From Halong Bay to Angkor Wat: A journey you'll never forget.
If you’re looking for a destination that blends culture, history, food and unforgettable experiences… Vietnam & Cambodia should be at the very top of your list.
This trip had it all bustling cities, peaceful countryside, iconic landmarks and once-in-a-lifetime moments and it’s one I would absolutely do again.
Let me take you through it.
The Ultimate Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary
- 3 nights Hanoi
- 1 night Halong Bay cruise
- 1 night Hanoi
- 4 nights Hoi An
- 3 nights Ho Chi Minh City
- 4 nights Siem Reap (Cambodia)
👉 The perfect mix of culture, adventure and a little bit of relaxation.
Hanoi is vibrant, busy and full of life and the best way to experience it is to dive right in.
We:
- Explored the Old Quarter (Shoe Street was a favourite!)
- Took a traditional cyclo tour
- Visited Hoan Kiem Lake and temple
- Found a rooftop bar for views over the city
And yes… crossing the road here is an experience in itself 😅
👉 You just have to go for it!
That evening, we watched a traditional water puppet show, which was such a unique insight into Vietnamese culture.
Halong Bay is every bit as magical as you imagine.
We cruised with Bhaya Classic, and it was one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Experiences included:
- Cruising past limestone karsts
- Visiting Cua Van Floating Fishing Village
- Kayaking through calm emerald waters
- A hands-on Vietnamese cooking class onboard
- Squid fishing at night
- Sunrise Tai Chi on the sundeck
We also explored the peaceful Tien Ong Cave, which felt like stepping into another world.
👉 Waking up in Halong Bay is something I’ll never forget.
TIP: My Advice would be to book a 2 night cruise to really take it all in as the one night felt very rushed.
Hoi An completely stole my heart.
Think:
- Lanterns lighting up the streets
- Beautiful old buildings with flowers cascading over balconies
- Bicycles riding through the old town
We:
- Rode bikes in and out of town
- Had clothes and jewellery custom made (so affordable!)
- Did a cultural tour through rice fields (buffalo and all 🐃)
- Watched basket boat races at sunset
- Took part in a lantern-making class
👉 It’s charming, relaxed and full of character—my favourite stop of the trip.
Ho Chi Minh City brings a completely different energy.
Highlights:
- Visiting the Vietnam War Museum (very moving and powerful)
- Exploring Ben Thanh Markets
- Seeing the city via hop-on hop-off bus
👉 It’s fast-paced, fascinating and full of history.
Cambodia was incredible.
Yes, it was HOT (very hot 😅)… but absolutely worth it.
🌅 Angkor Wat Sunrise
We woke up early to watch sunrise over Angkor Wat—and it was truly something special.
We explored:
- Angkor Wat
- Angkor Thom
- Bayon Temple
- Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple)
👉 The history, scale and detail are just mind-blowing.
We also visited:
- Phnom Kulen (Lychee Mountain) with waterfalls (the BEST refresh)
One of the most fun nights was our Vespa food tour.
Zipping around Siem Reap at night trying local foods was such a cool experience… although I’ll admit, I drew the line at:
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
- Glow worms 😅
(Mum, however, was all in… go mum!)
We also went to Phare Circus, which supports local youth and delivers an incredible performance—such a meaningful experience.
- M Gallery d’Opera Hanoi – most comfortable beds EVER (like sleeping on a cloud)
- Bhaya Classic Cruise – unique and unforgettable
- Royal Hoi An MGallery – my favourite hotel, plus free bikes into town
- Liberty Central Riverside (Ho Chi Minh)
- Angkor Hotel (Siem Reap)
👉 A great mix of comfort, location and experience.
We made a point to eat local and authentic wherever we went—often in small, roadside restaurants.
Standouts included:
- Good Morning Vietnam & La Hostaria (Hoi An)
- Marum (training restaurant), Sister Srey Café & Miss Wong’s (Siem Reap)
👉 Vietnam & Cambodia are absolute foodie destinations.
TIP: In Ho Chi Minh be sure to book into Noir restaurant. Your senses are in for a treat. BOOK HERE
- ✔️ Pack a handheld fan (it gets HOT)
- ✔️ Wear easy on/off shoes for temples
- ✔️ Dress respectfully (cover shoulders & knees where required)
- ✔️ Use Grab app or metered taxis
- ✔️ Download translation & currency apps
Slightly smaller heading.
If you’re looking for a destination that offers incredible value, rich culture and unforgettable experiences—this is it.
Let me help you build the perfect itinerary, tailored just for you.
👉 Contact me to book your next adventure with Roast & Roam 🌏✨