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2-Week Itineraries in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for Families, Couples, and First-Timers

2-Week Itineraries in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for Families, Couples, and First-Timers

By RitaUpdated May. 22, 2023

As neighbors, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are a popular combo for Southeast Asia trips. Comprising the epitome of Southeast Asia, they are the top choice for family trips, anniversary milestones, and first visits.

Read on for 2-week itinerary suggestions for first-timers, families, and couples to make the most fulfilling use of 14 days in SE Asia.

Where to Go in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam

beach time in Thailand

2 weeks is a good amount of time for first-timers to discover the iconic highlights of these three countries. For a comfortable tour pace, we recommend that you spend 6–7 days in Thailand, 3 days in Cambodia, and 4–6 days in Vietnam.

In Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai are two must-go cities. Two popular islands to consider are Phuket with kid-friendly water activities and Koh Samui for more romantic and high-end experiences.

In Vietnam, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay top the bucket list during most first visits. If time permits, you are suggested to visit Hoi An (for the ancient town), and Ho Chi Minh City (for war sites and the Mekong Delta).

In Cambodia, Siem Reap is not to be missed for its wonderful Angkor Wat temple complex. Phnom Penh, the capital, could be an excursion for a longer stay.

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2-Week First-Timers’ Thailand–Cambodia–Vietnam Itinerary

For first-timers, we suggest focusing on the top highlights, such as the Grand Palace, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Angkor Wat, the Mekong Delta, and Ha Long Bay.

You could consider the following hand-picked first-timers’-favorites itinerary:

  • Days 1–2: Bangkok, Thailand
  • Days 3–5: Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Days 6-8: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay cruise, Vietnam
  • Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Day 10: Mekong Delta, Vietnam
  • Days 11–13: Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Day 14: Departure
Southeast Asia Tour Map

Days 1–2: Bangkok

In Bangkok, 2 days are a good allocation to deal with jet lag and explore the city highlights.

Bangkok’s majestic Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho are windows into Bangkok’s history. Food hunting and long-tail boating are also not to be missed in Bangkok, as they make good activities to engage with your kids/partner.

Days 3–5: Chiang Mai

Yi peng sky lantern festival at Chiang Mai Swarms of sky lanterns flying into the night's sky

When traveling to Chiang Mai, flights of under 1½ hours are more comfortable than 10-hour trains or private road transfers.

A Chiang Mai trip is not complete without a foodie tour, the flower market, and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Usually, we’d suggest you have a city sightseeing day, visit an elephant sanctuary for a day, and enjoy some free time before an onward flight.

If you’re travelling in November, the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong lantern festivals in Chiang Mai offer the perfect backdrop for romantic milestone trips.

Days 6–8: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

vietnam halong bay

Generally speaking, a classic north Vietnam trip always includes a Hanoi city tour and a 2-day overnight Ha Long Bay cruise. In Hanoi, the Old Quarter and water puppet show are best to see, especially for kids.

For iconic Ha Long Bay, 2 days is more advisable to escape the big-tour-group day-trip crowds on both ships and islands. With an overnight stay, you could enjoy water activities like swimming and kayaking, cave exploring, or floating village visits with your family or your beloved at a leisurely pace.

For a more private experience, contact us for a private houseboat for just your family or partner.

Days 9–10: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta 

vietnam the mekong delta

To have a taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s (even Vietnam’s) defining moments, a day trip including the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum is essential.

A day trip to the Mekong Delta would bring you closer to Vietnam’s most-idyllic rustic life and scenery, especially when meeting local farmers and seeing their floating market. If time permits, stay a night to catch the sunrise over the early-morning floating market or even take a week-long Mekong River cruise to Cambodia.

Days 11–13: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap in March

3 days in Siem Reap is required to appreciate the beauty of splendid Angkor Wat and visit a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake.

Our exclusive ox cart ride in the countryside and sunset cocktail on Tonle Sap Lake would add memorable moments to your trip.

This 14-day itinerary doesn’t have any beach activities. If you would like some beach time, we could work in 3–5 days on Phuket or Koh Samui in Thailand. Please feel free to contact us to tailor a private itinerary for you. Check out our customizable 19-day itinerary.

The Best Southeast Asia Tour for First-timers

2-Week Itinerary in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for Families

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are good destinations for families of all ages, no matter whether you’re celebrating a significant birthday or kids’ graduations, etc.

This 14-day family trip itinerary has a relaxing tour pace and yet is packed with kid-friendly activities, especially the beach time in Phuket.

The outline and highlights below are for your inspiration:

  • Days 1–4: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
  • Days 5–7: Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Days 8–9: Bangkok, Thailand
  • Days 10–11: Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Days 12–13: Phuket, Thailand
  • Day 14: Departure
14-Day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Mini-Group Tour Route

In Vietnam, food hunting in the Old Quarter and a water puppet show have made kids most excited about being in Hanoi. The 2-day Ha Long Bay cruise would give your family a relaxing time together. The cooking class on board, kayaking, and hidden cave exploration are great for family bonding.

In Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a must for something educational but also mysteriously beautiful. Taking an ox cart out onto the country roads would allow your children to discover exotic rustic life in a unique way.

In Thailand, you and your kids could walk, hug, bathe, and feed the elephants when visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai! Then, refresh yourselves on stunning beaches in Phuket before returning home!

This itinerary could be tailor-made as per your schedule, interests, and budget. You could shorten this itinerary to 12 days (see our suggested 12-day itinerary)...

During the Christmas and New Year holidays, you could choose a 14-day budget-friendly mini-group tour (4–6 people) to lower the price in this peak season.

A Southeast Asia Overview for a Shorter Vacation

2-Week Itinerary in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam for Couples

For couples, we are experienced in customizing exclusive romantic moments, whether you want a private Ha Long Bay cruise, a sunset balloon ride over Angkor Wat, or high-end resorts in Koh Samui with private couple massages...

See the following itinerary outline and description of just some of its romantic opportunities:

  • Days 1–4: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
  • Days 5–6: Hoi An, Vietnam
  • Days 7–9: Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Days 10–11: Bangkok, Thailand
  • Days 12–13: Koh Samui, Thailand
  • Day 14: Departure
Koh Samui, Thailand Koh Samui, Thailand

In Vietnam, you are recommended to go to Ha Long Bay, take an overnight cruise, and watch the charming sunset and sunrise with your loved one.

You would probably also enjoy going to laid-back Hoi An Ancient Town, strolling around, having a riverfront sunset dinner, and releasing floating lanterns for making wishes the Vietnamese way at night.

In Siem Reap, a sunset balloon ride over Angkor Wat and a sunset cocktail near Tonle Sap Lake would help you to create a life-long memory.

In Thailand, what could be better than some free days in Koh Samui? Away from the chaotic beaches, partake in fine dining, quality couple massages, and luxury resorts with swim-up pool rooms, which are ideal for romantic trips.  

If you come in November, add 2–3 days in Chiang Mai for the annual Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival (one of the world’s best mass lantern releases). This world-class visual feast will definitely bring color to your romantic trip.

An In-Depth Experience of Southeast Asia at an Easy Pace

How Much Does a 2-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour Cost?

Southeast Asia offers great value for money. A private tour in Southeast Asia is actually an affordable luxury, which would add exclusivity and convenience to your trip.

For a 2-Week Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam private tour, you would usually need to pay around US$200–250 per day per person (including airfares within Southeast Asia, 4-/5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and transfers). Kids below 10 would get around 30% to 50% discounts.

So, beyond the international flights from/to your country, a 2-week private trip would cost you about US$9,500–12,000 for a family trip with 2 adults and 2 kids. For a couple only, the cost would be around US$5,600–7,000.

Click here to plan your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

How to Travel Between Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam?

For more international flight choices, you’re suggested to land in Thailand and depart from Vietnam, or vice versa.

Once in Southeast Asia, you can travel between countries conveniently as they border each other. Flights are undoubtedly the most time-saving choice, although you could have a relaxing and romantic experience by taking a Mekong River cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Are you feeling like it’s a lot to organize on your own? Just let us know your (rough) travel dates and interests, and our expert would be happy to personalize a private tour for your consideration within 24 hours!

Holidaying in SE Asia with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights, we'll do all the itinerary tailoring and expert arranging to make the best trip for you. Contact us to begin an inquiry with your initial questions.

Or start from a recommended fully-modifiable itinerary:

Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)

  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
  • Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

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