Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 Days
Vietnam and Cambodia in 18 Days
A north-to-south Vietnam route with Angkor and an island finish
- 21 days
- 20 nights
- 8 stops
- 38 places
- Vietnam + Cambodia
About this 21-day Vietnam & Cambodia trip
This trip runs from Hanoi through Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An and Siem Reap before ending in Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao. It suits travellers who like a mix of cities, mountain roads, temple time and a proper beach finish, with some long transfers in the middle. The pace is active but not frantic, though you need to be fine with sleeper buses, a train leg and one border crossing.
From the author
This is a good route if you want Vietnam with one Cambodia stop and do not mind a few long travel days. I would send first-timers here if they want variety and are happy to keep moving; I would skip it for anyone who wants a slow, beach-only trip or dislikes sleeper buses. The Ha Giang section needs confidence on mountain roads, and the Cambodia hop works best when you are comfortable with a border day and early starts. You get the most out of it if you like mixing city walking, food stops, and a final reset on the coast.
Trip highlights
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Ha Giang Loop
- Trang An
- Hue Imperial Citadel
- Angkor Wat
- Con Dao
Good for
At a glance
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Effort
- Some hiking
- Pace
- Packed
- Starts in
- Hanoi
- Interests
- Culture & historyMotorbike touringIslands & beachesFood
Step 1
Pick your dates
Step 2
We copy every day, place and transfer
Step 3
Change anything, invite friends, take it offline in the app
Route: Hanoi → Ha Giang → … → Con Dao
Every stop, how long you stay, and how you reach the next one. Pick a row to jump into it below.
Day-by-day itinerary
21 days · 8 stops · 38 places
Stops
Hanoi
Vietnam · Days 1–4 · 3 nights
Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital where the ancient Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street food culture blend seamlessly.
Hanoi is the right opening if you want the trip to start with real texture instead of a soft landing. Give the Old Quarter the most time, because that is where the route starts to make sense, and keep the rest focused on a few well-chosen stops rather than trying to cover every museum and lake in one rush.
This stop suits first-timers and solo travellers who like to walk, eat, and move on quickly. It is less useful if you want a quiet capital or you dislike traffic noise, because Hanoi rewards patience more than comfort. You can do most of the central sights on foot or by short rides, and two full days is enough before the trip shifts into longer, more demanding travel.
Day 1 in Hanoi
7 places · 12:00–22:05
Why this day works
Start Hanoi with the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem area, because that gives you the fastest read on the city without wasting energy. Keep the first afternoon on foot, then use the evening for the tighter streets around St. Joseph's Cathedral and Ta Hien if you want a softer landing into the trip.
This day suits first-timers and solo travellers who like to eat as they go. It is not the day for overplanning; the pace works best if you leave room for a coffee stop, a short museum detour, and one proper food break.
By night, keep it simple and local rather than trying to cover too much. The next day is still in Hanoi, so anything you miss here can wait, and that is exactly why day one should stay light.
12:00
Banh Mi
₫20k–50k4.7Bu Banh Mi
Hanoi's take on Vietnam's beloved street sandwich — a crispy French baguette stuffed with cold cuts, pate, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and chili sauce.
- Served at
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Best time
- Breakfast,Lunch,Snack
Any time of day — especially popular for breakfast (6–9 AM) and as a midday snack.
Origin
Banh mi evolved from the French baguette introduced during colonial rule (1887–1954). Vietnamese bakers adapted the recipe to use local rice flour, producing a lighter, crispier bread. After 1954, banh mi became a popular street food across both North and South Vietnam, each region developing its own filling style.
13:05
Hoan Kiem Lake
1-3 hoursFree4.7Hanoi's iconic legendary lake
- Opening hours
- Open 24 Hours
- Best for
- Sightseeing
- Where
- Ha Noi, Vietnam
14:10
Egg Coffee
35k-70k VND4.8Dinh Cafe
Hanoi's signature creamy coffee drink
- Served at
- 30m
- Opening hours
- 7 AM–10 PM
- Best time
- Morning,Afternoon,After Dinner
Best enjoyed slowly while warm, especially in the morning or as an afternoon treat in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Origin
Egg coffee was created in Hanoi in the mid-20th century, commonly linked to Cafe Giang and the city's wartime milk shortages. It became one of Hanoi's most famous drinks and is now a must-try part of the Old Quarter coffee scene.
17:00
Hanoi Old Quarter
2-4 hoursFree4.5
Hanoi’s historic district of street food and narrow lanes
- Opening hours
- Open 24 Hours
- Best for
- Culture, Food
- Where
- P. Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
19:05
St. Joseph's Cathedral
30-60 minutesFree4.5
A landmark neo-Gothic cathedral in central Hanoi
- Opening hours
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Best for
- Architecture Lovers
- Where
- 1 P. Nhà Thờ, Phường, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
21:00
Ta Hien Street
1-3 hoursFree4.5
A lively Old Quarter nightlife street known for bia hơi, street food, and backpacker-friendly social energy.
- Opening hours
- 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Best for
- Solo Travelers
- Where
- Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
22:05
Bia Hoi
₫5k-15k4.5Bia Hơi Nam Còi
Hanoi's ultra-fresh draught beer — brewed daily, served ice-cold on the pavement
- Served at
- 30m
- Opening hours
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Best time
- Afternoon,Evening
Best from late afternoon into the evening. Pairs perfectly with đậu phộng rang (roasted peanuts), lạc luộc (boiled peanuts), or grilled skewers.
Origin
Bia hơi was introduced to Hanoi in the late 19th century during French colonial rule, drawing on Czech brewing techniques. The Hà Nội Brewery (founded 1890) and later Việt Hà Brewery became the main suppliers. Beer is brewed fresh each day and distributed in large kegs (boong) to street stalls across the city. During the subsidy era after 1954, bia hơi became the drink of the working class — affordable, communal, and deeply woven into Hanoi daily life.
Day 2 in Hanoi
9 places · 08:00–21:00
Why this day works
This is the day to keep Hanoi practical rather than ambitious. Start with pho and the Temple of Literature, then do Hoa Lo while you still have energy; both are better before the midday heat and traffic build up.
Leave the Women’s Museum and the Old Quarter for the afternoon so you can slow the pace a little after the heavier history stops. If you want the night market, save it for later in the day and do not try to stack too many sit-down food stops around it.
This day works best for first-timers because it gives you a clean introduction without forcing long transfers or a lot of planning. It is not a day for rushing between attractions on foot all day, so use taxis or rideshares when you need them and keep the walking blocks short.
08:00
Beef Pho
40k-100k VND4.9Pho Bat DanVietnam's iconic beef noodle soup
- Served at
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 6:00AM - 11:00AM 5:00PM - 9:30 PM
- Best time
- Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Best in the morning or at lunch when broth is freshest, though many Hanoi shops serve pho throughout the day
Origin
Pho developed in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century and became one of the country's most recognized dishes. Hanoi is widely associated with the classic northern style, which emphasizes a cleaner broth, fewer sweet notes, and a stronger beef-forward flavor profile.
09:20
Temple of Literature
2-3 hoursFrom ₫70k4.6Vietnam's first national university
- Opening hours
- 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best for
- History Lovers
- Where
- 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam
10:40
Hoa Lo Prison
1-2 hoursFrom ₫50k4.5
A historic prison in central Hanoi, known for its French colonial-era cells and powerful war history exhibits.
- Opening hours
- 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best for
- History Enthusiasts
- Where
- 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
12:00
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
1-2 hours₫40,000 VND4.6
A modern museum in central Hanoi showcasing the history, culture, and contributions of Vietnamese women.
- Opening hours
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Best for
- Culture Seekers
- Where
- 36 Lý Thường Kiệt, Cửa Nam, Hà Nội, Vietnam
13:05
Cyclo Ride Through Hanoi Old Quarter Experience
45 minutes-2 hours4.6Classic slow-paced cyclo tour through Hanoi's historic Old Quarter streets
- Opening hours
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Where
- St. Joseph Cathedral
13:55
Iced Milk Coffee
25,000-60,000 VND4.8Dinh Cafe
Vietnam's signature iced coffee with condensed milk
- Served at
- 30m
- Opening hours
- 7 AM–10 PM
- Best time
- Morning,Afternoon,After Meals
Commonly enjoyed in the morning or afternoon, and often sipped slowly while people-watching at sidewalk cafes
Origin
Vietnamese iced milk coffee developed during the French colonial era, when coffee culture spread in Vietnam and condensed milk became a practical substitute for fresh milk. It later became a daily staple across Hanoi and the rest of the country.
17:00
Weekend Night Market at Hang Dao
1.5-3 hours4.5Lively weekend night market in Hanoi's Old Quarter with street food, souvenirs, and local atmosphere
- Opening hours
- 6PM-11PM (Fri-Sun)
- Where
- Hanoi Weekend Night Market
18:35
Dong Xuan Food Alley
30-90 minutesFree4.4A lively food alley beside Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for affordable local dishes and a busy everyday atmosphere.
- Opening hours
- 7:00AM-7:00PM
- Best for
- Solo Food Explorers
- Where
- Ng. Đồng Xuân, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
21:00
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
1-3 hoursFree4.4
A lively weekend night market in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with street food, souvenirs, and pedestrian-only streets.
- Opening hours
- 6PM-11PM (Fri-Sun)
- Best for
- Solo Travelers
- Where
- 104 P. Hàng Đào, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Day 3 in Hanoi
8 places · 08:00–22:05
Why this day works
This is your last full day in Hanoi, so keep the morning purposeful and do the heavier walking before the city heats up and the traffic thickens. Start with the Old Quarter side of things from the previous day, then move on to Ba Dinh only if you actually want the national history angle; if you are already templed and museumed out, skip straight to West Lake instead.
The important thing here is not to overpack it. Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum need an early start if you want the area to feel manageable, and West Lake works better as an easy late-day circuit than as a stand-alone outing. End with dinner and keep the evening close to your hotel, because the next day is a transfer day and you will want to leave Hanoi without having to cross town first.
08:00
Bun Thang
₫45k–80k4.6Bún Thang Thanh gia truyền
Hanoi's most refined and labor-intensive noodle soup — a delicate clear broth topped with precisely shredded chicken, egg crepe, Vietnamese ham, and dried shrimp.
- Served at
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Best time
- Breakfast
Strictly a breakfast dish. Most traditional stalls open 6–11 AM only.
Origin
Bun Thang originated in Hanoi as a post-Tet dish made from leftover holiday ingredients — boiled chicken, cha lua, and eggs. The name 'thang' (ladder) may refer to the layered presentation. It became associated with Hanoi's refined culinary culture and is rarely found outside the capital.
12:00
Crab Tomato Hotpot
₫120k-250k4.5Lau Hit
Tangy crab hotpot with crab paste, tomato, fermented rice vinegar, and shrimp paste — a rich northern Vietnamese classic
- Served at
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM
- Best time
- Lunch,Dinner
Great for lunch or dinner year-round, especially on cool and rainy days.
Origin
Riêu cua has roots in the Red River Delta where freshwater crabs were abundant in rice paddies. Originally a humble noodle soup, it evolved into a popular hotpot format in Hanoi's restaurant culture, especially during autumn and winter when communal hot meals are most enjoyed.
17:00
Ba Dinh Square
30-60 minutesFree4.5Vietnam’s most symbolic public square, known for the 1945 Declaration of Independence and its location beside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 Hours
- Best for
- History Lovers
- Where
- Hùng Vương, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 10020, Vietnam
18:00
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
1-2 hoursFree4.6
Vietnam's most sacred monument.
- Opening hours
- 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM Closed: Monday & Friday
- Best for
- History, Heritage
- Where
- 1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
19:00
West Lake
2-4 hoursFree4.5
Hanoi's largest freshwater lake
- Opening hours
- Open 24 Hours
- Best for
- Sunset Views
- Where
- 2RWP+QJM, Thanh Niên, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam
20:00
Tran Quoc Pagoda
30-60 minutesFree4.4Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, set on a small island by West Lake and known for its peaceful atmosphere and iconic red stupa.
- Opening hours
- 7:30–11 AM, 1:30–5 PM
- Best for
- Solo Travelers
- Where
- Thanh Niên, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam
21:00
Beef in Vinegar Hotpot
₫150k-350k4.6Bò Nhúng Dấm - Hiệp Mẩu
Thinly sliced beef dipped in a fragrant sour broth of coconut water, pineapple, and vinegar — wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and vermicelli
- Served at
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Best time
- Lunch,Dinner
Ideal for lunch or dinner, great year-round but especially enjoyable in cooler weather.
Origin
Bò nhúng dấm has southern Vietnamese origins — popularized in the Mekong Delta — but was embraced by Hanoi's dining scene and adapted to northern tastes with a lighter, more aromatic broth. It became a staple family and group dining dish in Hanoi restaurants from the 1990s onward.
22:05
Fried Tofu with Green Onion Sauce
₫10k-30k4.5Quán Nhậu Tự Do
Crispy fried tofu dipped hot into a savory fish sauce and scallion dressing — a beloved Hanoi street snack from the subsidy era.
- Served at
- 30m
- Opening hours
- 9:00 AM – 11:55 PM
- Best time
- Afternoon,Evening
Best enjoyed fresh and hot in the afternoon or evening.
Origin
A humble dish from Hanoi's subsidy-era (bao cap), originally made with just fried tofu, fish sauce, and scallions. Lang Mo tofu and Lang village scallions were considered the gold standard. Over time it evolved into a popular beer snack found across the city.
Day 4 in Hanoi
4 places · 08:00–13:05
Why this day works
This is the day to keep Hanoi compact and then hand off to the north. Start with One Pillar Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long while you still have energy, because both are easier to read before the heat and traffic build. Save the food stop for the middle of the day and do not try to turn this into a full temple-and-museum marathon after three busy Hanoi days.
The practical issue is the overnight move to Ha Giang, so use the afternoon to reset and pack light rather than adding one more detour. If you want a better version of this day, skip the extra wandering and give yourself a clean departure window; the loop starts the next morning and you will feel the benefit of an early, uncomplicated start.
08:00
Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
40,000-80,000 VND4.8Bún Bò Huế Ngự Uyển
Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup
- Served at
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 6 AM–10:30 PM
- Best time
- Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Commonly eaten all day in Hanoi, though it is especially satisfying for breakfast or lunch
Origin
Bún bò Huế comes from Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, and is known for its bold, spicy broth and layered flavors. In Hanoi, it is commonly served as a regional specialty alongside the city’s more delicate northern noodle soups.
09:05
One Pillar Pagoda
20-45 minutesFrom ₫25k4.4Hanoi’s iconic pagoda on one pillar
- Opening hours
- 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best for
- History Buffs
- Where
- Chua Mot Cot Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
12:00
Steamed Rice Rolls
₫25k-60k4.6Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành
Hanoi's delicate steamed rice rolls
- Served at
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 6:00AM - 8:00 PM
- Best time
- Breakfast,Brunch
Best eaten early in the morning when the rolls are made fresh
Origin
Bánh cuốn has long been a Northern Vietnamese breakfast staple, especially in Hanoi and nearby provinces. It evolved as a simple, affordable rice-based dish made fresh to order.
13:05
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
2-3 hours₫100k4.4A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former political center of Vietnam, known for its ancient gates, archaeological relics, and imperial history.
- Opening hours
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Best for
- History Enthusiasts
- Where
- 19c Hoàng Diệu, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Ways to get there
Cheap and direct, ride overnight through mountain roads and wake up close to Ha Giang's misty karst peaks.
- Sleeper Bus
Scenic and relaxed, take a train toward the northeast, then finish by bus into Ha Giang's wild hills.
- TrainHanoi → Lao Cai Railway Station
- BusLao Cai Railway Station → Ha Giang City
Most flexible and easiest, travel door to door in comfort while chasing the road to Ha Giang's highlands.
- Private Car
Fast and comfortable, this popular van service zips you north with fewer stops and a smoother ride.
- Limousine Van
Ha Giang
Vietnam · Days 5–7 · 2 nights
A rugged mountain province in far northern Vietnam, famous for the Ha Giang Loop motorbike route through dramatic karst landscapes, ethnic minority cultures, and remote highland scenery.
Ha Giang is here because this is the trip’s real change of pace. After Hanoi, you want a stop that feels remote and properly different, and this one rewards you if you are happy to trade comfort for mountain roads and long viewing stops.
This suits you if you want the Ha Giang Loop feel without pretending it is easy or relaxed. Keep your expectations practical: the scenery is the point, the roads need confidence, and you should not try to turn it into a slow, sit-still province visit. Two full days is enough to get the headline views and the main villages without overextending yourself.
Day 5 in Ha Giang
4 places
Bong Bang Homestay 2
night 54.8(689)214 Trần Hưng đạo, Yên Minh, Tuyên Quang, Vietnam
Morning
Km0 Square
15-30 minutesFree4.4
Km0 Square Ha Giang is the city's central landmark and a symbolic starting point for journeys across Ha Giang province, including the famous Ha Giang Loop.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- Ha Giang Loop Travelers
Morning
Duong Thuong Valley
2-4 hoursFree4.5
Duong Thuong Valley in Yen Minh District is one of Ha Giang’s calmer scenic stops, with layered rice terraces, karst peaks, small ethnic minority villages, and a rural atmosphere that feels far less crowded than the province’s headline viewpoints. It is best for travelers who want landscape photography, homestay stays, and a more relaxed pace on the Ha Giang Loop. For solo travelers, it is a good place to slow down, but it is still remote, so plan transport, accommodation, and daylight riding carefully.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 Hours
- Best for
- Scenic Views
- Where
- Duong Thuong Viewpoint
Afternoon
Quan Ba Heaven's Gate
20-45 minutesFree4.5
Quan Ba Heaven's Gate (Cổng Trời Quản Bạ) is one of the iconic viewpoints in Ha Giang, Vietnam, marking the gateway to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Sitting along National Highway 4C, it offers dramatic views over limestone mountains, terraced valleys, and the famous Twin Mountains (Núi Đôi Quản Bạ) in the town below.
- Best for
- Scenic Views
Afternoon
Twin Fairy Mountains
30–60 minutesFree4.5
The Twin Fairy Mountains (Núi Đôi Cô Tiên), also known as Núi Đôi Quản Bạ, are two symmetrically rounded limestone peaks rising dramatically from the Quan Ba valley floor, about 45km north of Ha Giang city. Viewed from the Quan Ba Heaven Gate (Cổng Trời) viewpoint on Highway 4C, they are one of the most photographed sights on the Ha Giang Loop. The mountains are associated with a local H'mong legend about a fairy who fell in love with a mortal, and whose spirit became the two mountains after her passing.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- Photography, Scenic Views, Ha Giang Loop Stop
- Where
- Fairy Bosom Mountain Viewpoint
Day 6 in Ha Giang
4 places
Morning
Lung Cu Flag Tower
1–2 hours₫40,000 VND4.5
Lung Cu Flag Tower (Cột Cờ Lũng Cú) stands at 1,470m above sea level on top of Dragon Mountain (Núi Rồng) in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van District — the northernmost point of Vietnam. The current tower, 33.15m tall and 3.8m in diameter, was built in 2010 and flies a massive 54m² national flag representing Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Climbing 286 steps to the top rewards visitors with panoramic views across the border into China and over the surrounding karst plateau.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- History, Panoramic Views, Photography
Morning
Lo Lo Chai Village
1–2 hoursFree4.4Lo Lo Chai is a small ethnic minority village located about 1km from the Lung Cu Flag Tower in Dong Van District, Ha Giang. Home to the Black Lo Lo people, the village is famous for its distinctive yin-yang tiled rooftops, ancient stone-walled houses, and well-preserved traditional culture. In 2025, it was honored by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the World, recognizing its community-based tourism model and cultural authenticity.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 Hours
- Best for
- Cultural Immersion, Photography, Homestay Experience
Evening
Dong Van Old Quarter
1-3 hoursFree4.4
Dong Van Old Quarter is the compact historic center of Dong Van town in northern Ha Giang, featuring preserved stone-and-tiled houses, a lively Sunday market atmosphere, and a strong mix of Tay, Hmong, and Hoa cultural influences.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- Solo Travelers and Cultural Explorers
Evening
Tham Ma Slope
15–30 minutesFree4.6
Tham Ma Slope (Dốc Thẩm Mã) is a steep, winding mountain slope on National Highway 4C between Yen Minh and Pho Cao in Ha Giang Province. Despite its reputation for being challenging — especially for first-time riders — the pass is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery: a ribbon of road curving gracefully across mountain flanks with deep valleys and karst peaks on all sides. It is one of the most photographed road sections on the Ha Giang Loop.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- Motorbike Riders, Photographers, Scenic Drive
Day 7 in Ha Giang
2 places
Morning
Nho Que River
2-4 hours₫100k-150k4.8
Nho Que River is one of northern Vietnam's most iconic natural attractions, cutting through the dramatic Tu San Canyon beneath the Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang. Known for its vivid turquoise-green water, sheer limestone walls, and scenic boat rides.
- Opening hours
- 7AM - 5PM
- Best for
- Scenery, Photography, Adventure
Morning
Ma Pi Leng Pass
2-4 hoursFree4.8
Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of Vietnam's most spectacular mountain roads, cutting through the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang Province. Known for sheer limestone cliffs, sweeping hairpin turns, and views down to the emerald Nho Que River.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- Scenic Views
Ways to get there
Cheap and direct, ride overnight through northern mountain roads and wake near Ninh Binh’s limestone calm.
- Sleeper Bus
Faster and more comfortable, this premium van cuts the journey with fewer stops and a smoother zip south.
- Limousine Van
Ninh Binh
Vietnam · Days 8–9 · 1 night
Known as Ha Long Bay on land, Ninh Binh stuns with towering limestone mountains, flooded rice paddies, and historic sites including Trang An, Tam Coc, and the ancient capital Hoa Lu.
Day 8 in Ninh Binh
Day 9 in Ninh Binh
Ways to get there
Cheap and scenic, ride the overnight rails through Vietnam’s green heart and wake near Hue’s imperial calm.
- Train
Budget-friendly and direct, glide overnight past mountain roads and arrive with one simple booking.
- Sleeper Bus
Fast and flexible, skip station waits and travel door to door in quiet comfort.
- Private Car
Fastest and most comfortable, race to Hanoi, fly south, then finish with a smooth airport transfer.
- TaxiNinh Binh → Noi Bai International Airport
- FlightHAN → HUI
- TaxiPhu Bai International Airport → Hue
Hue
Vietnam · Days 10–12 · 2 nights
The former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, renowned for its walled Citadel, royal tombs along the Perfume River, and the most refined cuisine in Vietnam.
Day 10 in Hue
Day 11 in Hue
Day 12 in Hue
Ways to get there
Cheap and simple, ride straight through Central Vietnam’s green corridor to Hoi An with no airport detours.
- Bus
Scenic and reliable, sweep along the coast by rail, then finish with a quick road hop into town.
- TrainHue Railway Station → Da Nang Railway Station
- TaxiDa Nang Railway Station → Hoi An
Comfortable and efficient, glide door-to-door in a small van with fewer stops and easier luggage handling.
- Van
Hoi An
Vietnam · Days 12–13 · 1 night
UNESCO-listed Ancient Town with weathered wooden shophouses, colorful lanterns, tailor shops, and some of Vietnam's most beloved local dishes.
Day 12 in Hoi An
Day 13 in Hoi An
Day 13 · Hoi An → Siem Reap
Hoi An → Siem Reap — this itinerary doesn't cover this leg. You’ll need to book it yourself.
Siem Reap
Cambodia · Days 13–17 · 4 nights
The gateway to the legendary Angkor Wat temple complex — the greatest Khmer architectural wonder on earth — paired with vibrant street life, Pub Street, and rich Cambodian cuisine.
Day 13 in Siem Reap
Day 14 in Siem Reap
Day 15 in Siem Reap
Day 16 in Siem Reap
Day 17 in Siem Reap
Day 17 · Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh City
Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh City — this itinerary doesn't cover this leg. You’ll need to book it yourself.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam · Days 17–19 · 2 nights
Vietnam's largest city and economic powerhouse — a dazzling mix of street food culture, war history, rooftop bars, and non-stop urban energy.
Day 17 in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 18 in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 19 in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 19 · Ho Chi Minh City → Con Dao
Ho Chi Minh City → Con Dao — this itinerary doesn't cover this leg. You’ll need to book it yourself.
Con Dao
Vietnam · Days 19–21 · 2 nights
A remote island district known for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and powerful historical sites.
Day 19 in Con Dao
Day 20 in Con Dao
Day 21 in Con Dao
One last thing
This itinerary is strong because it gives you several different versions of the region in one run: capital, mountains, heritage towns, temples and an island finish. The trade-off is the transfer time, especially between the north and central Vietnam sections and again into Cambodia. If you had more time, I would add one slower day in Hue or Siem Reap rather than trying to squeeze in another city. On a return trip, I would also give the north or the coast a fuller stay instead of treating them as transit between headline stops.