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15 Days In Vietnam And Angkor Wat - Travel Tips And Review By Tristan

Hi everyone, I’m Tristan ! For years, I’d catch myself daydreaming about exploring Southeast Asia, from the misty mountains of Vietnam to the ancient temples of the Khmer Empire. This year, I finally acted on that feeling and set off on 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat. From the very beginning, it felt different. Vietnam pulled me in with its energy, its food, its rhythm… and then the journey naturally evolved into a Vietnam extension to Angkor Wat, where time seemed to slow down among stone faces and sacred ruins. With the help of Autour Asia, everything flowed smoothly, without stress, without rushing. And honestly, why choose just one destination when this route lets you experience two worlds so deeply ? That balance is exactly what made these two weeks unforgettable, and I’m so excited to share every moment with you.

I. Why choose a Vietnam extension to Angkor Wat ?

Why settle for just one country when the soul of Indochina is so deeply connected? For me, choosing a 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary was about finding the right balance between nature and history. Vietnam drew me in with vibrant street life, emerald bays, and misty highlands, setting an energetic tone from the very start. In contrast, the quiet presence of the Khmer temples brought calm and reflection. Experiencing both countries felt like following a complete story, with a seamless transition from the peaceful landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on land", to the ancient stone temples of Cambodia.

The real beauty of a Vietnam to Angkor Wat travel extension lies in the cultural contrasts along the way. One day, you are enjoying egg coffee in a busy Hanoi alley. Just a few days later, you find yourself standing in silence as the sun rises over the towers of Angkor. Watching how the architecture, food, and daily rhythms shift across the border is deeply rewarding. By the end of the trip, it becomes clear that the lively Mekong Delta and the sacred ruins of Siem Reap are closely connected. Together, they form a journey that simply makes sense.

II. Detailed 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat

1. Day 1 : Arrival in Hanoi

Stepping off the plane at Noi Bai International Airport, I felt that instant rush of excitement - my adventure was finally starting ! A friendly driver was already there, ready to take me into the heart of the city. During the 35 km drive to the historic Old Quarter, I watched the shift from quiet highways to buzzing streets that make travel to Vietnam so memorable. After checking in, I paused to breathe, rest, and slowly adjust to Hanoi’s rhythm.

Later in the afternoon, I treated myself to a 60-minute traditional Vietnamese massage. Honestly, it was exactly what I needed after the long flight. Gentle pressure and aromatic oils eased the jet lag away. For dinner, I went to Hanoi Dzao Restaurant and tasted true local flavors. I was completely blown away by the northwest grilled pork on bamboo with sticky rice - the smoky aroma was incredible. It was a cozy beginning to my 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat, and it left me genuinely excited for tomorrow.

2. Day 2 : Authentic Hanoi City Tour

Waking up in the heart of the capital, I was ready to dig deeper into this thousand year old city. My morning started at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where the lives of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups came alive through houses, objects, and stories. It added real depth to this 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary. After a mesmerizing visit to a lacquer workshop, where I watched artisans work with hypnotic precision, hunger finally kicked in. I found my way to Bun Cha 74 Hang Quat, a hidden gem tucked into a narrow alley. For just 80,000 VND, the smoky grilled pork and tangy sauce were pure Hanoi perfection.

The afternoon balanced calm and chaos beautifully. Tran Quoc Pagoda, resting by West Lake, offered a peaceful pause before the city swept me back in. I wandered through the Old Quarter, passing Phung Hung, Hang Bong, colonial façades, and endless movement. Then Train Street became the highlight. Waiting as the train rushed past just inches away felt thrilling, slightly unreal, and impossible to forget. Experiences like this are what make travel to Vietnam so vivid and unforgettable.

To end the day, I had dinner at May De Cuisine on Ma May Street. The setting was cozy, the service warm, and the food comforting, with classic Vietnamese flavors done well. As I walked back to my hotel, I felt relaxed and content. Day two of my 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat had already added another layer of unforgettable memories.

3. Day 3 : Hanoi - Mai Hich (Mai Chau Valley)

Leaving Hanoi at 8:30 a.m. felt like a reset. As we headed toward the northwest mountains, the city slowly gave way to the lush, limestone landscapes of the Mai Chau Valley. Along the drive, we stopped at a lively local market filled with color and quiet exchanges between traders. The highlight came at the Cun and Thung Khe passes, where mist drifted across rolling hills and open valleys. By the time I arrived in the peaceful village of Mai Hich, everything felt calmer. This shift into rural life is exactly why a Vietnam extension to Angkor Wat feels so rewarding.

The afternoon was about slowing down and observing daily life. I explored the valley by bicycle, passing golden rice fields and traditional Thai stilt houses. A visit to a brocade weaving workshop offered a closer look at local craftsmanship, as women patiently created intricate fabrics by hand. As evening arrived, I shared a home-cooked dinner with my hosts, followed by traditional folk dances around the fire. It was a simple, genuine experience and one of the most meaningful moments of my 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat.

4. Day 4 : Mai Hich - Pu Luong Nature Reserve

After saying goodbye to my hosts in Mai Hich, the journey continued deeper into the mountains toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of the wildest highlights of my 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary. The road twisted through lush forests before opening onto dramatic terraced rice fields cascading down the hillsides. Along the way, I stopped to admire the giant bamboo water wheels - an ancient irrigation system still quietly feeding the fields today. Later, stepping into Kho Muong Cave felt surreal : cool air, echoing silence, and raw stone shaped slowly by time.

By afternoon, I wandered through Ban Don village at an easy pace, surrounded by terraced rice fields, grazing buffalo, and the soft rhythm of rural life. As evening approached, I settled into a traditional stilt house overlooking the fields, where a warm, home-cooked dinner was waiting. Shared dishes, quiet laughter, and the sounds of nature filled the space. Sitting there, I felt how naturally these moments connect to a Vietnam to Angkor Wat travel extension, grounding the journey before the road carried me onward.

5. Day 5 : Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Tam Coc

After a final mountain breakfast, I began the descent toward Ninh Binh, a place I had long wanted to see during my travel to Vietnam. As we approached Tam Coc, the landscape shifted dramatically. Jagged limestone karsts suddenly rose from flat, bright green rice paddies, making it easy to see why this area is called "Halong Bay on land". Before reaching the village, we stopped along the Cham River to watch bamboo water wheels turning steadily, lifting water into the fields. This quiet blend of raw nature and human ingenuity felt deeply authentic.

The highlight of the day was a two-hour sampan cruise through the Thung Nham area. Gliding along the winding river, surrounded by rice fields and towering cliffs, felt almost meditative. We passed through low caves where stalactites hung just overhead, then drifted back into open light. Later, I wandered through the village at an easy pace, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. This gentle pause felt like the perfect transition within my 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat, preparing me for the legendary bay waiting ahead.

6. Day 6 : Tam Coc - Halong Bay

We left the calm of Tam Coc at 8:00 a.m., driving through the wide, flat landscapes of the Red River Delta. Watching villages and rice fields slip by the window gave me time to reflect on my 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary so far. By midday, we reached Tuan Chau Port, and the excitement instantly returned. Stepping onto a traditional wooden junk and heading into Halong Bay felt surreal - the limestone islands rising from the water were even more impressive than I had imagined.

During my travel to Vietnam, I had already seen countless beautiful places, but lunch on board was something special. Drifting past Fighting Cock Islet and floating fishing villages, everything felt calm and perfectly timed. In the afternoon, a small boat took us to Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave). Walking through its vast chambers, glowing with stalactites and echoes, felt like entering a hidden world carved by nature itself.

As evening settled, the bay grew quiet and intimate. Dinner was served on deck, accompanied by soft waves and a cool sea breeze. Falling asleep in my private cabin, surrounded by darkness and limestone silhouettes, felt incredibly peaceful. Moments like this are what make a Vietnam extension to Angkor Wat so unforgettable - slow, magical, and deeply immersive.

7. Day 7 : Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Da Nang - Hoi An

My 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat took a serene turn this morning as I woke to a breathtaking sunrise reflecting off calm emerald waters. A gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck, wrapped in morning mist, helped me ease into the day - what a peaceful start ! After a light breakfast, our junk glided quietly through hidden coves and limestone islets, offering a final, tranquil farewell to Halong Bay. Around 10:30 a.m, we returned to the port and enjoyed a generous brunch while the scenery slowly faded from view.

By late morning, a private car took me back to Hanoi Airport for a short flight to Da Nang. Soon after, I arrived in Hoi An, ready for a new rhythm and eager to dive deeper into the travel to Vietnam food scene. Dinner was the famous Hoi An Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà) - golden turmeric rice, tender shredded chicken, and fresh herbs, simple and perfect. Wandering through lantern-lit streets afterward felt calm, dreamlike, and deeply comforting.

8. Day 8 : Hoi An - Old Town Walking Tour

Waking up in Hoi An felt like stepping into a living postcard. I spent the morning wandering through the Ancient Town, a UNESCO site that still carries the soul of a 15th-century trading port. Walking past yellow façades and quiet courtyards, I visited the Quan Cong Temple, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the historic Tan Ky Ancient House. Everything felt calm and beautifully preserved, making Hoi An a gentle yet essential stop in my 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary.

Lunch at Mẹt Hội An was a real pleasure. The Cao Lầu was fresh and full of flavor, the spring rolls were perfectly crisp, and the whole meal felt like home-style cooking done right. In the afternoon, I slowed things down along the Thu Bon River, browsing artisan workshops, silk boutiques, and cozy cafés hidden inside old houses. This relaxed rhythm is what I love most about a Vietnam to Angkor Wat travel extension - it leaves space to breathe before the journey shifts gears again.

9. Day 9 : Hoi An - Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

After a slow breakfast, it was time to leave the quiet charm of Hoi An behind. A quick transfer to Da Nang Airport and a short flight later, I landed in Ho Chi Minh City. The transition from the peaceful Ancient Town to the electric energy of Saigon was a total rush ! After checking into my hotel in the city center, I spent a few hours simply relaxing and letting the metropolitan vibe sink in.

Dinner pulled me outside to Com Tam Muc for classic broken rice done right. Grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, egg meatloaf, a sunny-side-up egg, and scallion oil were comforting and bold. It felt like the perfect fuel halfway through my 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat. Later, I walked along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, watching lights and street performers bring the night to life before heading back to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

10. Day 10 : Ho Chi Minh City - City Tour

My 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary shifted into high gear as I spent the morning tracing Saigon’s architectural past. The French colonial landmarks left a strong impression: the elegant City Hall, the Haussmann-style Opera House, and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Stepping inside the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, truly felt like a step back in time. I also visited the Reunification Palace, where quiet gardens contrast sharply with its powerful war-time history. By lunchtime, it felt like I had crossed decades in just a few hours.

The afternoon slowed down at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, where incense-filled air and intricate carvings created a calm, almost meditative pause. That serenity didn’t last long - Ben Thanh Market quickly pulled me back into the city’s vibrant rhythm. I even stopped by a lacquerware workshop, fascinated by the patience behind each handcrafted piece. Heading out for dinner, I realized how naturally this Vietnam to Angkor Wat travel extension blends history, spirituality, and everyday life.

11. Day 11 : Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be (Mekong Delta)

Leaving the city’s roar at 8:30 a.m., I headed toward Cai Be, the lush "rice bowl" of the south. The drive was beautiful, passing through palm-lined canals and rural villages. Upon arriving at Thuy Duong Homestay, I was welcomed with a delicious home-cooked lunch. Tasting fresh, local ingredients while surrounded by greenery felt like a real highlight of my 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat.

By 2:30 p.m., I hopped on a bicycle to explore Tan Phong Island. Pedaling through fruit orchards and small workshops where locals crafted hammocks and handicrafts from natural fibers felt wonderfully unhurried. The best moment ? Tasting fruit picked straight from the garden - sun-warmed and impossibly fresh. It’s moments like these that make travel to Vietnam feel authentic, human, and full of soul.

Around 5:00 p.m., I slowed down by the pool before joining a hands-on cooking class to learn a few Mekong specialties. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. was shared in a warm, family atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. Later, as I relaxed by the river, I realized just how much a Vietnam extension to Angkor Wat enriches the entire journey. What a peaceful way to end the day !

12. Day 12 : Cai Be - Mekong Canals - Return to Ho Chi Minh City - Flight to Siem Reap

I started my last morning in Vietnam with a fresh, local breakfast at the homestay before boarding a sampan at 8:00 a.m. Gliding through the quiet, coconut-shaded canals felt like the perfect farewell to the Mekong Delta. We stopped briefly at a craft village to see how traditional sweets are made, their aroma lingering in the air. Soon after, a car took me back to Ho Chi Minh City Airport, and I realized this 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat journey was crossing into a new chapter.

Stepping off the plane in Siem Reap, I was met by my driver and transferred to the hotel. Dinner led me to Mesa Restaurant, where the setting felt refined yet welcoming - an ideal introduction to Khmer cuisine. The Beef Lok Lak was the clear standout, perfectly tender and beautifully served with a soft-boiled egg. It was a memorable first taste of Cambodia and a fitting start to my trip to Angkor Wat, with ancient wonders waiting just ahead.

13. Day 13 : Angkor Temples

My day began at 6:00 a.m., driven by pure excitement. By 7:00 a.m., I was standing before the majestic Angkor Wat, exploring its galleries before the crowds arrived. Walking among the intricate bas-reliefs inspired by Hindu epics felt deeply spiritual. From there, I continued to Angkor Thom, where the serene faces of Bayon and the impressive Terrace of the Elephants left a lasting impression. Moments like these are what make a 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary feel like a journey through time.

Lunch brought a powerful human connection as I met Mr. Peout and Mrs. Gin. Hearing their personal stories from the Khmer Rouge era added depth to this trip to Angkor Wat, turning history into lived experience. In the afternoon, I visited Banteay Srei, its pink sandstone carvings so fine they seemed almost unreal, before ending the day at Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots wrap tightly around ancient stone walls.

At the end of the day, a one-hour traditional Khmer massage helped release both physical and emotional weight. Tired but inspired, I returned to my hotel realizing how deeply this Vietnam extension to Angkor Wat had exceeded my expectations - historically, emotionally, and personally.

14. Day 14 : Phnom Krom - Floating Village - Countryside Tour

I started the day early at Phnom Krom, watching the sunrise bathe the Cambodian countryside in soft, golden light. After a quick picnic breakfast, I headed out by boat to the floating village of Chong Kneas. Seeing daily life unfold on the waters of Tonle Sap Lake was quietly fascinating. This 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat journey has revealed so many different ways of life. Before returning to town, I visited Artisans d’Angkor to see the skill behind traditional Khmer stone carving and silk weaving.

The Vietnam to Angkor Wat travel extension took on a warmer tone by 3:00 p.m., when I rode by tuk-tuk into the countryside toward Krabei Riel village. Fields stretched wide, smiles came easily, and time slowed. I spent the evening at Mr. Ron’s home for an authentic cooking class. Preparing traditional Cambodian dishes together and sharing a meal in such a welcoming atmosphere felt like the perfect way to end the day.

15. Day 15 : Siem Reap - Departure

Waking up for the last time in Siem Reap, I felt deeply grateful for everything I’d experienced since starting in Hanoi. I spent a slow, quiet morning wandering the city center, picking up a few last-minute souvenirs, and enjoying one final stroll by the river. It was hard to believe my 15-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary was already coming to an end. As my car headed to the airport, I looked back at the palm trees and temples with a quiet promise to return. It was a truly soul-stirring journey.

Looking back, I realize this journey was never just about checking famous landmarks off a list. From sharing a home-cooked meal in the Mekong Delta to watching the sunrise over ancient stone temples, these 15 days in Vietnam and Angkor Wat quietly changed the way I see travel. The thoughtful planning by Autour Asia made the entire Vietnam extension to Angkor Wat feel effortless, allowing me to focus fully on the people, places, and stories along the way. I’m heading home with more than photos - carrying memories, warmth, and a deeper connection that will stay with me long after the journey ends.

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