For most travelers, 10 to 13 days is the perfect amount of time for a Vietnam and Cambodia trip, with stops in Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include the city of Hue. Keep reading for more inspiring Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay itineraries.
## How Many Days Do You Need in Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay?
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia and wondering how much time to dedicate to each destination? Many travelers find themselves pondering the ideal length of stay when combining the cultural and natural wonders of Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, and the breathtaking Ha Long Bay. The answer, of course, depends on your interests and travel style, but we can offer some general guidelines.
Most travelers allocate approximately 10 to 13 days to explore Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay in a combined itinerary. This timeframe allows for a good balance of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and relaxation. It provides enough time to experience the highlights of each location without feeling overly rushed.
However, if you have 14 days or more at your disposal, you’ll find that most travelers opt to extend their journey by incorporating additional destinations or activities. This allows for a more in-depth exploration of the region and a chance to discover hidden gems.
The most common extension to this popular itinerary is a visit to Hue, a city steeped in history and culture. Hue offers a unique perspective on Vietnam’s past and provides a fascinating contrast to the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
## Recommended Itineraries for Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
### Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days
**(Image of Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap with caption: Spend your last full day exploring the Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap)**
This 12-day itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, showcasing the diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and ancient wonders of these captivating countries.
**Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival and Street Food Delights**
Your journey begins in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere with a guided street food tour. Sample local delicacies, learn about Vietnamese cuisine, and soak in the sights and sounds of this bustling metropolis. Overnight in Hanoi.
**Day 2: Hanoi City Tour & Water Puppet Experience**
Explore Hanoi’s historical and cultural landmarks with a comprehensive city tour. Visit iconic sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the One Pillar Pagoda. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet show, a unique art form that showcases Vietnamese folklore. Overnight in Hanoi.
**Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Overnight Cruise & Optional Activities**
Escape the city and journey to the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on an overnight cruise through the bay, marveling at the towering limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy optional activities such as kayaking, swimming, or exploring hidden caves. Overnight in Ha Long Bay.
**Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hoi An (via Hanoi)**
Wake up to breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay and enjoy a final morning cruise before transferring back to Hanoi for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival in Hoi An, settle into your hotel and prepare to explore this charming ancient town. Overnight in Hoi An.
**Day 5: Bana Hills Day Trip**
Embark on a day trip to Bana Hills, a mountain resort offering stunning panoramic views and unique attractions, including the famous Golden Hand Bridge. Explore the French Village, ride the cable car, and enjoy the cool mountain air. Overnight in Hoi An.
**Day 6: My Son Sanctuary & Flight to Ho Chi Minh City**
Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the ancient ruins of the Champa civilization. In the afternoon, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant economic hub of Vietnam. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
**Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour**
Delve into Vietnam’s wartime history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Afterward, explore Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks, including the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
**Day 8: Mekong Delta Day Trip**
Escape the city and embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a vast network of waterways, rice paddies, and floating markets. Experience the local way of life, visit traditional workshops, and sample fresh fruits. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
**Day 9: Siem Reap – Arrival and Exploration**
Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor temples. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and begin exploring the town, visiting local markets and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Siem Reap.
**Day 10: Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre & Roluos Temples**
Discover the intricate carvings and delicate beauty of Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women.” Explore the well-preserved temple of Banteay Samre and the ancient Roluos temples, offering a glimpse into the early Angkorian period. Overnight in Siem Reap.
**Day 11: Angkor Temple Complex Exploration**
Dedicate a full day to exploring the awe-inspiring Angkor temple complex, including the iconic Angkor Wat, the mysterious Angkor Thom, and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm. Witness the sunrise or sunset over Angkor Wat for an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Siem Reap.
**Day 12: Departure from Siem Reap**
Depart from Siem Reap, filled with memories of your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
This itinerary takes you through Vietnam and Cambodia, offering a diverse and enriching experience. Begin in **Hanoi**, where you can explore the major sites during the day and indulge in the city’s renowned street food scene at night. Then, escape the urban bustle with a tranquil cruise along **Ha Long Bay**. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit **Bana Hills** and marvel at its iconic **Golden Hand Bridge**. Experience the serenity of the **Mekong Delta** as you float along its waterways and explore quaint villages. Finally, venture across the border into Cambodia, where you’ll be captivated by the wonders of **Angkor Wat** and other nearby temples, each with its unique history and architectural style.
## Extended Itineraries
### 15-Day Itinerary Including Hue
**(Image of Ha Long Bay with caption: Take an overnight cruise in the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay)**
This 15-day itinerary builds upon the previous one, adding a visit to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, offering a deeper dive into the country’s history and culture.
**Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival and Exploration**
Arrive in Hanoi and begin exploring the city’s Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. Sample local specialties and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Hanoi.
**Day 2: Cycle Through Hanoi’s Rural Villages**
Escape the city and embark on a cycling tour through the rural villages surrounding Hanoi. Experience the traditional way of life, visit local farms, and enjoy the scenic countryside. Overnight in Hanoi.
**Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Overnight Cruise**
Transfer to Ha Long Bay and embark on an overnight cruise. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, kayak through hidden caves, and relax on the sundeck. Overnight in Ha Long Bay.
**Day 4: Return to Hanoi, Overnight Train to Hue**
Return to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay. In the evening, board an overnight train to Hue, a journey that allows you to experience the Vietnamese countryside in a unique way.
**Day 5: Arrive in Hue, Perfume River Boat Tour & Countryside Cycling**
Arrive in Hue and embark on a scenic boat tour along the Perfume River. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple, and cycle through the countryside, exploring local villages and rice paddies. Overnight in Hue.
**Day 6: Coastal Drive to Hoi An**
Enjoy a scenic coastal drive from Hue to Hoi An, stopping at Lang Co Beach and the Hai Van Pass for breathtaking views. Overnight in Hoi An.
**Day 7: Traditional Fishing Excursion & Historic Hoi An Tour**
Experience the local way of life with a traditional fishing excursion. Learn about the techniques used by local fishermen and try your hand at catching fish. In the afternoon, explore the historic town of Hoi An, visiting ancient houses, temples, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight in Hoi An.
**Day 8: Hoi An Organic Village Tour & Cooking Class**
Visit an organic village near Hoi An and learn about traditional farming methods. Participate in a cooking class and learn to prepare local specialties. Overnight in Hoi An.
**Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City**
Fly from Danang (near Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City. Settle into your hotel and prepare to explore this dynamic metropolis. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
**Day 10: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour**
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Afterward, explore Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks, including the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
**Day 11: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta**
Escape the city and embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a vast network of waterways, rice paddies, and floating markets. Experience the local way of life, visit traditional workshops, and sample fresh fruits. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
**Day 12: Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia**
Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and prepare to explore the Angkor temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.
**Day 13: Discover the Angkor Temples**
Dedicate a full day to exploring the awe-inspiring Angkor temple complex, including the iconic Angkor Wat, the mysterious Angkor Thom, and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm. Overnight in Siem Reap.
**Day 14: Visit Kbal Spean & Banteay Srei**
Visit Kbal Spean, also known as the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” a sacred site with intricate carvings in the riverbed. Explore the delicate beauty of Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women.” Overnight in Siem Reap.
**Day 15: Depart Siem Reap**
Depart from Siem Reap, filled with memories of your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
This 15-day itinerary showcases cultural wonders and natural beauty throughout Vietnam and Cambodia. Starting from the busy capital of **Hanoi**, you’ll journey to the magnificent **Ha Long Bay**, cycle through the countryside of **Hue**, and learn about the fishing culture in Hoi An. Journey through the historical sites in **Ho Chi Minh City**, and drift down the **Mekong Delta**. Finally, end your adventure among the ancient temples of Angkor Wat.
## How to travel between Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
**How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay**
If you’re planning a trip from Hanoi to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its iconic limestone formations and lush islands, you’ll find several efficient travel options available. Ha Long Bay sits approximately 108 miles (174 km) east of Hanoi.
**How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap**
The most convenient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Siem Reap, the gateway to the awe-inspiring temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, is typically by taking a direct flight. This journey covers a distance of approximately 287 miles (462km) and usually involves a flight lasting around one hour. For travelers seeking a more extended adventure, the option of a private bus journey exists, offering the possibility to include a stopover in Cambodia’s vibrant capital city, Phnom Penh.
**How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi**
Vietnam’s two primary urban centers, Ho Chi Minh City in the southern region and Hanoi in the northern region, are situated approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) apart. The quickest and easiest way to travel between these cities is by taking a direct flight, typically lasting around two hours. A wide range of flights depart from Ho Chi Minh City’s airport on a daily basis, offering convenient options for travelers.
**How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An**
For travelers planning to travel the 582-mile (938 km) distance between Ho Chi Minh City and the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, there are various transportation alternatives to consider. The most efficient and convenient option is typically a 1.5-hour plane journey to Danang, which is located close to Hoi An. However, for those seeking a more immersive experience, the train offers another possibility, although it is significantly slower, allowing travelers to enjoy Vietnam’s countryside along the way.
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