16 day itinerary for Vietnam E Cambogia

Itinerary

A 16-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia sounds like an incredible journey. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances culture, history, nature, and relaxation. Grab your backpack, and let’s get started!

## Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter. Stroll through the bustling streets, and don’t miss trying some street food like Pho or Banh Mi.
• Evening: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a leisurely walk. Consider catching a traditional water puppet show.

## Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.
• Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and then head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps a nightcap at a rooftop bar with a view of the city.

## Day 3: Halong Bay

• Morning: Depart for Halong Bay (about 3-4 hours by bus). Board a cruise ship.
• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch on board while cruising through the stunning limestone karsts. Visit Sung Sot Cave or kayak in the bay.
• Evening: Dinner on the boat, followed by some evening activities like squid fishing or stargazing.

## Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi

• Morning: Continue exploring Halong Bay. Visit Ti Top Island for a swim or hike.
• Afternoon: Return to Hanoi. Relax and freshen up at your hotel.
• Evening: Explore the local night market and enjoy some more delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

## Day 5: Travel to Hue

• Morning: Take a flight or train to Hue (about 1 hour by flight).
• Afternoon: Visit the Imperial City and learn about the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional royal dinner and perhaps a boat ride on the Perfume River.

## Day 6: Hue to Hoi An

• Morning: Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Khai Dinh.
• Afternoon: Travel to Hoi An (about 3 hours by car). Check into your hotel.
• Evening: Explore the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant.

## Day 7: Hoi An

• Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make local dishes.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ancient Town, including the Japanese Covered Bridge and various historic houses.
• Evening: Relax at the beach or enjoy a bike ride through the countryside.

## Day 8: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace.
• Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market and try some local street food.

## Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta

• Morning: Take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam War history.
• Afternoon: Head to the Mekong Delta for a boat tour. Visit local villages and enjoy a traditional lunch.
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax.

## Day 10: Travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Morning: Fly to Siem Reap (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Visit the Angkor National Museum to get an overview of the temples.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Pub Street and explore the vibrant nightlife.

## Day 11: Angkor Wat

• Morning: Start early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Explore the temple complex.
• Afternoon: Visit Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple, famous for its smiling faces.
• Evening: Return to Siem Reap and enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance.

## Day 12: More Temples

• Morning: Visit Ta Prohm, known for its tree-covered ruins, and Banteay Srei, famous for its intricate carvings.
• Afternoon: Explore the lesser-known temples or take a bike ride through the countryside.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore more of Siem Reap.

## Day 13: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

• Morning: Travel to Phnom Penh by bus (about 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
• Evening: Stroll along the riverside promenade and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 14: Phnom Penh

• Morning: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia’s tragic history.
• Afternoon: Explore the Central Market for some shopping and local snacks.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.

## Day 15: Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Fly back to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit any sights you missed earlier.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant with a view of the city.

## Day 16: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll around the city.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 16-day itinerary that takes you through the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia. Each day is packed with experiences, but there’s also time to relax and soak in the local culture. Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️