Hello, my name is Veronique and I have just experienced an unforgettable 7 days Vietnam Cambodia tour. Last January, I had the chance to go on this wonderful journey through two fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. To make this experience even more memorable, I chose to go through a travel agency in Asia, Autour Asia, which perfectly organized each step of my itinerary. Between the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, the serenity of Halong Bay and the majesty of the Angkor temples, this trip was a real mix of cultural discoveries and moments of relaxation. Here I share with you my Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 7 days to inspire you in the preparation of your own adventure!
My 7-day tour Vietnam Cambodia was a beautiful interlude, rich in discoveries and contrasts. I was touched by the chaotic yet endearing energy of Hanoi, amazed by the peaceful scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay, and deeply moved as I walked among the temples of Angkor. Each stop offered something special – surprise, serenity, or simply the joy of being present. For a reasonable price, I was able to enjoy a good balance between comfort and local immersion. The pace was steady, of course, but I don't regret it for a minute.
So here is my Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 7 days and my detailed day-by-day program – hoping that it will help those who are planning a Vietnam Cambodia tour 7 days to prepare their own adventure serenely.
As soon as I left Noi Bai airport, I felt the unique effervescence of Hanoi on this Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 7 days. The visit to Hanoi really begins in the alleys of the Old Quarter, which vibrate to the rhythm of local life: scooters zigzagging between fruit stalls, street vendors shouting their specialties, and the scent of fresh herbs wafting everywhere. My first morning was dedicated to visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a solemn, almost moving experience. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to arrive early (around 7:30 am) and to wear decent clothing (no tank tops or shorts). Then, I was charmed by the Temple of Literature, a haven of peace in the heart of the city.
In the afternoon, I decided to try a classic local experience – a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake. A fun local experience, but bargaining in Vietnam can be a bit exhausting. If you're wondering things about in Hanoi, this cyclo tour is a great way to discover the historic center at a leisurely pace. For museums, I chose the Museum of Ethnography – very well designed, it offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam's different ethnic minorities. In the evening, I enjoyed my first bún chả in a small local restaurant – a real delight!
If I had to name what made me fall in love with this city, beyond its nostalgic architecture and the warm simplicity of its inhabitants, it would undoubtedly be the cuisine. Hanoian gastronomy has the power to remain engraved in the memory. This steaming bún chả, with its toasted aromas and fresh herbs, will remain for me the taste of a peaceful city, animated by the daily tumult, where the wisps of smoke rise from the street stalls in the mild cold of the capital.
Early in the morning of day 3, I took a shared minibus to reach Halong in Quang Ninh province, a must-see stop on this 7-day Vietnam Cambodia combo tour. The road is long (about 4 hours), but it crosses beautiful rural landscapes. When I arrived, I immediately boarded for a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, less touristy than its famous neighbor of Halong Bay. My junk, simple but comfortable, offered private cabins with bathrooms and air conditioning. The onboard lunch of shrimp, steamed fish, and sautéed vegetables set the tone for a delightful cruise.
Continuing Vietnam Cambodia 7-day trip was dedicated to kayaking in a secluded cove, then to visiting a cave illuminated by lanterns. What struck me most was the calm: no other boat in sight, just the lapping of the water. In the evening, on the deck, we admired a sunset with a glass of local wine. On the morning of day 4, get up at 6:30 a.m. so as not to miss the sunrise: a sea of mist that slowly dissipates around the karst peaks – a magical spectacle. After a hearty brunch (omelets, fruit, pancakes), return to the mainland, then drive back to Hanoi in the afternoon. This Bai Tu Long Bay tour was one of the highlights of our Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 7 days: peaceful, off the beaten track, and simply magical.
On day 5, I took a Vietnam Airlines flight to Siem Reap. It was my first stop in Cambodia during this Vietnam Cambodia 1 week itinerary. At the airport, a smiling driver was waiting for me with a sign with my name on it, which put me at ease immediately. He drove me to my guesthouse, located just 10 minutes from the city center, a lovely place with a swimming pool. The heat of Cambodia, much more intense than in Vietnam, hit me as soon as I arrived. I highly recommend bringing a wide hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as temperatures can be oppressive.
The next morning, get up at 4am to admire the sunrise over Angkor Wat complexe. My tuk-tuk driver, Mr Kal, was already there, punctual and enthusiastic. The entrance to the site was still plunged into darkness, but little by little, the sky was tinged with magnificent colors. After Angkor Wat, I visited the Bayon Temple, with its mysterious faces carved in stone, and then Ta Prohm, where the giant roots of the trees swallow up the ruins. A mystical place that instantly reminded me of the movie Tomb Raider. A must-see on this Vietnam Cambodia 7 days.
In the afternoon, I strolled through the Psa Leu market, a vibrant place with colorful stalls, spices, carved wooden souvenirs, and Kampot pepper. The prices were reasonable, as long as you negotiated well. It's the perfect place to bring back authentic souvenirs. For dinner, I stopped at a street stall in Psa Kraum and tasted caramelized pork skewers. This was one of many simple pleasures in Cambodia that made my journey all the more memorable.
On day 7, just before my flight home, I treated myself to a traditional Khmer massage session in a small local spa with a very zen setting, perfect for relaxing body and mind after so many emotions. It was a sweet and soothing way to end this 7-day Vietnam Cambodia trip, rich in discoveries, authentic encounters, and suspended moments that I will never forget.
Tip: To visit Cambodia, opting for a tuk-tuk driver for the day is the best option. You avoid heat and gain flexibility. Angkor is a must-see site when visiting Cambodia, but watch out for counterfeits at the Psa Leu market. Wear light but covering clothes and don't forget the water – the Cambodian sun is relentless!
This 7-day Vietnam Cambodia trip allowed me to discover two fascinating cultures in one week, including accommodation, meals, local transport, activities and entrance tickets. I had chosen to go through a best Asia tour companies, Autour Asia, and frankly, I don't regret it for a second: everything was fluid, well organized, without me having to think about logistics. This Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 7 days offered me a nice balance between highlights and moments of relaxation, between cultural discoveries and simple pleasures. A steady pace, certainly, but always pleasant, and above all filled with unforgettable memories.
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Are you dreaming of a Vietnam Trip 2 weeks ? Here is an example of a budget based on our experience with Autour Asia, for a couple traveling Vietnam from North to South for 15 days. Return flights cost around €1600 (€800 per person). As for accommodation, count around €540 for 12 nights, or an average of €45 per night in comfortable 3-star hotels. Such an itinerary allows you to take full advantage of the country's diversity while keeping your expenses under control – ideal for an authentic and affordable trip.
If you are planning a Vietnam Cambodia itinerary 7 days, Hanoi is a must-see stop not to be missed. The vibrant capital of Vietnam, it seduces from the very first moment. It's also the most affordable city in the country for backpackers, while offering a rich experience thanks to its unique combination of French colonial architecture and Asian post-communist heritage.
Located about thirty kilometers from Siem Reap, Banteay Srei is often described as the jewel of the Angkor temples. Nicknamed "the temple of women" because of its delicate sculptures on pink sandstone, it fascinates with the finesse of its details. Many travelers consider it to be the most beautiful temple on the site – an impression we fully share.
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