In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia and Vietnam have long been in the limelight for many travelers. They border each other, offering convenient travel connections.
Diversity is absolutely one of the most enchanting features of Vietnam and Cambodia. Plunging into Halong Bay, climbing up Pre Rup for a breathtaking sunset in Siem Reap, or delving into Hanoi's alleys for delicacies... no matter whether you're traveling for a honeymoon, anniversary, or family vacation… Vietnam and Cambodia will not disappoint you.
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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Accommodations by Asia highlights have
Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout. More
Chris Williams, Nov 2023
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Seeing Bangkok with ease
In Bangkok, our tour guide, Ying, was wonderful. She navigated all the sights with ease, gave us interesting tidbits on Thai culture and history, helped us pick the right food at all the restaurants, and was just a pleasure to be around. We had a great time, and it was so nice to not have to worry about any of the details. More
Diane Elkins, Nov 2023
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Thailand- October 2023!
The team in Thailand was also great. Shout out to our tour guides (Monchai in Bangkok, Indy in Chang Mai and Sonia in Phuket) they were the best!! It was 6 of us and they make us all feel right at home! Kudos! More
Mori P, Nov 2023
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Places to See in Cambodia and Vietnam
Vietnam and Cambodia, neighboring Southeast Asian countries, present distinct travel experiences.
Vietnam boasts diverse landscapes, from the northern rice terraces to the iconic Ha Long Bay, and is rich in history with influences from China, France, and the United States. Its vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer a blend of traditional and modern charm, and the cuisine is celebrated for its freshness and flavors.
On the other hand, Cambodia is renowned for the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and the Khmer Empire's historical sites, set amidst lush landscapes. The country embraces Khmer culture, featuring unique dishes such as amok and showcasing a slower pace of life.
Top Things to Do in Vietnam
1. Explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi: explore the city's charm by visiting sites like the elegant Bach Ma Temple and Dong Xuan Market, the oldest local market in the city.
2. Stay overnight on a cruise to see Halong Bay: exercise with water activities like swimming, kayaking, or canoeing, and enjoy the sunset on the cruise deck with a cup of beer in hand.
3. Trek in Sapa among the rice fields: bring yourself closer to the raw nature of Vietnam.
4. Track back to the last emperor's life in Hue: a good destination for history buffs.
5. Soak in the beauty of Hoi An Old Town: strolling around the lantern-lit streets, you will have a sense of peace and tranquility.
6. Visit the floating markets along the Mekong Delta via a boat ride: they have retained their traditional way of doing business.
7. Relax on a wonderful beach on Phu Quoc Island in South Vietnam: enjoy sunbathing, and fresh seafood, as well as fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling.
Top Things to Do in Cambodia
1. Explore the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.
2. Take in the charming countryside scenery on a quad bike in Siem Reap: pass the seldom-visited local villages, rice fields, and temples, and reward yourself with an amazing countryside sunset.
3. Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. See Siem Reap from another perspective as you pass the floating villages, which still retain the lifestyle of the ancient Cambodians.
4. Sense the misery of the Khmer Rouge period in Phnom Penh: Although it's sad and even disturbing to visit the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison, this will get you acquainted with one of the worst human tragedies of the last century.
How Long Do You Need in Vietnam and Cambodia?
We highly recommend allocating a minimum of 12 days for your inaugural journey to Vietnam and Cambodia. For an even more enriching experience, consider extending your trip to 14 days. This extended timeframe allows for a leisurely exploration, enabling you to cover a broader range of destinations and partake in a diverse array of activities, all at a relaxed pace.
Vietnam: (8-12 days)
- Hanoi (2-3 days)
- Halong Bay (2-3 days)
- Hoi An (2-3 days)
- Ho Chi Minh City (2-3 days)
Cambodia: (3-7 days)
- Siem Reap (3-4 days)
- Phnom Penh (2-3 days)
- Optional: Sihanoukville or Kampot (2-3 days)
Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary Ideas: 12 Days and 2 Weeks
Our 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour is a classic tour for your inspiration, designed for those who want to visit all the must-see destinations and essential sights in both Vietnam and Cambodia within a limited timeframe.
What we are suggesting is the hardest-to-easiest approach. Cambodia's cultural attributes demand more of your engagement: emotions are drawn at the Killing Fields and S21 Museum and a lot of walking is required at the Angkor Wat Complex. Vietnam is relatively relaxing and can be a good wind-down after Cambodia.
- Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival, Cambodia
- Day 2: Phnom Penh (Heart-Breaking Past and Hopeful Present)
- Day 3: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (1-hour flight or 6-hour drive along Tonle Sap), Tomb Raider Experience
- Day 4: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat in Depth)
- Day 5: Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City by flight | Saigon at Dusk
- Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City | Mekong Impression
- Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An (Danang Airport)
- Day 8: Hoi An Ancient Town
- Day 9: Hoi An (Danang Airport) – Hanoi
- Day 10: Hanoi from a Different Angle
- Day 11: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Relaxing Cruising in Halong Bay
- Day 12: Halong Bay – Hanoi, Hanoi Departure
What sets apart this tour is the presence of a dedicated scholar of Angkor culture who will guide you through the intricacies of Angkor Wat. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to soak in breathtaking views of Halong Bay on a carefully selected cruise, characterized by its smaller size, providing more privacy and intimacy. Glide through a hidden canal in the less-touristy area of the Mekong Delta aboard a traditional sampan, and experience more unique and memorable moments throughout the journey. See the detailed itinerary.
More itinerary options are suggested in 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia>>>
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia?
When traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia, you can expect lower prices than in Thailand and Singapore. For a private trip, the daily cost usually ranges from US$170 to US$250 per person.
Travel with us, beyond regular sightseeing, you can enjoy more exclusive activities: foodie adventures, a fishing tour with a basket boat ride, sunset quad bike rides, and an Angkor Wat walking tour led by our Khmer scholar.
We've also carefully selected various hotels at the best agent rates whether you are looking for a family resort or a boutique hotel with unparalleled views.
You can see our two handpicked private tours to get more details about costs and itineraries. The prices are based on a group of 2+ people.
- 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour: from US$2,819 per person
- 14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour: From US$2,366 per adult, US$1775 per child
What Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
Both countries are subject to a monsoon climate. There are three main seasons in Vietnam and Cambodia:
- Dry season: November to February
- Hot season: March to May (temperatures consistently get up to around 38°C (100°F))
- Rainy season: June to October (it usually rains in the afternoon and at night, so it's easy to plan around the weather)
The best time to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to March. This period generally offers more comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring cultural sites, outdoor activities, and enjoying landscapes.
The shoulder seasons, such as late November or early December and late March or early April, can offer a balance between favorable weather and fewer tourists.
The hot season and the rainy season are not so comfortable for travel, but you will find fewer crowds and lower prices for flights and accommodation.
Typhoons from July to September
Typhoons typically strike the northern to central coast of Vietnam during the July-to-September typhoon season, potentially leading to cruise cancellations in Halong Bay and the risk of flooding in Hoi An Ancient Town.
Cambodia seldom gets struck by storms, except for Sihanoukville during the typhoon season.
How to Get to Vietnam and Cambodia?
If you are traveling from the USA or Europe, it's advisable to consider starting your journey in one of Vietnam's prominent cities, like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, due to their accessibility from international destinations. In Cambodia, major airports include Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
To travel between Vietnam and Cambodia, you have three options: by boat, by plane, or by road.
- Flying: Opting for air travel is the most convenient choice, requiring only 1–2 hours for the journey.
- Boat Travel: Choosing to travel by boat provides a unique experience along the Mekong River. You have two notable options—a 5-hour ferry departing from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh or a longer cruise option, either a 4-day cruise between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh or an 8-day cruise between Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap.
- Road Travel: While not recommended due to its extended duration of about 7 hours, traveling by road is a feasible but time-consuming option.
How to Obtain Visas for Vietnam and Cambodia?
Vietnam Visas
Holders of normal passports issued by the following countries do not require a visa to visit Vietnam:
- Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden
- South and Middle America: Chile, Panama
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Brunei
Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam e-visas are issued to citizens of all countries and territories, and they are issued for multiple entries for up to 90 days. You can now apply for the e-visa online. The e-visa fee is approximately 25 USD, and your application will usually be processed within 3 working days. Applying for an e-visa is efficient and convenient.
Cambodia Visas
Regular passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Cambodia (for the following periods):
- Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam (30 days)
- Philippines (21 days)
- Thailand (14 days)
If you are from other countries, you can apply for an e-Visa online for US$37 before arrival, or you may do it on the spot when you enter Cambodia as a Visa-on-Arrival (30 USD for single entry). Visa-on-Arrival is not available at the border-crossing from Chau Doc in Vietnam, but it is at most other ports.
Visit Vietnam and Cambodia with Asia Highlights
Traveling is all about experiences. That is the very thing that you cannot cut corners on. It is also nice to get inspired by experiences. Here, we have designed classic tour itineraries catering to almost all palates for inspiration. If that doesn't strike your fancy, talk to us and get started here: Help Me Plan Now.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
- 12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
- 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise
- 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery
- 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Itinerary: Premium Private Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour—Quality Time Journey
- 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples
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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
moreGet Inspired with Some Popular 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.