2-Week Itineraries in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for Families, Couples, and First-Timers (2023)

FAQs

How long do you need to travel Thailand Cambodia and Vietnam? ›

In three weeks you can dip your toe into each of the four Indochina countries (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam), travelling from Bangkok to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, on to Angkor Wat and the Mekong River, before exploring Vietnam via Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Hanoi.

14 Days – Discover Vietnam and Cambodia in-depth

Activities: city tour, bay cruise, heritage visiting, boat trip… This 14-day itinerary gives you a more comprehensive experience in Vietnam and Cambodia. This tour is just perfect for family vacation, honeymoon vacation and culture explorers.

Oct-Nov and May-June are the best times to visit Cambodia and Vietnam as you'll find fewer crowds, less humidity and drier conditions throughout the region.

By traveling along the Mekong, you can easily manage Cambodia and Vietnam in a single trip, where you remove the need for internal flights, opting instead to experience the two countries' landscapes and cultures guided by the ebb and flow of the river.

By far the most convenient way to travel between Cambodia and Thailand is by air. Bangkok has direct flights to Phnom Penh (Cambodia's capital) and Siem Reap (most famous tourist city). Both journeys take just over an hour. You can also travel by land between Bangkok and Siem Reap.

A Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary in 2 weeks takes you to see unforgettable history, indigenous culture, compelling cities and divine natural beauties. Even though, a 14-day itinerary is suitable for those who don't have the luxury of 1 month long, it's certainly not quite enough to discover the two countries in-depth.

It depends on what kind of travelling you like to do; you will spend from just 600,000VND (~30 USD) for local style to over 1,400,000VND (~70USD) for luxury travel for 2 of you. It means that you should take 8,400,000VND (~420USD) to 19,600,000VND (~980USD) for spending during 2 weeks in Vietnam for food and drinks.

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry. However, it is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. Thailand experiences very hot weather between April and June. The rainy season in Thailand occurs between June and October.

What are the best and worst months to visit Vietnam? ›

The best time to visit Vietnam is between November and April. The weather in Vietnam can be split by region. In Hanoi & the north, May to October is hot and humid with high rainfall; November to April is cooler and dry. In the far north, December & January can be particularly cold.

Cambodia vs Thailand – Transportation

Travelling in Thailand is undoubtedly a more comfortable affair than in Cambodia. But if you're up for adventure and want to travel like the locals do, Cambodia is a better choice.

You should choose Vietnam if you prefer more diverse experiences such as natural wonders (Halong Bay), colonial history, ancient towns (Hoi An), city life (Ho Chi Minh), floating markets (Mekong Delta), and more.

When comparing food in Vietnam vs. Cambodia they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Vietnam ($15) are often cheaper than Cambodia ($16). Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

A combination of avoiding unnecessary contact, good personal hygiene and close attention to guidelines have helped Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand minimise the spread of the virus, and we can't wait to visit once travel opens up again!

Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend in Cambodia, a small but dense country. Aim to visit and experience most must-see sights, plus add time in one of Cambodia's national parks and at a white-sand beach.

To travel from Cambodia to Vietnam, you have to take a bus. There is no passenger train connection between these two countries. There are daily direct bus connections from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) with a journey time of 9 hours and a ticket fare from 25 EUR.

Trains from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. You can currently travel by train from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, however, it's a slow journey and you need to take two trains: one from Bangkok to Aranayprathet near the Cambodia border; and then another from Poipet Railway Station, which just over the border, onto Phnom Penh.

For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you'll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.

Travelers with limited time can rejoice that Vietnam is small enough to experience the highlights in just a few days. That said, the ideal timeframe is about 10 days, as it takes at least this long to immerse yourself in Vietnam's rich culture.

How do you get around Vietnam and Cambodia? ›

First, you need to take a ferry from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien, then a bus from Ha Tien to Chau Doc. Then you can take the boat up the Mekong from Chau Doc right into the riverfront at Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Vietnam Cambodia border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia is undertaken on the river trip and is very simple.

Due to the historical involvement of the United States in Vietnam and the country's dependence on tourism, it is fair to ask, “Will my US dollars work in Vietnam?” In short, the answer is yes. In the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, US dollars are widely accepted.

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but it is always appreciated. If you're happy with the services provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.

Body massage price

Bring nutrients and oxygen to cells and remove toxins from the body. The price range for a full body massage in Hanoi can be between $20(VND500,000) to as high as $80 (VND1,850,000).

Lawfully and legally speaking, under the provisions of Article 2 of Circular 15/2011/TT-NHNN: If you bring over $5,000 US Dollars, other foreign currencies of the same value (or 15,000,000 Vietnamese Dong, you're going to have to declare it at customs when you get here.

While Thailand is still affordable, it tends to be slightly more expensive than Vietnam, with higher prices for accommodation, food, and transportation.

For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you'll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.

All in all, Vietnam and Cambodia are two incredible countries worthy of visiting during your lifetime. If you fancy relaxing on the beach before visiting some of the world's most important cultural and religious sites, we'd recommend a trip to Cambodia.

By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Cambodia can cost you about $433 (per person), while a week in Thailand may cost you around $841. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country.

↔️ Kilometers: 392.39 km. / Miles: 243.82 miles. / Nautical Miles: 211.73 NM. ✈️ Estimated flight time: 0.43 hours. (With average airplane speed of 567mph).

What month should I avoid Thailand? ›

The months from April to May are the hottest in the country, and if you cannot handle extreme heat, a holiday here is best avoided. July onwards starts the monsoon, and the next three months are the wettest and the least appealing ones to head to Thailand.

You can book your Thailand tour at any time and generally the earlier you book, the better. Booking early (3 months or more recommended, 6 months in advance for peak season dates) is especially important for travelers visiting during the height of the high season to ensure that first choice hotels are still available.

Avoid visiting North Vietnam during the months from May till August as it receives heavy rainfall for a span of 7-8 days. Similarly, avoid travelling to South Vietnam between May and mid-November as the rainfall in Southern Vietnam is more than in North.

Summer: Unless sunning yourself on the central coast beaches is the only thing on your Vietnam itinerary, we'd suggest avoiding visiting the country during the summer months of June – August as you'll have a much harder time with the weather.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Vietnam? Logically, the cheapest time to fly to Vietnam is during the off-travel season (roughly from March to April, and September to October) when there are not many tourists visiting the country.

Cambodia to Thailand Train

If you want to take the train, then you have to take a bus to just over the border into Thailand and then take a train to Bangkok. The border town is called Aranyaprathet and the trains to Bangkok leave at 6.40 am and 1.55 pm. The journey to Bangkok from Aranyaprathet takes about 6 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand vs Maldives. Thailand or Maldives, which honeymoon destinations, is the best to visit by climate-wise? Both the honeymoon destinations experience a tropical climate. Whereas, the Maldives is the best place to visit even in summer by the honeymooners.

The average price for a plane ticket from Thailand to Cambodia is $280 round-trip from Don Mueang International Airport to Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport.

1. Halong Bay. Top of many travellers' lists when they visit Vietnam, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where hundreds of verdant limestone karsts emerge mystically from emerald-coloured waters.

What is the best month to go to Cambodia? ›

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and May when the country experiences low rainfall and still enjoys warm temperatures. However, the climate in Cambodia is generally hot and humid all throughout the year.

Laos or Cambodia: Our verdict

You should choose Cambodia if you prefer a more crowded destination with a major tourist attraction Angkor Wat and some of the best beaches in the world. It's also a nice destination if you are looking for a more vibrant society with lots of things happening in the major cities.

For Lowest Prices & Fewer Crowds

When it comes to cheaper prices, visiting Cambodia during the monsoon season is the best option. Because the monsoon swoops in and brings regular rain, the period that stretches from May to October represents the low season for tourism in the country.

Bali is 40.5% more expensive than Vietnam.

Entry Requirements: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page (not including the endorsement page).

Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times and to be extra vigilant when displaying items like jewelry, bags and cell phones in public. Violent crime, such as sexual assault and homicide, is common, sometimes against foreigners. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night.

A 2-week trip is what we recommended for a usual first-time Thailand-Vietnam schedule. It would cover the must-visit highlights in the main tourist destinations with some local cultural interaction, e.g. a handicraft experience. You may want to set aside 8 to 9 days for Vietnam and 5 to 6 days for Thailand.

Is 3 Weeks Enough for a Trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam? Yes, 3 weeks is suitable for a couple's/family trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam with all the must-sees covered at a comfortable pace: spending 8–10 days in Vietnam, 3–5 days in Cambodia, and 8–10 days in Thailand.

Southeast Asia Itineraries: 1 Month. A month gives you some more days to explore and better achieve your SE Asia travel ambitions. 4 weeks is suitable for visiting about 5 countries. You can visit all countries of Indochina: Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.

How much money do you need for 3 weeks in Thailand? ›

So, how much does 3 weeks in Thailand cost? Well, Thailand isn't that expensive anywhere, even Bangkok. The most expensive site there is the Grand Palace and it's only around 500 baht. You could survive in Thailand on a budget of $USD20-30 a day and this would include accommodation, food and transport.

Three Weeks

This route cuts down on travel costs as the only expense there would be renting a motorbike, which is quite easy to do in Hanoi Old Quarter or Pham Ngu Lao in Ho Chi Minh. You shouldn't spend more than $4-$6 per day. Three weeks could be done as cheaply as $800, but more realistically aim for $1,500.

You'd be surprised by how much you can see with just two weeks in Thailand. Done right, you can comfortably visit in four to five destinations without feeling like your trip has been rushed. Thailand is a huge, and two weeks won't be enough to see the entire country.

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and May when the country experiences low rainfall and still enjoys warm temperatures. However, the climate in Cambodia is generally hot and humid all throughout the year.

You should choose Vietnam if you prefer more diverse experiences such as natural wonders (Halong Bay), colonial history, ancient towns (Hoi An), city life (Ho Chi Minh), floating markets (Mekong Delta), and more.

While there is calm in Phnom Penh and across Cambodia, political rallies and disputes are still possible often at short or no notice and have the potential to trigger violence. You should monitor local media closely and avoid all protests and demonstrations, as they could turn violent.

Note: To make a relatively accurate budget calculation for your South East Asia trip, plan for $50 – $60 per day for a couple, which equals $1,500 – $1,800/month. Plan on $35 – $40 per day for one person traveling, which equals $1,050 – $1,200/month.