Best Vietnam -Cambodia Discovery 15 Days/14 Nights

BEST VIETNAM & CAMBODIA DISCOVERY (15 DAYS)

Hanoi ➔ Halong Bay (Overnight Cruise) ➔ Hoi An ➔ Ho Chi Minh City ➔ Phnom Penh ➔ Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)

• Tour Code: ST15D14N.1

• Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
• Routing: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Danang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
• Target Markets: Europe, US, Australia, Middle East (Luxury & Halal options available)
• DMC Position: Expert ground handling, competitive B2B net rates, 24/7 on-ground support.

🗺️ ITINERARY OVERVIEW

BRIEF:

Day 1: Hanoi, Vietnam Arrival

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (Meals: B/L/) 

Day 4: Hanoi Free Day (Meal: B//)

Day 5 Hanoi – Hoi An (Meal: B//) By flight

Day 6 Hoi An Walking Tour & Free Afternoon (Meal: B//)

Day 7: Hoi An Free Day (Meal: B/)

Day 8: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (Meal: B//) By flight

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels Day Tour (Meals: B/L/)

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Free Day (Meal: B//)

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh Departure- Phnom Penh (Meal: B//) By Bus

Day 12: Phnom Penh City Tour (Meal: B/L/)

Day 13: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (Meal: B//)

Day 14: Full-Day Temples of Angkor Wat Tour (Meals: B/L/)

Day 15: Siem Reap,Cambodia  Departure  By flight

📑 DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – WELCOME TO VIETNAM (MEALS: N/A)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN – Terminal 2, Gate 02, Meeting Point at Column 10), your private Smile Travel representative will greet you with a personalized welcome sign. Experience a seamless private transfer to your central hotel.

Standard check-in: 14:00 (Early check-in subject to availability).

Enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure to explore the buzzing streets of Hanoi Old Quarter.

Overnight: Hanoi

DAY 2: HANOI – HA LONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (MEALS: B/L/D)

Embark on a scenic drive through the Red River Delta to legendary Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board your superior, traditional junk-style vessel and settle in. As the cruise navigates through thousands of towering limestone karsts, enjoy a deluxe seafood lunch.

In the afternoon, choose from various activities: swimming, relaxing on a remote beach, or climbing to a lookout point for panoramic views. Visit a floating pearl farm and watch a cooking demonstration before a sumptuous dinner on board. Anchor for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks.

Overnight: On Cruise

DAY 3: HALONG BAY – HANOI (MEALS: B/L)

Wake up to the serene beauty of the bay with an optional Tai Chi class on deck at dawn. After breakfast, visit the spectacular Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, a colorful grotto of giant stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the boat for a short cooking class to learn the art of making traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. Enjoy a light brunch as you cruise back to the harbor for disembarkation and transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight: Hanoi

DAY 4: HANOI FREE DAY (MEAL: B)

Enjoy a full day free at leisure to explore this fascinating, 1,000-year-old city.

Alternatively, Smile Travel highly recommends the following pre-bookable Optional Activities:

• Hanoi Vespa Tour: Discover the city’s hidden gems from the back of a vintage Vespa.
• Hanoi Jeep Tour: An adventurous open-air experience through the Old Quarter.
• Hanoi Water Puppet Show + Dinner: Witness a unique traditional art form followed by local cuisine. Overnight: Hanoi

DAY 5: HANOI – FLY TO DANANG – HOI AN (MEAL: B)

 This morning, enjoy an immersive walking tour to witness the authentic daily life of Hanoi people. Later, private transfer to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, a quick private transfer will take you to your accommodation in the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town.

Overnight: Hoi An

DAY 6: HOI AN WALKING TOUR & FREE AFTERNOON (MEAL: B)

Discover the real Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a private walking tour. Visit the Museum of History and Culture, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (built in the 1590s), and the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Finally, uncover the unique architecture of the Tan Ky ancient house, showcasing European, Vietnamese, and Chinese influences. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure in this lantern-lit town.

Overnight: Hoi An

DAY 7: HOI AN FREE DAY (MEAL: B)

 Full day free at leisure.

Alternatively, Smile Travel highly recommends the following pre-bookable Optional Activities:

• Cam Thanh Basket Boat Tour: Navigate the unique water coconut forest.
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Experience traditional farming life.
• Cycling Tour: Discover the scenic countryside of Hoi An.

Overnight: Hoi An

DAY 8: HOI AN – FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY (MEAL: B)

After breakfast, private transfer to Da Nang airport (DAD) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the dynamic economic hub of the South. Upon arrival, greet your station representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Saigon at your own pace.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 9: CU CHI TUNNELS HISTORICAL TOUR (MEALS: B/L)

Journey 60 kilometers northwest to explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels. This 220 km underground network, constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the war for independence, housed hospitals, schools, kitchens, and command centers. Experience the resilience of the Vietcong firsthand by exploring secure sections of this vast underground system. Return to Saigon in the afternoon.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY FREE DAY (MEAL: B)

Full day free at leisure.

Alternatively, Smile Travel highly recommends the following pre-bookable Optional Activity:

Mekong Delta Tour: Experience the unique river life, floating markets, and lush orchards (Highly recommended). Vespa Tour, Cyclo Tour, or Saigon River Cruise Dinner.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 11: HCMC DEPARTURE – BUS TO PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (MEAL: B)

Private pickup from your hotel for transfer to the shared tourist bus station. Journey through the Vietnam-Cambodia border (Moc Bai/Bavet) for visa processing (cost not included). The approximately 230 km trip to Phnom Penh takes 6-8 hours.

On arrival in the Cambodian capital, you will be welcomed by your professional tour guide and transferred privately to your hotel.

Please Note: Sharing bus up to 45 passengers. Private Flight Upgrade is available for an additional cost.

Overnight: Phnom Penh

DAY 12: PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR (MEALS: B/L)

Today we explore the city’s complex history. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace (built in 1866) and the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor made of 5,000 silver tiles. Marvel at solid gold and emerald Buddha statues. Continue to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek—grim but crucial reminders of Cambodia’s past under Pol Pot.

Overnight: Phnom Penh

DAY 13: PHNOM PENH – BUS TO SIEM REAP (MEAL: B)

Private transfer to the bus station for your comfortable, shared tourist bus to Siem Reap. Pass through Kandal, Kampong Cham, and Kampong Thom provinces (approximately 320 km). On arrival, greet your Siem Reap tour guide and transfer privately to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure.

Overnight: Siem Reap

DAY 14: FULL-DAY TEMPLES OF ANGKOR WAT TOUR (MEALS: B/L)

Embark on a captivating full-day tour to witness the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture. Start at the magnificent South Gate of Angkor Thom, the historic Royal City. Visit the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Explore the iconic Ta Prohm Temple, famous for the ancient trees and massive roots winding through the temple ruins (seen in Tomb Raider).

After lunch at a local restaurant, marvel at the legendary Angkor Wat, the most famous of all temples on the plain. This 12th-century masterpiece is considered the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Finish with a memorable sunset over the temples.

Overnight: Siem Reap

DAY 15: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE (MEAL: B)

Enjoy breakfast at hotel and complete check-out. Your private car and driver will transfer you to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) for your departure flight home. Smile Travel wishes you a great time and hopes to see you again in Indochina!

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation: 13 Nights in 4-star hotels based on shared twin/double rooms with daily breakfast.
• Halong Bay Cruise: 1 night on a 4-5 star Halong Bay cruise (superior vessel) with kayaking, squid fishing, and Tai Chi included.
• Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicles for all airport transfers and stationed tours as indicated.
• Bus: Shared tourist bus tickets (HCMC to Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh to Siem Reap).
• Guide: Professional, licensed English-speaking stationed guides in North, Central, South Vietnam, and Cambodia.
• Sightseeing: Entrance fees to all applicable tourist sites listed.
• Meals: 14 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner (B/L/D) as indicated incertified local restaurants.
• Complimentary: 1 bottle of water per person per day.

EXCLUSIONS

• Visa processing fees for Vietnam and Cambodia.
• Flights: All international and domestic flight tickets ( Smile Travel can provide separate quotes for domestic flights HAN-DAD, DAD-SGN).
• Optional Tours: Activities and meals mentioned as “Optional”.
• Personal expenses (Laundry, Telephone, Spa, Shopping).
• Mandatory Travel Insurance.

Mandatory Tipping policy:

• 1-4 pax: 5 USD/pax/day.
• 5-10 pax: 4 USD/pax/day.
• 10+ pax: 3 USD/pax/day.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Dietary Requests:

• Indian Tourists: Requesting Indian food will pay a mandatory surcharge of 5 USD/PAX/MEAL.
• Muslim Group: Requesting Halal food will pay a mandatory surcharge of 5 USD/PAX/MEAL. Smile Travel will ensure meals are sourced from certified Halal vendors in major cities and Muslim-friendly kitchens in remote areas.
• Pricing for Series Tours: For regular SERI TOUR commitments, special discounted pricing (cheaper net price) is available. Please contact our B2B Contracting Department for the best offer.

Availability: If the specific accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is not available at the time of booking, Smile Travel will suggest alternative solutions in the same category.

ACCOMMODATION:

RATE CONTRACT

Land Tour Cost / person in USD | 16 Pax + 01 FOC (FOC based on half twin sharing room)

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

GRATUITIES & TIPPING: THE LOWDOWN

Just a heads up that tips for your tour guide and driver aren’t included in the trip price. If you reckon they’ve done a cracking job and you’re happy with the service, a tip of $10 USD  per person, per day is the way to go. You can pay this in the local currency, and it’ll be collected during the tour to cover both your guide and driver.

A quick note on the local way: Tipping is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that for many locals, tips are a standard part of what they earn. You might find people approaching you for a tip—don’t let it rattle you, it’s just how things are done there. Whether you choose to tip or how much you give is always your call.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

Heading off on your next holiday is heaps of exciting, but even when you’re hoping for a smooth run, it pays to be prepared for the “what-ifs”. We reckon it’s a smart move to sort out your travel insurance the moment you book.

Whether it’s a medical mishap, a cancelled flight, or your luggage going walkabout, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered so you can enjoy your trip with total peace of mind.

VIETNAM VISA: HERE’S THE GO ON YOUR VISA

If you’re travelling on an Aussie passport, you can snag a single-entry e-visa online that’s good for up to 90 days. You’ll need to lodge your application (and pay a non-refundable fee) through the official Vietnamese National Web Portal of Immigration. They’ll give you a unique code so you can keep an eye on your application status. Once it’s sorted and granted, make sure you print a hard copy. You’ll need to show it at check-in and keep it on you at all times while you’re trekking around Vietnam.

Your Port of Entry

Your ‘Port of Entry’ is simply the first spot you touch down in Vietnam. For example, if you’re flying from home into Ho Chi Minh City and then catching a domestic flight to Hanoi on Day 1, your Port of Entry is Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport).

A Handy Tip for your Stay

When the form asks for your ‘Intended length of stay’, we reckon it’s best to put down 30 days, even if you’re planning a shorter trip. It doesn’t cost any extra and there’s no drama if you leave early. Doing this gives you a bit of a buffer in case of flight delays or if something unexpected pops up and you need to stay a few extra days.

Watch out for Scams

Be a bit wary—there are some dodgy private visa sites and agents out there that have scammed travellers or leaked personal info. To stay safe, stick to the official Vietnamese Government services. Visa rules, customs, and quarantine bits and pieces can change without much notice, so it’s always a good idea to check in with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam for the latest word.

Important Stuff:

Don’t leave it to the last minute: Start sorting your visa at least three weeks before you head off to account for any processing delays.

Post-Covid rules: Things have changed a bit lately. Some countries or airlines might need extra paperwork before you arrive. Double-check with the embassy or your airline so you’re not caught out.

Please note:

Not an Aussie citizen? You’ll need to have a yarn with your own consulate or a visa agency to find out exactly what you need.

Working in certain fields? If you work in journalism, for the government, or a charity, there might be extra hoops to jump through. This could change the type of visa you need, so make sure you’ve got the right one for your situation.

CAMBODIA VISA: GETTING INTO CAMBODIA

You’ll need a visa to enter Cambodia, but don’t sweat it—it’s pretty straightforward. You can either grab an e-visa online before you go or sort out a tourist visa on arrival.

The Damage: It’ll set you back $30 USD per person (though this can change).

Cash is King: If you’re getting your visa at the airport, you’ll need to pay in crisp USD cash. Make sure your notes are in good nick (no tears or marks) to avoid any dramas.

Validity: These are good for 30 days.

Rules can change at short notice, so it’s always a smart move to check in with the nearest Cambodian Embassy or Consulate for the latest word.

The e-Arrival Card (CeA)

If you’re flying into Cambodia, there’s one extra bit of admin: you must submit an electronic e-Arrival Card (CeA) within 7 days before you land. You can get that sorted at https://www.arrival.gov.kh/

Important Stuff to Remember:

• Give yourself time: Start looking into your visa at least three weeks before you head off. You don’t want to be caught out by consulate public holidays or processing delays.
• Stay in the loop: Visa rules can shift. Once you’ve got your travel docs, double-check the latest entry requirements with the embassy or immigration department.
• It’s on you: Being “travel-ready” is your responsibility. Make sure all your documents are valid and you’ve ticked all the boxes before you hit the airport.
• Not an Aussie citizen? If you’re travelling on a different passport, you’ll need to have a yarn with your own consulate to see what the go is for your specific situation.
• Special Jobs: If you work in journalism, for the government, or a charity, there might be a few extra hoops to jump through. This could affect the type of visa you need, so keep that in mind!

WEATHER & WHAT TO EXPECT

Vietnam: Weather & What to Pack

Vietnam’s weather is a bit of a mixed bag depending on where you are. Here’s the lowdown so you know what to pack:

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa)

Winter (Dec to Feb): It gets surprisingly chilly and stays fairly dry. Expect temps around 10-20°C, so definitely pack a decent jacket or a few layers.

Spring (Mar to Apr): The weather starts warming up, but expect a few light showers here and there as the seasons shift.

Summer (May to Aug): It’s stinking hot and pretty humid. Temps sit between 25-38°C, and you’ll see plenty of heavy rain and the odd thunderstorm.

Autumn (Sep to Nov): Probably the best time to visit. It’s cooler, drier, and much more comfortable for trekking or walking around.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• The top half of Central Vietnam is similar to the North, but further down in Da Nang and Hoi An, it’s a classic tropical vibe:
• Dry Season (Feb to July): Beautiful and warm. Perfect beach weather with temps between 25-35°C.
• Wet Season (Aug to Jan): Expect plenty of rain and high humidity. It can get a bit wild with heavy downpours at times.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

• It’s pretty much warm all year round down south, split into two main seasons:
• Dry Season (Dec to Apr): Plenty of sunshine and quite dry. Temperatures hover around 25-35°C.
• Rainy Season (May to Nov): Humid and wet. You’ll get those classic tropical afternoon bursts, especially from June to September, but it stays nice and warm.
• A quick heads up: These are just the general patterns. Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes, so things can vary a bit from year to year!

Cambodia: Weather & What to Pack

Cambodia is a classic tropical destination—it’s pretty much warm all year round, but the humidity can be a bit of a shock if you’re not used to it. The weather is split into two main seasons:

• The Dry Season (November – April): This is the most popular time to visit. It’s warm to stinking hot, especially inland. Expect temps between 25–35°C. If you’re visiting from March to May, be prepared for some scorching days where it can easily top 35°C—definitely a time for a hat, sunnies, and plenty of water!
• The Wet Season (May – October): This is when the southwest monsoon kicks in. You’ll get frequent afternoon downpours, which can be quite a spectacle! It’s slightly cooler (24–32°C) but very muggy (high humidity). July and August are the wettest months, so keep a light rain poncho handy.

The Lowdown: Overall, it’s warm and humid no matter when you go. The “coolest” months (if you can call them that!) are November to January. If you’re heading to the coast, the water is a beautiful 27–30°C—perfect for a dip!

Keep an eye on the forecast: Weather can be a bit unpredictable, so we always reckon it’s a smart move to check a reliable weather app or website just before you fly out for the latest updates on your specific stops.

SEE MORE TOURS:

10 Days Vietnam Highlights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Ultimate Vietnam Discovery: 13 Days 12 Nights

Itinerary Hanoi – Sapa – Halong – Da Nang – Hue – Ho Chi Minh city

14 Days Vietnam Discovery Tour: Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Da Nang – Hoi An – Saigon

Best Vietnam-Cambodia Tour 15 Days/14 Nights-Smile Travel

Discover Vietnam Tour 10 Days From South To North With Smile Travel