The ultimate Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary: Culture, cuisine and cruising the Mekong

Cruising the Mekong in style

One of the best ways to see both countries is from the deck of a river cruise. It’s the kind of slow travel that lets you breathe it all in—sunrise over the river, the gentle hum of the boat, and scenes of daily life gliding by: kids waving from the riverbank, floating markets, and fishermen casting nets in the early light.

Hop aboard one of the many Mekong luxury cruises that take you from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (or the other way around), stopping along the way for guided visits to delta villages, silk workshops, and tropical fruit orchards. It’s all the cultural depth with none of the heavy lifting—bags stay in your cabin, chefs serve up fresh river prawns with herbs from the market, and your biggest challenge is choosing between a nap or a Kampot pepper cocktail under the stars.

Vietnam’s big cities: Chaos meets charm

Start in Hanoi and make your way south to Ho Chi Minh City (or go in reverse), but make sure you visit both. Hanoi feels poetic—banyan trees leaning over lakes, echoey temples, and tucked-away cafés serving sweet egg coffee. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City is full of energy, with neon-lit rooftops, a sea of motorbikes, and the kind of food scene that keeps you out way past your bedtime.

Some must-dos:

• Catch a traditional water puppet show near Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Go deep at the War Remnants Museum—it’s heavy but important.
• Take a street food tour to find the best bun cha and crispy banh xeo.
• Grab a sunset drink at a rooftop bar and watch the city turn gold.

It’s a great way to feel the contrast between old and new Vietnam, and both cities are now linked by fast flights and even faster trains.

Slow travel vibes in Hue and Hoi An

Midway down the coast, things start to slow down. Hue is full of history, home to ancient citadels, pagodas, and royal tombs hidden in jungle-covered hills. It’s the place to dig into Vietnam’s imperial past.

Just a few hours away, Hoi An is straight out of a travel magazine—lanterns swaying in the breeze, yellow shopfronts, and peaceful riverside walks. It’s perfect for cycling through the rice paddies, trying on a custom-made ao dai, or releasing a candle-lit wish on the Thu Bon River. The vibe here is calm, creative, and very easy to fall in love with.

Phnom Penh: History and hope

Crossing into Cambodia is surprisingly easy—an e-visa and you’re in. Phnom Penh might not be the first stop you think of, but it’s a city that really sticks with you. The past is present at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, and visiting these sites is powerful and humbling. But Phnom Penh also feels young and optimistic, with art spaces, riverside cafés, and a food scene that’s quietly brilliant.

Wander the river promenade at sunset, catch some street aerobics or grab grilled corn from a local vendor. And if you’re into architecture, the Art Deco buildings are absolutely worth a closer look.

Angkor Wat and beyond

Of course, Siem Reap is a big highlight—and yes, sunrise at Angkor Wat is as magical as they say. But there’s so much more to see. Jungle-covered temples like Ta Prohm (think Tomb Raider) and the quiet corners of Angkor Thom are just as memorable. The tuk-tuks here are the real MVPs, helping you zip between temples while you catch a breeze and chat with friendly drivers.

In between temple visits, cool off at a café, wander the night markets, or cruise Tonlé Sap Lake to visit the floating villages. There’s a surprising variety in how you get around—from trains and boats to air-conditioned VIP buses and cyclo rides—and each one adds to the experience in its own way.

A few tips for smooth sailing

• Best time to go? November to February offers the best weather—cooler mornings and sunny days.
• Travel light. Cotton clothes, a good hat, sun sleeves, and insect repellent are lifesavers.
• Be respectful. Take your shoes off at temples, learn a few local greetings, and always ask before taking someone’s photo.
• Money stuff. Good planning pays off. ATMs are easy to find in cities, but carry small notes for markets and more remote spots.
• Itinerary ideas. A 12-day trip gives you enough time to balance big cities, river cruises, temple visits, and a few lazy days.

Final thoughts: One river, two countries, endless stories

By the end of the journey, you might forget where one country ends and the other begins. Vietnam and Cambodia have their own unique vibes, but the shared history, food, and warm welcomes tie it all together. Whether it’s sipping coconut coffee in Hanoi, floating past temples on the Mekong, or watching bats swirl above Angkor at dusk—this is the kind of trip that stays with you.

And the best part? Every time you see water ripple or hear a boat in the distance, you’ll be taken right back to that river—the one that carried you through it all.