Vietnam + Cambodia 10-Day Itinerary 2026 — Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An & Angkor Wat
Vietnam and Cambodia sit right next door to each other, and for Indian travellers chasing two very different experiences in one trip — buzzing cities, emerald bays and limestone karsts in Vietnam, then the spiritual grandeur of Angkor in Cambodia — they make a near-perfect 10-day pairing. Both offer easy e-visas, short, affordable flights from India, and prices that stretch the rupee a long way. This day-by-day plan is built for first-timers who want a smooth, well-paced loop without backtracking.
Why combine Vietnam and Cambodia?
Doing both in one trip means you only pay for one set of long-haul-ish flights from India and split your time between two bucket-list countries. Vietnam gives you the energy of Hanoi, the natural drama of Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An. Cambodia delivers Angkor Wat — the world’s largest religious monument — plus a laid-back riverside capital in Phnom Penh. A short hop by air links the two, so you never lose a day to border buses. For planning your overall spend, our trip cost calculator is a useful starting point.
Best time to visit
The sweet spot for both countries is November to March, when the weather is dry and comfortable. December and January are peak season (and peak prices), so late November or February offer the best balance of pleasant weather and softer rates. Avoid June to September if you can — that is the rainy season across much of the region, and while showers are usually short, Angkor’s dirt paths and Ha Long cruises are far nicer in the dry months. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long) can be cool and misty in December and January, so carry a light jacket.
Visas for Indians
Both countries are refreshingly simple. Vietnam offers an e-visa for Indian passport holders, valid for 90 days and available as single or multiple entry — apply online a couple of weeks ahead through the official government portal. Cambodia also offers an e-visa for tourism, and visa-on-arrival is available at the main airports too. Keep printouts of both, plus a passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages. Always confirm the latest rules and fees with our visa checker before you book, as government fees and processing times change.
How to reach from India
There are convenient connecting flights to Hanoi from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other metros, usually via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore; some seasons see direct options too. You will fly home out of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia, again via a Southeast Asian hub. Booking an open-jaw ticket (into Hanoi, out of Siem Reap/Phnom Penh) saves you from doubling back. The internal Vietnam–Cambodia leg is a cheap, short flight — book it once your dates are locked.
The 10-day itinerary, day by day
Days 1–2: Hanoi
Land in Vietnam’s atmospheric capital and dive straight into the Old Quarter — narrow lanes, street-food stalls, and the calm of Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn. Visit the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, and the Train Street if it is open. Spend an evening watching the water-puppet show. Hanoi is walkable and cheap, ideal for shaking off jet lag.
Days 3–4: Ha Long Bay
Take an overnight cruise among the thousands of limestone islands of Ha Long (or quieter Lan Ha) Bay. Kayak through hidden lagoons, visit a cave, swim, and watch the sun set over the karsts. The overnight boat is the highlight of northern Vietnam and worth the splurge. Return to Hanoi on day 4 and fly south.
Days 5–6: Hoi An (via Da Nang)
Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed old town of yellow walls, tailor shops and silk lanterns. Cycle to An Bang beach, get clothes custom-stitched in 24 hours, and float a paper lantern down the Thu Bon river at night. Day-trip options include the My Son ruins or the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south. Explore the War Remnants Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market and the frenetic motorbike-filled streets. If time allows, a half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour gives sobering wartime history.
Days 8–10: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temples. Buy a multi-day Angkor pass and catch sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore the tree-strangled ruins of Ta Prohm (of Tomb Raider fame), and the serene stone faces of the Bayon at Angkor Thom. Spend your final day at quieter temples like Banteay Srei, browse Pub Street and the night markets, and fly home from Siem Reap. To map your own version, try our trip planner.
Where to stay
In Hanoi, base yourself in the Old Quarter for walkability. For Hoi An, choose the Ancient Town or near An Bang beach. In Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 keeps you near the sights. In Siem Reap, the area around the Old Market and Pub Street is convenient. Budget travellers get excellent, clean guesthouses and hostels for ₹800–₹1,800 a night; mid-range boutique hotels with pools run ₹2,500–₹5,000. Both countries offer fantastic value compared with India’s metros.
Top things to do
Beyond the temples and the bay, the standout experiences include: an overnight Ha Long cruise; a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An; getting a tailored outfit made; an Angkor sunrise; a cyclo or tuk-tuk tour; a Mekong-region boat ride; and simply grazing through street-food markets each evening. Both countries reward slow wandering as much as ticking off sights.
Food, with vegetarian notes
Vietnamese food is fresh and herb-forward — think pho (ask for the vegetable broth version), fresh spring rolls, banh mi and strong Vietnamese coffee. Cambodian cuisine is milder; amok (a coconut curry) can be made with vegetables or tofu. Vegetarians and Jains will find this region very manageable. Look for “chay” (vegetarian) restaurants in Vietnam — often run by Buddhist communities and fully meat-free. In Siem Reap, several restaurants cater to Indian and vegetarian tastes, and you will find Indian restaurants in all the main tourist hubs if you crave dal-roti. Carry a few snacks for travel days, and always specify “no fish sauce” if you are strictly vegetarian, as it is used widely.
A realistic budget in ₹
Here is a rough per-person estimate for a comfortable mid-range 10-day trip, excluding shopping:
| Item | Approx. cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Return flights (open-jaw) from India | 30,000 – 45,000 |
| Internal flights (3 within Vietnam + 1 to Cambodia) | 15,000 – 22,000 |
| Accommodation (9 nights, mid-range) | 22,000 – 35,000 |
| Ha Long overnight cruise | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| Angkor multi-day pass | 3,800 – 5,500 |
| Food (10 days) | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Local transport, tours, entry fees | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Visas (both countries) | 4,000 – 6,000 |
| Total (per person) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Backpackers using hostels, buses and budget eateries can do it for noticeably less; for a precise figure tuned to your style, use the trip cost calculator.
Practical tips
Carry both US dollars and a Visa/Mastercard — Cambodia in particular uses USD widely, with small change given in local riel. Get a local eSIM or SIM on arrival for cheap data. Negotiate tuk-tuk fares before you ride, or use ride-hailing apps where available. Pack light, breathable cotton, a hat and sunscreen for Angkor, and modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) for temple visits. Keep digital and printed copies of your visas and onward tickets.
Safety
Both Vietnam and Cambodia are generally safe for tourists, including solo and women travellers, with the usual caution around petty theft — keep bags zipped and phones secure in crowded markets and on motorbike-heavy streets. Drink bottled or filtered water, choose busy food stalls with high turnover, and buy travel insurance that covers medical care and the odd adventure activity. Watch your footing on Angkor’s steep, uneven stairs. Save a copy of your country’s embassy contact details before you travel.
FAQ
Is 10 days enough for both countries? Yes, for the highlights. It is a fast-paced but rewarding loop. If you have 12–14 days, add Ninh Binh or a beach stop like Phu Quoc.
Which order is best? North-to-south through Vietnam (Hanoi to Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City) then a short hop east to Siem Reap minimises backtracking.
Do I need to know the local language? No. English is widely understood in tourist areas of both countries.
Is it suitable for families? Absolutely — just slow the pace and skip the very early Angkor sunrise with small kids.
Cash or card? Carry some USD cash, especially for Cambodia; cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants.
Ready to plan your own version? Explore more day-by-day plans in our Itineraries section, estimate spending with the trip cost calculator, and check entry rules with the visa checker.
Getting around within Vietnam and Cambodia
Within the cities, ride-hailing apps are your cheapest and most stress-free option and remove any haggling. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, both car and motorbike-taxi options are available through these apps. Cyclos (cycle rickshaws) are a fun, slow way to see old quarters but agree the price first. In Hoi An, almost everything is walkable or a short cycle away — many guesthouses lend bicycles free. In Siem Reap, tuk-tuks are the workhorse; hire one for a full Angkor day and the same driver will wait between temples, which works out cheap when split between two or more people. For the longer hops between cities in this itinerary, internal flights save precious holiday time over sleeper buses or trains, and budget carriers keep fares low if you book a few weeks ahead.
Money and connectivity
Vietnam runs on the dong, while Cambodia effectively runs on US dollars with riel given as small change — so carry a stash of clean, undamaged US dollar notes for Cambodia. ATMs are widespread in all the cities on this route; withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce per-transaction fees, and tell your bank you are travelling. A travel-friendly card with low foreign-transaction charges is worth setting up before you fly. For data, buy a local eSIM before departure or a physical SIM at the airport on arrival — both countries have cheap, fast mobile data that makes maps, translation and ride apps effortless.
What to pack
Pack light, breathable cotton and quick-dry clothing for the heat and humidity, a light rain shell, comfortable walking shoes for Angkor’s uneven stone, and a hat plus high-SPF sunscreen. Carry modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits — a light scarf is versatile. A reusable water bottle, a small first-aid kit, mosquito repellent, a power bank and a universal adapter round out the essentials. Leave room in your bag for tailored clothes from Hoi An and souvenirs from the night markets.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not try to cram in extra cities — this loop is already brisk, and adding stops means spending your holiday in transit. Avoid changing money at airport counters where rates are poor. Book the Ha Long cruise and Angkor sunrise with reputable operators rather than the cheapest option, as comfort and safety vary. Finally, do not underestimate Angkor’s scale or heat: start early, pace yourself, and keep hydrated.
Last updated: June 2026
