3 Weeks in Vietnam & Cambodia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Highlights Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

This highlights tour is excellent for first-time visitors interested in a blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. You'll cover the length of Vietnam and visit historical sites in Hanoi, take a boat ride through the waterways and caves of Ninh Binh, cruise Ha Long Bay, see Hue by dragon boat, bike the countryside and participate in a cooking class in Hoi An, dive into wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels, and boat and bike in the Mekong Delta region. Then you're off to Cambodia to enjoy an Apsara dance performance and wander the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. Given the abundance of boat activities, it's also ideal for those comfortable traveling by water. 

Dive into Vietnamese culture and history with a water puppet show on arrival in Hanoi, followed by a tour of significant sites, such as the Museum of Ethnology and the oldest Buddhist shrine in the city. Next, you'll transfer to Ninh Binh province, where you'll bike between villages and experience Trang An's waterways and limestone caves on a sampan (flat-bottom boat) before heading to Ha Long Bay for a two-day cruise. Fly to Hue on Day 6 for a dragon boat tour that includes a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, your driver will whisk you away to Hoi An for a bike tour, basketboat ride, and cooking workshop.

After three nights, you're off to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll attend a bamboo circus, get a history lesson at the Cu Chi Tunnels, and spend a day boating and biking in the Mekong Delta region, known as Vietnam's rice bowl. Next, you'll fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, for another three nights. You'll take in an Apsara dinner and dance performance and visit the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. Before you know it, you'll transfer to Battambang, where you'll tour historic temples and markets. Finally, wrap up your trip in Phnom Penh with a celebratory sunset cruise and a city tour that includes the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Epic Cultural Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

Aspiring chefs and food-focused travelers will appreciate the culinary experiences on this cultural itinerary. You'll sample street food in Hanoi, participate in a cooking class on board a Ha Long Bay cruise, prepare regional cuisine in a culinary workshop in Hoi An, barter for fresh produce at the floating markets in Cai Be and Cai Rang, and taste local eats in Siem Reap's markets. In addition, you'll learn about local history and culture through a variety of experiences that include a hike in Sapa, a day trip to Cham Ethnic Village, and tours of popular sites such as Cu Chi Tunnels and Angkor Wat.

Get to know Hanoi at your own pace on a self-guided tour before creating a keepsake in a pottery workshop at the Bat Trang Pottery Village. You'll also have time to sample street food on a tasting tour, visit the One Pillar Pagoda and other landmarks, and prepare Vietnamese dishes in a cooking class at Hoang's restaurant in the Old Quarter. Take the overnight train to Lao Cai on Day 4, where you'll meet your driver and head to Sapa for a hike to the hill tribe villages. The following day, ride the cable car to Mount Fansipan, Vietnam's tallest mountain, then continue on a scenic drive through the "Heaven's Gate" mountain pass.

Catch the train to Hanoi next and transfer to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise that includes a cooking class. Fly to Da Nang and continue to Hoi An for a cooking workshop in Tra Que Vegetable Village. Take a day trip to see the stone hands that hold up the Golden Bridge, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City on Day 12 for a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and a visit to Cai Be's floating market. Go bird-watching in Chau Doc before taking a speedboat to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where you'll tour important sites like the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Your journey concludes in Siem Reap with a full day dedicated to discovering the Angkor temples. Learn more

Itinerary #3: UNESCO Treasures of Vietnam & Cambodia: Caves, Temples & Ruins

This UNESCO treasures itinerary is a fit for history buffs and culture enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of popular sites and those that are a bit off the beaten track. Highlights include a boat ride in Phong Nha Cave, a visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a day trip to the Hindu temple at My Son Sanctuary, sobering visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a student-led bike ride through the Battambang countryside, a boat ride to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, and sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Get your first taste of Vietnam, such as pho (noodle soup) and nem chua (fermented pork), on a street food tour in Hanoi before visiting historic landmarks like the Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Next, head to Ha Long Bay, where you'll sail to secret coves on an overnight cruise. Fly to Dong Hoi for a boat ride in Phong Nha Cave, then continue to Hue, where you'll learn about wartime history at the Vinh Moc Tunnels. Capture photos on the drive along the Hai Van Pass en route to Hoi An, your base for a boat ride on Thu Bon River, and a day trip to the red brick ruins of My Son Sanctuary.

Catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City on Day 10 for a heritage tour and a chance to meet artisans along the Mekong Delta. Then, you'll jet off to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, and take a somber look into the country's dark past with tours to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. The following day, your driver will take you to Battambang for a ride on the Bamboo Train and a student-led cycling trip through the countryside. Your adventures end in Siem Reap with a boat trip to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, sunrise at Angkor Wat, and a tasting tour by tuk-tuk. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Nature & Culture in Vietnam & Cambodia

Discover Vietnam and Cambodia's natural beauty, culture, crafts, and markets on this multicountry trip. Taste local cuisine at Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, craft a ceramic souvenir at Bat Trang Pottery Village, trek to Sapa's hill tribe villages, participate in a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An, visit the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, learn about the Khmer Rouge era on guided tours in Phnom Penh, and celebrate your adventures with a sunset Mekong River cruise.

Explore the Old Quarter at your own pace on arrival in Hanoi, perhaps shopping for souvenirs on Hang Gai Street and sampling local fare at Dong Xuan Market. Try your hand at ceramics in a pottery workshop at Bat Trang Pottery Village, then refuel with a tasting tour back in the Old Quarter. A guided hike through rice paddies and villages provides a chance to experience the countryside and engage with locals before departing for a two-day Ha Long Bay cruise. Afterward, board a train to Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa, where you'll visit hill tribe villages and admire the panoramic vistas on the cable car up Fansipan mountain.

Return to Hanoi and catch a flight to Da Nang, where your driver will transfer you to Hoi An. Tour Ancient Town, bike to Tra Que for a cooking class, and light lanterns on a sunset boat ride. Then, fly to Ho Chi Minh City for a temple tour and shopping in Ben Thanh Market. Experience the floating markets of the Mekong Delta before boarding a speedboat to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Finally, fit in some last-minute shopping at the Russian Market, learn about the Khmer Rouge era on guided tours of significant sites such as the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, and enjoy a sunset Mekong River cruise. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Hidden Corners of Vietnam & Cambodia: Mountains, Cities & Beaches

Honeymooners and travelers seeking a beach getaway sprinkled with culture and history will enjoy this adventure. Along the way, you'll experience a Michelin-star dining experience in Hanoi, a hike in the Muong Hoa Valley where you'll meet hill tribe villagers, a two-night cruise and kayaking in Ha Long Bay, a visit to the world-renowned Angkor ruins, island hopping around Nha Trang, and a bioluminescence tour in Koh Rong. 

Start your Southeast Asia adventure in style with dinner at Tam Vi, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hanoi. After a good night's rest, meet your driver for the trip north to Sapa, where you'll have a chance to hike in the Muong Hoa Valley, meet hill tribe villagers, and learn about their way of life. Then, your driver will take you south to Ninh Binh for a traditional sampan raft ride and a tour of the Hoa Lu temples before heading to Ha Long Bay, where you'll spend three days sailing, swimming, and kayaking among the towering karst formations. Next, you'll be transferred back to Hanoi for a flight to Nha Trang.

After island hopping and snorkeling around Nha Trang, travel up the coast, where you'll have free time in Phu Yen to swim in secluded lagoons. Then, fly to Ho Chi Minh City for a sunset cruise before flying to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Here, you'll experience a traditional Apsara dance performance, tour the Angkor Temples, and visit the floating villages on Tonlé Sap. Escape again to the beach—this time, the island of Koh Rong, where you can snorkel, sunbathe, and embark on a bioluminescence experience. Your trip concludes with a cyclo tour of Phnom Penh before your flight home. Learn more

More Great Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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