Content [Switch to sidebar]

2 Weeks In Vietnam Laos Cambodia - Must-know Travel Tips

Hi all! I'm Vincent, a traveler at heart, originally from France. For a long time, I had dreamed of discovering Southeast Asia, and this summer, I finally took the plunge with 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia. Over these 14 days, I had the chance to visit many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore majestic temples, marvel at untamed nature, and immerse myself in diverse and vibrant cultures. In this story, I will share my day-by-day experiences, along with some practical tips. I’ll also talk about how to get around, what I ate, and where I stayed. I hope this will be helpful for planning your own trip.

1. Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

My adventure began in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. After landing at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and a quick transfer to my hotel in District 1, I took a moment to catch my breath and recover from the flight.

Soon, the desire to explore pushed me outside. The streets were alive with activity: scooters zipping in all directions, street vendors calling out, and the aroma of steaming food in the air. I quickly fell for a cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk), followed by a crispy bánh mì topped with fresh coriander at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa, one of Saigon’s most famous spots. At around 35,000 VND (US$1.40), it is one of the most generously filled bánh mì in the city, packed with tasty meats and absolutely worth every penny.

This first day of my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia allowed me to get used to the heat and the lively rhythm of the city. To make the most of a 14-day tour in Vietnam Laos Cambodia, I recommend staying near Đồng Khởi or Bùi Viện, which are perfect bases for exploring iconic sites such as Bến Thành Market or the central post office.

2. Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Today, I decided to dedicate the whole day to discovering Saigon’s historical sites. From my hotel in District 1, I easily took a Grab taxi; about ten minutes later, I arrived at the Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace). This building, with its architecture reflecting both the colonial era and the Vietnam War, fascinated me as much for its aesthetics as for the stories it holds.

Just a stone’s throw away, I visited the War Remnants Museum. It is impossible to remain unmoved there. Photos, documents, artifacts… I felt a lump in my throat. At one point, the images were so intense that I had to step outside for a few minutes to catch my breath. It’s normal, I think, but I also noticed that few visitors really take the time to read and immerse themselves in the testimonies. This experience is worth dwelling on. If you’re hesitant, especially Americans visiting Vietnam: go for it. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an essential experience. God bless every soul—Vietnamese, American, Laotian, Cambodian, and even Chinese or Russian soldiers—who lived through this tragic war.

In the afternoon, after enjoying a delicious bánh xèo at Bep Me In, I took a taxi to the Củ Chi Tunnels. The journey lasted about 1h30, giving me time to leave the bustle of Saigon behind and gradually immerse myself in the green countryside. Crawling through the narrow underground corridors used by the Viet Cong to hide and fight, I felt both claustrophobic and amazed by their ingenuity. I even tried the shooting range experience, firing a few rounds with an AK-47—optional, but definitely memorable.

During my two days in Ho Chi Minh City, I stayed at Orchids Saigon Hotel - one of the best 4 star hotels in Saigon

3. Day 3: Excursion to the Mekong Delta

On the third day of my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia, I left my hotel in downtown Saigon early in the morning. From the city center, it’s possible to reach Mỹ Tho by tourist bus, minivan, or private taxi; I chose an organized transfer, a two-hour drive through the lush southern countryside.

Once there, I boarded a traditional boat to explore the delta’s canals. The first stop was Turtle Island, where I watched artisans make the famous coconut candies. Next came a tasting of tropical fruits at a local plantation: sweet mangoes, refreshing longans, and even durian—the famously pungent fruit, which I surprisingly ended up loving!

As I explored, I discovered that the Mekong is truly Vietnam’s rice granary, feeding millions of people. By the end of the day, I continued on to Cần Thơ, spending the night in a peaceful, green setting at the Mekong Rustic Cần Thơ Hideaway.

4. Day 4: Phong Dien Floating Market and Flight to Hoi An

Early in the morning, I visited the floating market of Phong Điền, about 15 km from the center of Cần Thơ. Quieter and less touristy than Cái Răng, it offers a much more peaceful and authentic atmosphere. The smaller boats allow you to get up close to the sellers, chat directly with them, and even taste freshly picked fruits. Nearby, numerous orchards welcome visitors to sample their produce on-site after exploring the market – a truly friendly and delicious experience.

The morning continued in a rice noodle village, where I learned how to roll and dry fresh noodles – an interactive and fun activity that I truly enjoyed. Later, I took a flight from Cần Thơ to Đà Nẵng, followed by a direct transfer to Hội An. Along the way, white sand beaches stretched as far as the eye could see, adding a beautiful touch to the journey.

Upon arrival, Hội An immediately charmed me with its colorful lanterns and timeless atmosphere. I even ordered a bespoke suit from a local tailor, a cherished tradition in the city. This day marked the transition from the south to the center on my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia, connecting the vibrant life of the Mekong Delta with the serene charm of Hội An.

5. Day 5: Discovering Hoi An

For this fifth stage of my Vietnam Laos Cambodia itinerary 14 days, I started the day very early. At 6:30 am., I wandered through Hội An’s old town and the central market, still quiet at that hour. I enjoyed a coffee there – I highly recommend trying the salty coffee or coconut coffee – followed by a bánh mì at Bánh Mì Phượng, one of the best restaurants in Hoi An. Afterwards, I borrowed a bike for free from my hotel and pedaled gently through the alleys, soaking in the charm of the town. Hội An truly is one of the best cities in Vietnam for relaxed cycle tourism.

In the morning, I explored Chùa Ông Pagoda, the Tan Ky House, and the Japanese Bridge, the city’s iconic symbol. In the afternoon, I headed to Cửa Đại Beach for a refreshing swim, followed by a local cooking class where I learned to prepare crispy spring rolls and the region’s famous cao lầu noodles.

So yes, Hoi An can be a bit touristy, and some vendors may be pushy. But as long as you stay polite, you can fully enjoy the charm of the old town and its picturesque riverbanks. An expat once told me it is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam, and I completely understand why. It was an essential stop on my Vietnam Laos Cambodia 2 weeks trip.

6. Day 6: Departure to Hue with beach stops

From Hội An, I took a bus to Hué (about 3 hours away), with a stop at Lăng Cô beach. It's a low-key, clean and quite empty beach, really beautiful. The only downside is that you usually have to stay in a resort to enjoy the best part. I also made a stop at the beach of Cửa Đại before arriving in Hue.

In the early afternoon, I arrived at my hotel, the Hue Serene Palace Hotel, conveniently located near the city center, and took a short rest. Towards sunset, I enjoyed a brief cruise on the Perfume River. The tranquil landscape, bathed in golden light, gave the city a unique and serene atmosphere—a perfect moment during my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia.

In the evening, I had dinner at Quán Cẩm, just a three-minute walk from my hotel. I savored a bowl of Bún Bò Huế - a must try food in Hue. What truly struck me about Hue was its local vibe: people seemed content and warm, the city felt safe and relatively clean, and its residents were authentic, simple, and down-to-earth—a refreshing contrast to larger Vietnamese cities.

7. Day 7: Hue Citadel Exploration and Flight to Hanoi

Hue is an essential stop on my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia. The Citadel of Hue truly impressed me with its grand gates, palaces, and temples. I loved strolling around the Imperial City, imagining the lives of the Nguyễn emperors. I also visited several imperial tombs, including the Gia Long Tomb, the Minh Mạng Tomb, and the Khải Định Tomb—each with its own distinctive style, nestled among peaceful gardens, serene lakes, and exquisitely decorated structures. For now, Hue is my favorite place in Vietnam. In my opinion, it is a very underrated destination: many travelers I met skipped it, which is really a shame.

At the end of the day, I took a flight to Hanoi, a journey of about 1h30, arriving in the early evening. To celebrate my first night in the capital, I had dinner at the famous Bún Chả Hương Liên, which gained worldwide fame after Obama’s visit. Later, I explored the lively Tạ Hiện Street area, renowned for its bars and vibrant Hanoi nightlife. Finally, I spent the night at the La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the Old Quarter.

8. Day 8: Hanoi City Tour

Day 8 of my Vietnam Laos Cambodia 14 days tour was dedicated to exploring Hanoi. I began at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (check ahead, as it is closed some days!), followed by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, before wandering through the Old Quarter with its 36 streets, each historically dedicated to a trade or guild. At the Museum of Ethnology, I was captivated by exhibits on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, showcasing their costumes, everyday objects, and reconstructed traditional houses in the garden. The day concluded with a serene walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset—a peaceful, magical moment in the heart of the capital.

9. Day 9: Transfer to Ha Long Bay

This morning, I departed from Hanoi’s Old Quarter by private vehicle along the new highway toward the mythical Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey took about 2 to 2.5 hours and cost between $100 and $190, depending on the vehicle, making the transfer comfortable and efficient.

Upon arrival, I boarded a traditional junk for a cruise through this unreal landscape of thousands of limestone peaks draped in lush vegetation. In the afternoon, I paddled a kayak through the Luon and Trong caves, exploring hidden lagoons and natural arches that seemed lifted straight from a movie set, reminiscent of the film Indochina. In the evening, I savored a dinner of freshly caught seafood on the deck, lulled by the gentle lapping of the water under a starry sky—a magical and timeless moment, one of the highlights of my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia.

10. Day 10: Ha Long Bay and Flight to Luang Prabang

On day 10 of this Vietnam Laos Cambodia itinerary 14 days, after breakfast on board, the cruise continued with a visit to the spectacular Sung Sot (Surprises) Cave, famed for its impressive stalactites. Next, I stopped at Titop Beach for a short hike to the summit, where a panoramic view of the bay rewarded every step. Around noon, I returned to the pier and transferred by private vehicle back to Hanoi (approximately 2.5 hours). From there, I headed to the airport for a direct Vietnam Airlines flight to Luang Prabang, a journey of about 2 hours, marking the smooth transition from Vietnam to Laos.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, a taxi took me to the Souphattra Hotel, a charming spot that perfectly blends modern comfort with colonial elegance. The change of scenery was striking: after the lively energy of Vietnam, I was welcomed by the calm and timeless beauty of Luang Prabang, another UNESCO World Heritage gem.

11. Day 11: Luang Prabang Sightseeing

As part of my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia, I spent a day in Luang Prabang filled with spirituality and discovery. We woke up at dawn to witness the traditional alms-giving of the monks: a silent orange procession where locals offer sticky rice in a deeply spiritual atmosphere. I participated respectfully, gaining a firsthand understanding of the central role Theravada Buddhism plays in daily life.

Then, I explored the city, alternating between walking and short tuk-tuk rides, the most typical and affordable way to get around Luang Prabang (€1 to €3 per ride). You can also rent a bike or a motorbike, but everything in the city center is within easy reach. This allowed me to visit the temples, including the majestic Wat Xieng Thong, a true architectural masterpiece.

In the afternoon, I climbed the 328 steps of Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang, Laos – one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang. From the summit, the view over the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers at sunset is simply unforgettable. In the evening, I wandered through the night market, easily reachable on foot from the city center, enjoying the vibrant stalls filled with Laotian crafts and colorful souvenirs.

Overnight at Souphattra Hotel - one of the luxury hotels in Luang Prabang

12. Day 12: Khouang Si Waterfall and Flight to Siem Reap

During my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia, I spent the morning discovering the splendid Khouang Si Waterfall. To get there, I took a shared minivan (a 30-minute ride, about €5 per person). The turquoise pools, perfect for swimming, created a truly magical atmosphere. Nearby, the bear sanctuary moved me with its mission of rescuing and protecting animals. As for what to eat in Luang Prabang, I enjoyed a typical picnic for lunch, featuring khao jee (Lao sandwich), tropical fruits, and Laotian coffee – a real treat in this enchanting natural setting.

In the afternoon, I returned by minivan to Luang Prabang, then transferred by private taxi to the airport. I took a direct Vietnam Airlines flight of about 1h30 to reach Siem Reap Cambodia. Upon arrival, a pre-booked tuk-tuk took me to the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, one of the best luxury hotels in Siem Reap. On the way, I stopped to enjoy a bowl of Khmer noodle soup, perfect for regaining energy after the journey. This first immersion confirmed that Siem Reap is the ideal gateway to the temples of Angkor, an essential stop on any Vietnam Laos Cambodia combined tour.

13. Day 13: Angkor Temples – Angkor Thom, Bayon and Angkor Wat

For this key day of my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia, I started very early to admire the sunrise over Angkor Wat, a mystical spectacle as the golden stones gradually came to life in the morning light. I rented a tuk-tuk for the day (about $15), which made it easy to move between the temples. At Angkor Thom, I was struck by the monumental gates, guarded by towering statues and adorned with intricate bas-reliefs recounting Khmer history. Then, at Bayon, the countless stone faces carved into the towers captivated me with their serene, enigmatic expressions.

To fully appreciate the cultural richness, having a guide makes the visit much more meaningful. Of course, you can explore without a guide if you already have background knowledge about the temples or history from classes or historical YouTube channels. But if you want someone who can speak your language and explain directly during a walking tour, hiring a guide is highly recommended. Guides at Angkor Wat speak multiple languages and offer deeper insights into every detail, legend, and architectural nuance of the site.

For lunch, I stopped at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant in Siem Reap, a famous restaurant in Siem Reap, where I savored a fragrant fish amok with sticky rice, a must-try local specialty. In the afternoon, I continued exploring the secondary temples, taking a quiet moment to watch the sunset over the ruins before returning to my hotel.

14. Day 14: Free time in Siem Reap and departure

The last day of my 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia was dedicated to relaxation and small discoveries. I began with a stroll to the Psar Chas market, perfect for picking up souvenirs and exploring the rich aromas of Khmer spices. For lunch, I enjoyed local Khmer noodles at Sister Srey Café (Street 26, Siem Reap), a cozy spot popular among travelers. Later, I treated myself to a traditional Khmer massage at a small city-center spa, a perfect way to unwind after several days of walking and temple exploration.

In the afternoon, a tuk-tuk pre-booked by the hotel took me to the airport for my flight home. This 14-day Vietnam Laos Cambodia tour offered an incredible mix of history, culture, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes—a truly memorable experience that captures the essence of Southeast Asia.

This 2 weeks in Vietnam Laos Cambodia left a lasting impression on me: between breathtaking landscapes, fascinating historical sites, and warm encounters, every step offered an authentic immersion. I laughed, marveled, and was sometimes even moved by the beauty and richness of these countries. Thanks to Autour Asia, a reliable travel agency in Asia, the organization was seamless, making each experience even more rewarding. This journey left me with unforgettable memories and a deep sense of gratitude for the cultures I discovered. I hope my story inspires you to embark on your own adventure in Asia and create your own magical moments.

Have a good trip !