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Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 Days - Review By Ms Caroline

Hello everyone, my name is Caroline. I have long dreamed of a 7-day trip to Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand to explore Southeast Asia in a single trip rich in contrasts. My tour started in Manila and ended in Bangkok, with stops in Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Damnoen Saduak. Each step allowed me to immerse myself in various cultures, awaken my taste buds to new flavors and meet friendly locals. I followed an optimized itinerary thanks to advice from Autour Asia, a travel agency in Asia, oscillating between emblematic visits and moments of personal introspection, for a perfect balance between historical discovery, natural immersion and relaxation.

I. Travel to Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand?

This question naturally arose when I decided to discover Asia. Each country had something unique to offer: the green landscapes of Vietnam, the cultural richness of Cambodia, the effervescence of Thailand. But why choose? This is how the idea of a 7-day Vietnam Cambodia Thailand trip was born, designed to combine cultural immersion, historical exploration and authentic adventures. In one week, I was able to taste the essence of these three fascinating countries, and live an experience that will remain engraved in my memory.

So here is my 7-day Vietnam Cambodia Thailand itinerary, an adventure that I share to inspire those who dream of a trip to Asia:

My Vietnam Cambodia Thailand itinerary 7 days:

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Phnom Penh
Day 3: Phnom Penh city tour – Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples – Sunset in Bakheng
Day 5: Kampong Phluk Floating Village – Border Crossing – Arrival in Bangkok
Day 6: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Bangkok Temple Tour
Day 7: Departure from Bangkok

II. Vietnam Cambodia Thailand 7-day trip: what to do, what to visit?

Day 1: First steps in the heart of Saigon

As soon as I arrived in Tân Sơn Nhất, I was caught up in the effervescence of Saigon, the perfect introduction to my 7-day Vietnam Cambodia Thailand trip. It was hot and humid around 2:30 p.m., but this almost stifling atmosphere was quickly swept away by curiosity and the excitement of discovery. My first lunch at Saigon 3 Restaurant gave me a delicious introduction to the local cuisine: crispy spring rolls, fragrant phở, and warm, friendly service. Very quickly, I understood that this city had much more to offer than its traditional dishes. I tasted Mexican, Japanese, Italian, Greek, Turkish and Indian specialties – a real culinary festival. And between us, the bread I ate here has nothing to envy to the one you find in Europe. Ho Chi Minh City is arguably one of Southeast Asia's most unexpected gastronomic capitals.

After this first taste immersion, I visited the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office, whose colonial architecture fascinated me. The Independence Palace touched me, and the Museum of War Memorials moved me deeply. A moment of silence in the face of the courage of the Vietnamese people. Continuing my Vietnam Cambodia Thailand itinerary 7 days, I quickly realized that rain can be unpredictable, so a poncho is essential. Grab drivers are sometimes hard to find in the rain, and it's best to avoid makeshift tour vendors. Luckily, exploring the city on foot or by motorbike is still a nice, fast, and authentic option.

At the end of the day, I discovered Saigon in a different light during a cruise on the river. The lights of the city reflected in the water, while the music and laughter of the passengers created a joyful and relaxed atmosphere. I felt both soothed and exalted by this mix of tradition and modernity. This first day of my 7-day Vietnam Cambodia Thailand combo tour has already offered me much more than I imagined: a mosaic of emotions, tastes and encounters. I had a deep feeling that I had set foot in a world that was both distant and familiar, ready to embrace every moment of this Southeast Asian adventure.

Day 2: Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels and drive to Phnom Penh

The second day of my Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 days took me from 8:30 am to the mysterious Cu Chi tunnels. I strongly advise you to visit the Museum of War Memorials in Ho Chi Minh City before leaving: it allows you to better understand the historical context and give more meaning to the visit. Descending into these underground galleries was a dizzying experience: hidden trapdoors, narrow passages, ingenious devices... Everything testifies to the creativity and resilience of the Vietcong fighters. The best way to go, in my opinion, is to book a private car with a local guide on site, which avoids the crowds of large groups and allows for a more personalized tour. For a simple tip, the guide can even take you to the third level, for the more adventurous.

After a hearty lunch at Ben Nay Restaurant, we took the road to Phnom Penh. A seven-hour journey through landscapes of soothing tranquility: shimmering rice fields, peaceful buffaloes, sleepy hamlets. The trip was punctuated by warm exchanges with my fellow travellers, and a few welcome photo stops in postcard-worthy settings. The border crossing was smooth, although the humidity and heat accompanied us all the way.

We arrived in Phnom Penh at nightfall, greeted by the neon lights of the busy streets. A new chapter of this Vietnam Cambodia Thailand tour 7 days was then opening, between excitement and serenity. It was a full and unforgettable day that left me with a deeper appreciation for this fascinating corner of Southeast Asia.

Day 3: Phnom Penh city

This third day of my Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 days was placed under the sign of cultural discovery in Phnom Penh. The National Museum, a real showcase of Khmer art, fascinated me with its remarkably fine Angkor sculptures. Next door, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda dazzled my eyes with their golden roofs and meticulous details, reflections of a thousand-year-old kingdom that is still alive. In the early afternoon, I strolled through the Russian market, a maze of colorful fabrics, wooden carvings and fragrant spices. I found authentic souvenirs there, while exchanging a few words in Khmer with the vendors. I really enjoyed this local shopping break.

That said, compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh seemed calmer, less busy, and more relaxed. While Ho Chi Minh City is full of nightlife and activities all the time, Phnom Penh has a more tranquil atmosphere, sometimes a bit chaotic and unique. The city has its own eerie charm, far from the hustle and bustle of the great Vietnamese metropolis. This contrast struck me, and although I loved discovering Phnom Penh, I must admit that I have a preference for the dynamics and energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Finally, I took the road to Siem Reap, eager to discover the temples of Angkor.

Day 4: Siem Reap and sunrise on Angkor Wat

I got up before dawn to experience the highlight of my trip to Asia: the sunrise over Angkor Wat, as part of my 7-day Vietnam Cambodia Thailand tour. The morning mists let out pink and golden gleams, revealing the silhouettes of the sacred towers in an almost mystical atmosphere. This visual "wow" will remain engraved in my memory. It is essential to arrive early, not only to enjoy the sunrise (which is truly magical), but also to avoid the heat of the afternoon. Plenty of sunscreen and comfortable shoes are a must, as there is quite a bit of walking to do.

After walking through the carved galleries of the temple, I had lunch at a small local establishment, where I tasted lok lak and Angkor beer. In the afternoon, the discovery of the Bayon, with its 200 smiling faces, plunged me back into the history of the Khmer kingdom. Then, the Ta Prohm, entwined with thousand-year-old roots, offered me a setting worthy of a fantastic tale. In my 7 days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand, upon arriving at the gates of Angkor, you will be approached by guides offering personal tours. I decided to give it a try and I haven't regretted it. The information was interesting, and the guide was very friendly, although I sometimes missed a few details because of the accent. The "little tour" cost me just under 20$ and lasted between 2 and 3 hours, but you can go at your own pace. Just make sure the guide is wearing the official uniform with the brown shirt and an ID card.

I ended the day by admiring the sunset from the top of the Bakheng temple, my Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 days reaching its sensory climax here. If you take a tuk-tuk, the driver will probably stay at the entrance while you explore the site, like my driver, who was great. He may have a cooler with cold water and cooling wipes to relieve you from the heat when you return. Around 20$ should be enough for a driver for the whole afternoon, and he can take you to the next temple or take you back wherever you want. Also, don't be surprised if you stop at a large, bustling building before arriving at the temple, which is where you buy your entrance ticket, which was just under 40$.

Day 5: Kampong Phluk floating village and passage to Thailand

At 06:30, my 7-day Vietnam Cambodia Thailand tour took me to the floating village of Kampong Phluk. Aboard a boat, I glided between the houses on stilts, watching families and fishermen move to the rhythm of the floods and receding of the Tonle Sap. I was truly touched by how authentic and heartfelt the experience felt. The locals are some of the nicest I've ever met, with some of the most gorgeous smiles. I couldn't believe how beautiful their teeth were, but I suspect it was due to their seafood-rich diet. I even tasted their snake, and it was surprisingly delicious! An amazing experience!

In the middle of the morning, I left for the Poipet border post, recommended for its quick formalities. After a frugal lunch, we drove through the Cambodian countryside to Bangkok. Upon arrival, the contrast between the tranquility of the rice fields and the effervescence of the Thai capital reminded me why this Vietnam Cambodia Thailand 7-day trip is a unique experience.

Day 6: Damnoen Saduak, Bangkok Grand Palace and Shopping

The sixth day of my Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 days took me to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The colourful boats, loaded with mangoes, bananas and peppers, formed a lively and picturesque picture. I bargained for some fruit and exchanged smiles with the saleswomen. I paid 600 baht for the boat, and he drove me along the canals looking for a hotel. Once settled, he took me to see the fireflies by boat. The trip took about 2 hours.

In the afternoon, I discovered the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, a treasure of Siam. Then, I visited Wat Pho, with its 46-meter reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, illuminated by the setting sun. Each temple offered a spiritual journey rich in emotions and beauty. My favorite temple of the Vietnam Cambodia Thailand 7-day trip remains the Wat Saket, the temple of the Golden Mountain. Be sure to climb up to the roof via the small stairs. Ring the bells on your way up and down. Light a candle and pray for your departed loved ones, as Thais traditionally do.

On my way down from Wat Saket, I took the time to read the story of the vultures that live in the area. This adds a special touch to the visit, giving a unique dimension to this sacred place. You can also take photos and participate in rituals, such as the local practice of placing gold leaf on the Buddha. At the end of my visit, I headed to Pratunam Market to get lost in a maze of clothes and accessories. After a day full of discoveries, I enjoyed a Thai buffet dinner, a perfect way to end this amazing Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 days.

Day 7: Last moments in Bangkok

That morning, I had one last breakfast at the hotel, enjoying a mango pad Thai before the end of my Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 days. I took advantage of a few free hours to buy handcrafted souvenirs in a shop in Chatuchak, as recommended by several golds. At 8:30 a.m., I left the hotel for the airport. As I flew over the rooftops of Bangkok, I thought back to each stage of my Vietnam Cambodia Thailand 7-day combo tour: the hustle and bustle of Saigon, the emotion of the Cu Chi tunnels, the majesty of Angkor and the sweetness of the floating markets. This 7-day Vietnam Cambodia Thailand trip offered me a mosaic of indelible memories, proving that in a single week, you can touch the soul of three fascinating countries.

III. Conclusion

In conclusion, this 7-day journey offered me a total immersion in the heart of three fascinating countries. From the bustling streets of Saigon to the mystical temples of Angkor, the calm of the floating villages and the effervescence of Bangkok, I lived an unforgettable, human and sensory adventure. Thanks to a travel agency in Asia, every moment has been perfectly orchestrated to offer a unique experience. Whether you dream of history, nature or authentic encounters, such a Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary 7 days will feed your curiosity and warm your heart. Good trip!