A two week stay in Vietnam and Cambodia is easily enough time to see and explore the most memorable highlights. Whether it is the ancient capital of Hanoi, a traveller favourite like historic Hoi An, the emerald waters of Halong Bay, or the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City, there is plenty to see and do in Vietnam. But, when combined with Cambodia, the travel itinerary will now include the delights of the capital Phnom Penh and magnificent temples of Angkor.
When to go
The preferred time to plan a Vietnam holiday is likely to include the spring and autumn time when the weather is more pleasant: less change of heavy rain and not too cold or hot. Cambodia has a climate that is typically warm and pleasant year-round. Even though Cambodia has a rainy season lasting from May to October, the showers in the afternoon aren't likely to have a significant impact on the daily travels. For travellers planning the combined tour to Vietnam and Cambodia, the best time to travel is November to April when there is less rainfall and humidity. However, this is a busy time of year for tourist activity, so it will benefit to book well in advance.
Two weeks travel itinerary
Many of the great places to visit include:
Hanoi
Hanoi is a great place to start the tour with the opportunity to take a relaxing walk through the Old Quarter and to visit Hoan Kiem Lake. Also, there are plenty of things to see a little distance from the city centre, such as the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo prison and Vietnam museum of ethnology. Also, this is a great time to get familiar with the local cuisine and enjoy the popular street food scene.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a fascinating destination to visit after leaving Hanoi. It is easily reached by road in about 3 or 4 hours and makes it possible to experience a wonderful overnight cruise on a local boat. Beyond the scenic sights, limestone islands and mysterious caves to explore, there are plenty of water-based activities to enjoy, such as swimming and kayaking.
Other activities to enjoy on a relaxing cruise include karaoke, yoga, cooking classes, and simply relaxing on the boat deck to appreciate the sunset in the evening.
Hue
A visit to Hue is certain to please the tourist in search of cultural and historical value with its many tombs, pagodas and other significant structures, as well as the local countryside that is well worth exploring. A few of the top places to visit include the Tombs of the Emperors, Long An Palace Museum, Dong Ba Market, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Citadel. This is a very romantic and poetic city with plenty to see and a boat tour along the Perfume River is well worth experiencing.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a relatively short distance from Hue and has plenty of things to interest the tourists on the multi-country tour, such as visiting the temples, beaches, tailors, and taking a food tour to appreciate the local cuisine.
Danang
Danang is easily reached from Hoi An by bus and makes a great place to visit on the 2 week tour in Vietnam and Cambodia. Must-visit attractions include the pristine beaches, Linh Ung pagoda, Champa museum and Dragon Bridge. Also, for family entertainment, the day-trip to Asia Park and Bana Hill is certain to appeal.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is nearly 500 km from Danang, which can take over 10 hours by bus or train, so a domestic flight to this city is the faster alternative. On arriving in Nha Trang, there are plenty of white sandy beaches, islands and wonderful water sports to enjoy. Also, this coastal city is a great place to appreciate the region's diverse range of fresh seafood.
Ho Chi Minh City
The next stage of the Vietnam Cambodia tour takes tourists to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City. The fastest travel option to complete the 400 km journey is plane, but the train and bus service also make a budget-friendly option. A city tour on arrival can include plenty of amazing and famous places, such as the Saigon Opera House, Artinus 3D Museum, Gia Long Palace and Museum of Fine Arts.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi tunnels are located approx 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City and make one of the most popular tourist attractions in the local area. The network of tunnels played a notable role in the Vietnam War and span a total length of 220 km. Parts of the tunnel have been widened and made safe for tourists to get a glimpse of what life was like below ground.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a must-see part of South Vietnam. The best method to explore the region is by boat with plenty of excursions, activities and attractions to experience. There are plenty of flowering bonsai trees, orchards and tropical fruits to see. A few of the top things to do include cycling through the local villages, paddling out to see one or more of the floating markets, or visiting a fishing farm.
Phnom Penh
The capital Phnom Penh is a common entry point to Cambodia. Taking a flight will save a lot of time, but there is also the option to take a 6 hours bus ride to the city from Ho Chi Minh City. Once in Phnom Penh there are plenty of things to see, such as the Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda, The Royal Palace, Genocide Museum and Tuol Sleng. Also, a great thing to do on the family Indochina tour is to sign up for the cooking class to really appreciate the local cuisine.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is certain to be a must visit destination on the Cambodia travel packages. It is only a 45 minute flight from the capital or a 5 hour bus journey. This resort town gives easy access to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat as well as many other historic temples like Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm and Ba Yon. Additionally, for the tourists with at little time left at the end of the tour, a trip to the Phnom Kulen National Park is likely to interest those with an adventurous spirit.
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