which places are on your must-visit list.

Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days

8 days to Vietnam and Cambodia trip

Suggested Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 Days

Below is a detailed suggested itinerary for Vietnam and Cambodia that you can follow:

 

Destination

Things to do

Overnight

Day 1

Hanoi Arrival

  • After the flight, check in to the hotel and take some time to rest. 

  • In the afternoon, explore the Old Quarter area, including Train Street, Beer Street, Sword Lake, and Walking Street (open from Friday evening to Sunday night).

Hanoi

Day 2

Halong Bay

  • Have breakfast.

  • Take a 2-hour bus ride to Halong.

  • Board the cruise, check in, and enjoy lunch on board.

  • In the afternoon, go kayaking in the bay, visit islands, swim, and join a cooking class followed by a sunset party.

Halong Cruise

Day 3

Ho Chi Minh City

  • Start your morning with a Tai Chi session.

  • Visit a fishing village or explore caves in the bay.

  • Have a light snack.

  • Check out and return to the harbor.

  • Head to Hanoi Airport and take a 2-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Check into your hotel.

  • Join a motorbike tour to discover the vibrant nightlife and street food of Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 4

Mekong Delta - City Tour

  • Take a long bus ride to explore My Tho - Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, engaging in various activities:

  • Ride a motorboat on the river, visit lush orchards, and explore river islands.

  • Savor tropical fruits, enjoy traditional folk music, and visit local coconut, honey, and chocolate factories.

  • Sample infused rice wine, visit fish farms and enjoy a homemade meal at a countryside house.

  • Take a sampan boat ride through coconut forests.

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 5

Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh

  • Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by either plane or bus.

  • After checking into your hotel, explore Phnom Penh by visiting the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom Temple.

  • In the evening, enjoy dinner on a Mekong River cruise and stroll through Phnom Penh's night market.

Phnom Penh

Day 6

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

  • In the morning, visit Tuol Sleng Museum, Choeun Ek Genocidal Center, and the National Museum.

  • Check out from the hotel and have lunch.

  • Travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

  • Purchase a day pass to explore the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom temple complexes.

  • In the evening, enjoy dinner while watching a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Siem Reap

Day 7

Angkor Temples

  • Purchase a day pass to explore the iconic Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom temples.

  • In the evening, enjoy a dinner accompanied by a captivating traditional Apsara dance performance.

Siem Reap

Day 8

Siem Reap Departure

  • In the morning, relax at your hotel or take a visit to the Tonle Sap Lake area, exploring the floating villages and enjoying a boat ride.

  • Return to your hotel for check-out.

  • Catch your flight back to conclude your trip.

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Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days

Explore Vietnam and Cambodia in 8 days with fulfilling experiences

Another option is to explore Central and Southern Vietnam before heading to Cambodia. You could spend days 1-3 in Da Nang and Hoi An, finishing the Vietnam portion in the south for more convenient travel to Cambodia via plane, bus, cruise, or speedboat.

For more fun activities and dining options in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, check out the restaurant and bar recommendations on our website to make the most of your free time in these cities.

Budget

The average budget for a Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days is $800–$1,500 per person. Here is a breakdown of the costs:

Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days

Travel cost for Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days

Category

Budget (USD/person)

Mid-range (USD/person)

Luxury (USD/person)

Visa

50

50 - 100

50 - 100+

Flights (ticket)

120 - 250

300 - 500

500+

Accommodation/night

10 - 15

15 - 20

50+

Meals/day

10 - 15

15 - 20

40+

Transportation (domestic)/day

10 - 30

20 - 30

50+

Entry fees

60 - 80

100

200+

Miscellaneous

50 - 60

100 - 150

150+

Total

630 - 1,100

1,200 - 1,900

2,000+
 

This budget excludes international flights. Here are a few budgeting tips:

Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days

Budget tips for your Vietnam - Cambodia trip

  • Traveling in a group can help lower the overall cost through group package discounts.

  • In Vietnam, you will need to exchange your money for VND

  • In Cambodia, you can use USD and Riel (Cambodia currency)

  • SIM cards and money exchange are readily available at border crossings and airports.

  • You can download taxi apps like Xanh SM, Grab, or Be in Vietnam, and Grab, PassApp, WeGo, or TADA in Cambodia to avoid taxi scams.

  • In local markets, bargaining is expected.

  • Street food and local convenience stores offer affordable meal options, or you can use food delivery apps.

  • Always agree on prices before using services to avoid unexpected fees.

  • Buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia cost around $20–$25 per person, and the trip takes 6–7 hours. Buses from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap are around $10–$20. You can consider traveling by bus to save costs.

Travel Tips

To make your Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days seamless and enjoyable, consider these travel tips:

Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days

Advice for Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days

  • The best time to visit both countries is from November to March when the weather is dry and pleasant.

  • Apply for visas in advance and keep your travel documents safe.

  • Purchase travel insurance before your trip.

  • Pack light, breathable clothes suitable for the tropical climate.

  • Stay hydrated and avoid drinking tap water.

  • While locals in Vietnam and Cambodia are friendly, be cautious of inflated prices and pickpockets in crowded areas.

  • Dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples in both countries.

  • Prices during public holidays may be higher, but these times also offer unique cultural experiences. Check whether your travel dates coincide with national holidays in 2 countries.

  • Traffic in the big cities can be chaotic at first and make you feel culture-shocked, but crossing the street is easy once you get used to it.

To complete your understanding, read our article on Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary!

These are the essential details about Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 8 days to help you plan your trip effectively. If you would like more in-depth information about Vietnam tours or need additional support and advice for your journey, feel free to reach out by leaving us a message.