13,14-Day Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours

Day-by-Day Itinerary for Your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh – Khmer Hospitality Begins

Morning

• Welcome to Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital and initial point of entry to your amazing Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours.
• You’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport by an Impress Travel representative, who will help you with your luggage and escort you by private car to your hotel in the city center. Check in, get your welcome package, and spend some time relaxing following your international flight.

Afternoon

• Relax and indulge over an afternoon of leisure. You can either relax or stroll about your hotel to find some nearby colonial-era building façades, local cafes, and markets.
• Optional activity: explore Wat Phnom, the hillside temple that conferred the name to the city.

Evening

• Join your travel companions for an evening welcome dinner of traditional Khmer cuisine at a quaint local eatery.
• Key aspects of the coming days shall be explained by your tour guide in this interactive Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours adventure.
• One-night stay in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: The Cultural Soul of Phnom Penh

Morning

• Start your day with breakfast, then embark on an exploration of Phnom Penh by a tour of the Royal Palace, the king’s official home, famous for its resplendent golden spires.
• Visit the local Silver Pagoda, where you find a floor covered by more than 5,000 bricks of silver along with an Emerald Buddha carved of Baccarat crystal.
• Proceed to the National Museum, which houses ancient Khmer artwork reflecting the deep artistic heritage of Cambodia.

Afternoon

• Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), an old high school that has been converted into a stark reminder of Cambodia’s sorrowful past.
• Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek next, where you’ll see the memorials and find out about the nation’s journey from devastation to healing.
• These visits, albeit subdued, are necessary for you to truly grasp the cultural rejuvenation you will see throughout your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours.

Evening

• An optional visit to the riverside Phnom Penh Night Market, where you have the opportunity to shop for handicrafts and try street food.
• Leisurely dinner, your guide can suggest rooftop restaurants along Sisowath Quay.
• Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 3: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – A Scenic Journey

Morning

• After breakfast, depart and travel north by private car to the gateway town to the temples of Angkor at Siem Reap.
• En route, pull over to see the ancient bridge of Kompong Kdei, an incredible 12th-century example of Angkor-era Khmer architecture that previously linked the Angkor Empire.
• This picturesque highway drive affords views of the countryside in Cambodia, rice fields, houses on stilts, and water buffalo scattered across the horizon.

Afternoon

• Arrive at Siem Reap, check into your hotel, and have some free time to relax.
• Walking along the Siem Reap River, seeing the Old Market, or enjoying a rejuvenating foot massage are available options.

Evening

• Eating solo, or accompany the guide on an evening visit to Pub Street, with active restaurants, music, and night market vibrancy.
• Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Discovering the Angkor Legacy

Morning

• Early departure to visit Angkor Thom, the old capital of the Khmer Empire.
• Enter by way of the South Gate, then explore the Bayon Temple, known for its 216 smiling stone faces peering from atop towers.
• Proceed to the Terrace of the Elephants and Baphuon Temple, both rich with history and legend.

Afternoon

• Stroll through the overgrown ruins of Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider temple," where nature has merged with stone in beautiful harmony.
• Finish your day with an escorted visit to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building an architectural and spiritual wonder at the center of your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours.

Evening

• Climb to Phnom Bakheng Hill to watch the sunset over the Angkor complex (weather permitting and subject to availability).
• Optional cultural dinner with Apsara dance performance.
• Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Tonle Sap Lake & Journey into Vietnam

Morning

• Embark on a boat tour to Chong Kneas floating village on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap.
• Experience how people locally adjust to flood seasons, see floating houses, and watch daily activities on the water.

Afternoon

• Proceed to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (for flight-option travelers)
• Embark on your overland transfer to Chau Doc through the Moc Bai or Tinh Bien gateways with complete assistance from Impress Travel’s cross-border team.
• Facilitate immigration processes with documents prepared beforehand.

Evening

• Check into your hotel at Ho Chi Minh City or Chau Doc, depending on your route.
• Light repast and repose tomorrow, your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours resume in colorful Vietnam, country of our trusted Ho Chi Minh City Tours guides.

Day 6: Welcome to the Mekong Delta – Chau Doc & Tra Su Forest

Morning
Today is the start of the next chapter of your unforgettable Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours! We cross into Vietnam, beginning the day in the spiritual town of Chau Doc.

• Visit Sam Mountain, a religious site with panoramic views over the Vietnamese-Cambodian borderlands.
• Visit the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple, an iconic site with deep associations with Vietnamese folklore and tradition.

Afternoon
We venture into the interior of the Mekong Delta.

• Board a motor boat and cruise into the emerald cover of the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, an environmental treasure teeming with storks, kingfishers, and lotus ponds.
• Experience the serenity of this flooded forest gliding along by sampan through winding channels bordered by pristine nature.

Evening

• Arrive in Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta.
• Check into your riverside hotel and dine on local cuisine for the evening.
• O/N at Can Tho, appreciating the biodiversity and natural beauty that make Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours so unique.

Day 7: Floating Market Adventure in Can Tho

Morning
Wake up early for one of the highlights of your Cambodia & South Vietnam tours the legendary Cai Rang Floating Market.

• Zip past crowded stalls filled with tropical fruit, hot noodle soup, and fresh-brewed coffee all straight from the sea!
• Talk to the local sellers and have breakfast in the Mekong style.
• Subsequently, pass through serene rural roads lined with fruit trees and conventional wood-framed houses.

Afternoon
We continue Mekong exploration by going to Ben Tre, called the “Kingdom of Coconuts.”

• Share an authentic home-cooked meal with an indigenous family amidst serene gardens.
• Experience daily life at the Delta as you join seasonal farming tasks.

Evening

• Get settled into your Ben Tre lodging.
• Walk along the riverside or stay at the hotel at leisure.
• Oversleeping in Ben Tre

Day 8: Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning
Today, we conclude the rural part of our Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours and journey towards Vietnam’s economic and cultural center. Before that, however, there are some more local encounters to be experienced.

• Stop by a coconut processing shop to observe how this multifaceted fruit is utilized to make anything from confections to handicrafts.
• Travel along the slender canals by sampan, where waterside palms provide shade.
• Visit the brick kiln, mat weaving house, and indulge in fresh tropical fruit tastings.

Afternoon

• Travel by air-conditioned bus to Ho Chi Minh City (about 2 hours).
• On your arrival, check into your central hotel.
• Brief walkabout with your tour guide along District 1, the central part of the city.

Evening

• Free time to make your culinary exploration or to ask your guide for recommendations.
• You find yourself within the lively world of Ho Chi Minh City Tours, where history combines with energy.
• Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels – Vietnam War Underground

Morning
This morning, we visit one of the country’s best-known attractions in the Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours, the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated near Ho Chi Minh City.

• Experience guerrilla tactics, crawl along preserved tunnel systems, and view booby traps, bunkers, and field kitchens employed by the soldiers of Vietnam.
• Learn about the strategic value of these tunnels in the Vietnam War and gain historical context from your knowledgeable guide.

Afternoon

• Back to Ho Chi Minh City with an opportunity for lunch and some downtime.
• Free afternoon to explore at your own pace:
  • Shop at Ben Thanh Market
  • Visit art galleries and cafés in District 3
  • Enjoy rooftop views from Bitexco Skydeck

Evening

• Street food tour by scooter or cooking lesson.
• Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
• This is your chance to soak up the cosmopolitan flair of Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Culture & Cuisine in the Southern Capital

Morning
Start your whole-day exploration of Ho Chi Minh City, the last significant destination of your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours.

• Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace.
• Study the city’s colonial history and revolutionary heritage.
• Visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering, detailed exploration of the aftermath of the war.

Afternoon

• Walk through the Nguyen Hue Walking Street and historic Dong Khoi Avenue.
• Take some time for lunch at a Vietnamese fusion eatery or pho restaurant.

Evening

• Go on a delicious street food tour with locals, sample banh xeo, grilled seafood, spring rolls, and more.
• Finish the evening off with an optional sky bar drink or an indulgent foot massage.
• Evening in Ho Chi Minh City, your final night with Ho Chi Minh City Tours

Day 11: Vung Tau Beach Day

Morning & Afternoon

• Leave early for the closest beach town to Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau (2-hour journey).
• Visit the famous Christ the King Statue and the White Palace.
• Walk or swim at Back Beach, or indulge in fresh seafood along the beachfront.

Evening

• Back in Ho Chi Minh City, unwind or enjoy the nightlife.
• Overnight at Ho Chi Minh City, where Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours combine nature with culture.

Day 12: Free Exploration or Optional Tours

Morning & Afternoon

This is your opportunity to customize the last part of your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours experience. Select your pace

• Sleep late, get pampered at the spa, or lounge poolside
• Optional half-day excursions
  • Saigon Coffee & Culture Tour
  • Cooking Class with Market Visit
  • Vietnamese Art Gallery Tour
  • Local Life in District 5 (Cho Lon)

Evening

• Last opportunity to explore your favorite spots or share one final meal with new friends.
• Optional farewell dinner or Saigon River sunset cruise
• Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City, the last night with the Ho Chi Minh City Tours members.

Day 13: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

• Say goodbye to the dynamism of Ho Chi Minh City with indelible recollections of the fantastic experiences enjoyed at your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours.
• Our crew will offer you a seamless airport transfer, so you can travel with ease.

Optional Add-On

• Not yet ready to leave? Want further nights at Ho Chi Minh City, beach resorts, or add-ons to Central or Northern Vietnam? Just ask our Ho Chi Minh City Tours experts.
• You’ve merely scratched the surface of Vietnam’s beauty. Why ever stop?

Optional 14-Day Extension: Biosphere Escape

Can Gio – Into the UNESCO-Listed Wild

• For nature lovers and ecotourists alike, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve is an ecological paradise.
• Take boat cruises through mangrove forests, observe monkeys at Monkey Island, and visit bird sanctuaries that ring with the songs of the tropics.

It is a peaceful, rejuvenating break away from the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, a quiet pause before returning home.

What’s Included & Not Included in Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours

What’s Included in Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours

All you need for an unhindered, memorable travel experience is covered by your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours package:

• Accommodation: Well-furnished 3-4 star hotels at central locations
• Transport: All land transfers, domestic flights (when applicable), ferries, and private car
• Meals: Daily breakfasts + some local lunches and dinners as mentioned
• Guided Tours: Experienced local guides with profound knowledge of local cultures
• Admission Fees: All tickets to attractions and activities
• Cross-Border Assistance: Visa support and customs assistance for Cambodia–Vietnam travel
• Support: Our local teams provide you with 24/7 support, particularly while you are on your Ho Chi Minh City Tours

What’s Not Included

Please note the following are not part of the Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours package:

• International flights to/from Southeast Asia
• Visas for Vietnam and Cambodia (we can help with paperwork)
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Personal expenses, including laundry, beverages, and  souvenirs
• Tips for guides and drivers (optional but appreciated)
• Additional activities that have not otherwise been mentioned

Who This Tour is Perfect For

The Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours are ideal for those who wish to travel deeply, travel comfortably, as well as enjoy the true culture of Southeast Asia.

This tour is ideal for:

• Travelers aged 30–65, both solo and with partners
• First-time travelers to Cambodia or Vietnam
• History and culture lovers
• Travelers who wish to have an equilibrium of sightseeing and recreation

Day-by-Day Itinerary for Your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours Adventure

When to Go: Timing Your Trip for Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours

The best period to experience the complete range of the Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours is from November to April. The dry weather of this period brings sunny days, clear skies, and less humidity, an optimal situation for walks around temples in Siem Reap, boat cruises along the Mekong Delta, and sightseeing around Ho Chi Minh City.

• December to February: Breezy and cool winter’s golden period for photography holidays and sightseeing.
• March and April: Remain dry, but watch for increasing heat. Bring along additional water and enjoy siesta hours!
• May to October is monsoon season, but less tourists result in less crowded sites and green, verdant countryside.

What to Pack: Be Ready, Be Comfortable for Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours

• Lightweight, airy clothing is your best ally, cotton or linen, for example.
• A broad-brimmed hat, sun-safe sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are must-haves for extended stays outside.
• Carry a light rain jacket if you travel during the shoulder or rainy seasons.
• Don’t forget to bring insect repellent, particularly for nights and rural settings such as Trà Sư Forest or Can Gio.
• Comfortable footwear is essential for temple walks and market walks on your Ho Chi Minh City Tour segment.

Health & Safety: Travel Smart, Stay Strong for Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours

• Drink only bottled water and never ice street drinks, except if you’re certain it’s purified.
• Use hand sanitizer frequently and bring it with you, particularly at crowded tourist destinations.
• Maintain travel insurance that has cross-border health coverage throughout your Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours.
• If you are traveling by land, have your passport valid for at least 6 months past your visit and your visas organized beforehand (our Impress Travel group will help!).

Cultural Etiquette for Cambodia & South Vietnam Tours

• At temples such as Angkor Wat or Ba Chua Xu Temple, you must dress to cover your shoulders and knees for both religious reasons and protection from the sun.
• Always remove your shoes when entering religious buildings. 
• Steering clear of public displays of affection, particularly in rural Cambodian or Vietnamese communities. 
• A smile is universal, it is the shared language of Vietnam and Cambodia!