Perfect Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 10 Days for First-Time Travelers

Experience the Best: Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 10 Days 

As the trip to two countries will last only 10 days, it seems to be rushed yet still possible to explore some highlight destinations. Take a look at the following suggestion for a 10-day trip between Vietnam and Cambodia:

Day 1 - 2: Siem Reap

Your trip will begin at a famous tourist city - Siem Reap. First, you will explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Angkor Wat, which is one of the world's largest and most significant religious monuments.

Spend your time admiring the detailed bas-reliefs that display scenes from Hindu mythology, typically the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. A visit to the mysterious 12th-century temples Bayon and Ta Prohm is also a must when you are in the Angkor complex, which offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and the beauty of ancient architecture intertwined with nature

Discover the mysterious charm of temples in Angkor Wat

On the second day, if you want to learn about Cambodia's history, go to the Angkor National Museum. With its large collection of Khmer Empire relics, this museum offers insights into the history and culture of the area.

In the afternoon, you can embrace the tranquillity while fishing on a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Also, take your chance to enjoy iconic street food like Lok Lak or Amok at the Old Market, the price of each dish will range from US $1 - 3.

Day 3 - 4: Hanoi

On day 3, you will transfer to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. After the flight, you can refresh at Hoan Kiem Lake - a popular destination for both locals and tourists, which is known for its tranquil beauty and historical legends. Then go around the Old Quarter to admire the iconic ‘tube houses’ structures along the narrow streets on a cyclo. While exploring the town, do not forget to try tasty cuisines, especially Pho, Bun Cha, or Banh Mi.

The next day starts with a visit to St. Joseph's Cathedral. You will be overwhelmed by the classic Gothic Revival design, with towering spires, intricate stonework, and stained glass windows. Please note that the opening hours will be from 8:00 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 20:00 daily. Then, you can head to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay your respects to the greatest president who dedicated his whole life to the independence and unification of Vietnam 

Indulge yourself with freshly drafted beer and local snacks

Enjoying the vibrant ambiance at Ta Hien Street is one of the best things to do in the evening. Known as the heart of Hanoi's nightlife, this bustling street is lined with lively bars, street vendors, and outdoor seating, creating a festive atmosphere. You can sit on small plastic stools along the street and enjoy a glass of draft beer for just US $0.5 per glass. 

Alternatively, if late-night eating and drinking is not your thing, go to the water puppet show at Thang Long Theater, where captivating storytelling, music, and artistry come to life on the water. Each show lasts 45 minutes, with the latest starting at 21:15, making it a perfect option for a relaxed evening that lets you end the day early and prepare for tomorrow’s trip.

Day 5: Ninh Binh

After a 2-hour shuttle transfer from Hanoi, you will arrive in Ninh Binh, often called "Ha Long Bay on Land" for its stunning karst landscape and emerald-green rice paddies. While here, do not miss your chance to explore Tam Coc (Three Caves), which is named due to having three famous caves, including Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. Here, your boat glides along the Ngo Dong River, passing through the three caves and marveling at the surrounding scenery.

You will then go to the ancient capital of Vietnam - Hoa Lu. It was chosen as the capital due to its strategic location and natural defenses, surrounded by towering limestone mountains. For a unique experience, you can trek up the mountains to visit the tombs of the Le and Dinh dynasties. The entrance ticket price for Hoa Lu is VND 150.000 per visitor (roughly US $0.75).

Hoa Lu showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture

Day 6: Halong Bay

Your Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 10 days will continue in Halong Bay, with a transfer by bus or car from Ninh Binh. Here, you will immerse yourself in the mysterious charm of the bay on a luxurious cruise. It would be a big loss if you did not kayak on the emerald water and glide into lagoons surrounded by towering cliffs. In case you are not into kayaking, just sunbathe on the beach while enjoying the mesmerizing bay view.

Apart from that, you can explore hidden caves like Thien Cung, Sung Sot, and Me Cung, each offering a unique experience for visitors. These caves are not only known for their intriguing shapes but also for their rich historical significance. Inside, you will find stunning stalactites and stalagmites beautifully illuminated by vibrant lights. Just be sure to wear shoes with good grip, as the cave floors can be quite slippery.

Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape of Halong Bay

Day 7 - 8: Ho Chi Minh City

On day 7, you will head to Ho Chi Minh City. To find the best way to transfer, you can look through the ultimate guide from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh. Independence Palace is the first place to visit this day. This landmark played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War and serves as a powerful symbol of the country’s reunification. 

In the afternoon, you can visit Ben Thanh Market to buy souvenirs and try some local dishes, like Nem (Spring Rolls), Com Tam (Broken Rice), Bun Thit Nuong, etc. for just VND 20,000 - 60,000 (US $1 - 3). 

If you are still craving more after your food tour at Ben Thanh, we recommend extending your trip to the nearby Ho Thi Ky Market. Here, you will find not only traditional Vietnamese dishes but also must-try snacks like Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese Pizza) and Vietnamese sweet soups. This street food paradise offers hundreds of options, with prices ranging from just VND 10,000 - 50,000 (US $0.5 - 2).

Explore the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers at Cu Chi Tunnels

On the next day, you will head to the Cu Chi Tunnels. It is a vast network of underground tunnels with a length of 250 kilometers. Spend your time crawling through sections of the tunnels and experience firsthand the conditions faced by the Vietnam Army.

Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels can take up half or the entire day, so in your spare time afterward, you might enjoy a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and wrap up the day early to rest up for tomorrow's adventure..  

Day 9 - 10: Mekong Delta

After leaving the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, your Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 10 days will take you to the peaceful and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. As your bus or car arrives in the area, you will embark on a sampan ride, meandering through the quaint waterways. The boat will then stop at a quiet village where you can see how the locals live. Here, you will learn how local people make rice paper and coconut candy, which offers insight into local culinary traditions.

The next stop is at the vibrant fruit orchards, where visitors sample fresh fruits like durian, rambutan, or grapefruit. You can also buy some for just VND 20,000 - 40,000/ kg (US $1 - 2).

Try fresh bananas and other fruits at the Mekong Delta

Starting the morning of day 10 at the Cai Rang floating market, you will see boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and other goods. If you still have not had breakfast, have yourself a bowl of Hu Tieu. Then, you can visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang, which is an important Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and intricate sculptures. Remember to dress with your shoulders and knees covered at the religious site to show respect.

Is 10 days enough for Vietnam - Cambodia? 

Yes, it is possible to spend 10 days traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia. However, the itinerary is quite rushed, so it may only be suitable for couples or groups of travelers. If you want to have more decent experiences but are not in a hurry, have a look at the following trips:

• Best of Vietnam and Cambodia 15 days - From US $1419 /pax

Apart from the mentioned cities, this 15-day Vietnam Cambodia itinerary takes you to Hoi An Ancient Town to enjoy the tranquil ambiance while wandering through old houses. Also, you will be able to discover famous cultural landmarks, typically Wat Phnom, in Phnom Penh.

• Essential Vietnam and Cambodia 17 days - From US $1779 /pax

The trip lasts 17 days with 10 destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia. What makes this trip so unique is the venture to Cat Cat & Sin Chai Villages, two ethnic villages in Sapa, Vietnam. These two ethnic villages offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Vietnam's minority communities. Also in Vietnam, you will have a chance to pass through the “best coastal way” Hai Van Pass, and visit the Imperial Citadel - a World Heritage recognized by UNESCO.   

• Vietnam and Cambodia Grand Discovery 3 weeks - From US $2329 /pax

The Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 3 weeks package includes 9 destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia. The difference between this trip and the previous one is that you can try the local bamboo train in Battambang. Also, you will participate in a cooking class in Battambang to learn more about delicious traditional Cambodian dishes.

Besides, if you want to fully enjoy the beauty of Southeast Asia,  extending your trip to 14 days by adding Thailand is a fantastic idea. With just 4 extra days in Thailand, you will have a chance to explore the country’s famous pagodas, taste more iconic street food. Here’s the recommendation for your Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia itinerary: 

• Vietnam Cambodia Thailand at Glance 2 Weeks - From $2089 /pax

Like any Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 10 days, you will start your journey in Hanoi, exploring Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh city, Mekong and Siem Reap. In the added 4 days, you can wrap up your adventure in Thailand by visiting Bangkok's top temples, cruising through the charming canals of Thonburi, and visiting the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site with fascinating historic ruins.

How much to spend for a Vietnam Cambodia 10-day itinerary?

Costs may vary from US $1800 - 3100, depending on the season, hotel type, transportation, and your personal preferences. For reference, you can have a look at some fixed expenses in your 10 days in Vietnam and Cambodia:

How to travel between Vietnam and Cambodia?

To help you have a smooth Vietnam Cambodia 10-day itinerary, BestPrice Travel will provide a detailed comparison among means of transportation. 

Note: To travel between locations within Vietnam or Cambodia, you should call a taxi or Grab for a reasonable price.

What kind of visa do you need to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?

Both Vietnam and Cambodia offer various visa options for international travelers. Here are some things that you should know about it.

Visa Cambodia

If you are a citizen of certain Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, you can enter Cambodia without a visa. However, depending on your nationality, the free-entry period will range from 14 to 30 days.

If you are required to have a Visa, the easiest way is to apply for E-Visa through the official Cambodia e-Visa website. You will need a digital passport-sized photo, a valid passport, and a credit /debit card for payment. The Visa will be valid for 30 days and allows a single entry into Cambodia. It will take you 3 business days and around US $36 to have an E-Visa.

Also, you can obtain a visa on arrival at Cambodia’s international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville) and border crossings. It will be typically valid for 30 days for around US $30. Please prepare a passport valid for at least six months from the entry date and a passport-sized photo to make your Visa.

Visa Vietnam

Some nationalities are allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified period. The visa exemption period varies depending on the country:

• 14 Days: Brunei and Myanmar
• 15 Days: Japan, South Korea, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belarus
• 21 Days: Philippines
• 30 Days: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos
• 90 Days: Chile

If you are not in these countries or plan to stay longer than the exempted period, you must apply for a visa. The most common one will be the E-Visa. It is available in over 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and many European Union countries. E-Visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and you can apply online. The application costs US $25 per entry and may take roughly 3 business days to process.

Travelers not eligible for E-visas can apply for a Standard Tourist Visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. This Visa type is available for single or multiple entries and is valid for 30 or 90 days. Usually, it would take about  3 - 7 business days to have your Visa.  Before making a Visa, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.

8 Useful tips for Vietnam Cambodia 10 days itinerary

To have a smooth travel, it is crucial to prepare yourself with some valuable tips. Here are some suggestions you can refer to: 

• Research customs and social norms in Vietnam and Cambodia to avoid unwanted situations.
• Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate. Also, modest attire should be included for temple visits.
• You should bargain when buying souvenirs, as some sellers may have a higher price for foreign visitors. You can even ask for prices at different stores for the best reference.
• Buy yourself a local SIM card for internet access. Vietnam and Cambodia both offer affordable data packages, which are helpful for navigation and staying in touch.
• Be aware of safe and dangerous areas, take care of personal property and avoid potentially risky situations.
• Ensure you have travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities, especially if you plan on kayaking in Halong Bay or cycling in the Mekong Delta.
• Bringing a Visa /Mastercard to pay at hotels and restaurants is more convenient. Also, you should exchange for a small amount of local cash to spend for souvenirs or local foods.
• It is a good idea to have a translation app to help understand what the locals are saying. Besides, learning a few common phrases will also help you connect with them better.

Wear polite clothes when visiting temples or other solemn places

FAQ

1. When is the best time for a Vietnam Cambodia itinerary in 10 Days?

To have a decent trip, you should avoid rainy seasons and muggy months. Here are some suggestions about suitable periods for your travel: 

• The best time to travel: From November to April of the following year - this period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with less rainfall and cooler temperatures. Hence,  it is ideal for you to explore outdoor attractions and participate in activities like trekking and cycling.
• Money-saving option: To cut expenses, consider visiting during the rainy season - June through October. You should, however, be cautious about clothing and personal items and be adaptable to modify plans as needed.

2. How can I maximize my time during a Vietnam Cambodia 10 day itinerary?

You can make the most of your time by planning clearly. Some factors may include choosing fast transportation, prioritizing attractions that are close together, and considering joining a group tour.

3. How should I split my time between Vietnam and Cambodia in a 10-day itinerary?

It will depend on your desire. However, you should spend about 5 - 6 days in Vietnam and 4 - 5 days in Cambodia to explore the main destinations.

4. Is it safe to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia?

Yes, both Vietnam and Cambodia are safe destinations for tourists. However, you should be cautious about basic safety precautions such as keeping your belongings safe and obeying local laws.

5. What are some recommended souvenirs to buy from Vietnam and Cambodia?

Here are some recommended souvenirs to buy from both Vietnam and Cambodia:

• Vietnam: Lacquerware, Non La (Conical Hat), Ao Dai, silk products, and coffee

• Cambodia: Khmer silk scarves, wood carvings, Angkor Wat replicas and silver jewelry.

Note: If you're traveling with limited luggage space, choose souvenirs that are lightweight and easy to pack.

Conclusion

Here is the ultimate guide to Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary 10 Days for First-time travelers. Whether it is the yummy taste of Pho or enjoying a sunrise over the ancient ruins, they will leave a lasting imprint on your heart. Ready to start your Asia adventure? Do not hesitate to contact BestPrice Travel now for your unique experiences.