Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days: The ultimate itinerary

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Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days: The ultimate itinerary

Explore Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days with a well-organized itinerary that takes you through top destinations, local landmarks and memorable experiences, making every day of your journey smooth and meaningful without feeling rushed.

11 Apr, 2025 THAO
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Only have a short time but want to see the best of Southeast Asia? This itinerary for Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days helps you navigate three unique countries with ease. It includes a well-structured route, daily plans, and useful travel advice to keep things simple and enjoyable. You’ll visit must-see places, experience local life, and still have time to relax along the way. Ideal for travelers who want variety without the stress of planning everything on their own.

Start your journey now and make every day of your trip count!

Why should you choose a combined Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam tour?

Many travelers plan trips to each of these countries separately. However, combining them into one itinerary brings real advantages in terms of time, cost, and variety. Below are the main reasons this route works well for many visitors.

Smooth travel connections between 3 countries

The infrastructure between Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam is quite developed. Land borders are open to tourists, and regional flights are frequent and affordable. You can travel by bus, car, or boat with ease. For example, crossing into Cambodia from Thailand via Aranyaprathet–Poipet is simple and well-known among tourists. Moving from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc in Vietnam by boat is also straightforward.

Explore Southeast Asia’s diversity in one trip

The Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days itinerary gives you the chance to experience a range of settings, local lifestyles, and regional differences across Southeast Asia. Each country presents something distinct, offering variety in a single trip.

  • In Thailand, the journey takes you through buzzing cities like Bangkok, calm riverside towns, mountain regions such as Chiang Mai, and coastal areas known for their long stretches of beach. The contrast between the north and the south adds extra layers to your travel experience.

  • In Cambodia, you’ll see ancient temple complexes in Siem Reap, colonial architecture in Phnom Penh, and the slower pace of life in rural villages. These differences give you a broader view of daily life and local traditions.

  • In Vietnam, landscapes range from the flat rice fields of the Mekong Delta to the hills around Da Lat and the limestone peaks in Ha Long Bay. Modern city life in Ho Chi Minh City contrasts with traditional floating markets and riverside neighborhoods.

This variety in scenery and rhythm of life is one of the key reasons why many travelers consider this route among the best Southeast Asia travel trip options.

A well-rounded trip for every kind of traveler

The 15-day Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam trip is suitable for travelers who enjoy flexibility. You can focus on sightseeing, food, or photography. It works for backpackers, couples, and even older travelers looking for a balanced trip that’s not too rushed.

Best time to visit Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Understanding the seasonal weather is key to enjoying your Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days itinerary. Although these neighboring countries share certain climate patterns, the ideal travel time isn’t the same everywhere. Conditions can differ between regions, so knowing what to expect helps you plan smarter and travel more comfortably.

  • Thailand: The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is cooler and less humid across most regions. March to May is the hottest period, while June to October brings frequent rain, especially in the central and southern parts.

  • Cambodia: The dry season lasts from November to April, making it easier to explore outdoor sites. Rain becomes common between May and October, mostly in short bursts. Travel is still possible, but road conditions in rural areas can be affected.

  • Vietnam: The north is best between October and April, when it’s dry and cooler. Central Vietnam is more pleasant from February to August. In the south, including the Mekong Delta, dry months fall between December and April. The rainy season in this region usually runs from May to November.

👉 Overall, late November to February is the most practical time for a Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam tour, with fewer weather disruptions across the three countries.

The best itineraries for Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days

Carefully designed for first-time visitors and curious travelers, this 15-day Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam itinerary takes you through three unique countries in Southeast Asia. You’ll start your journey with temples and street life in Thailand, dive into the historic wonders of Cambodia, and end with river life and busy city scenes in southern Vietnam. Here's how to plan your route.

Visit Thailand (Days 1 - 4): Begin your journey with temples and local life

Thailand is the ideal starting point for this tour. Begin in Bangkok, where vibrant street life meets centuries-old temples and riverside traditions. Then head to Ayutthaya, home to impressive temple ruins and former royal sites that tell stories of a powerful Siamese kingdom.

Day 1 - 2: Bangkok

  • Visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

  • Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

  • Explore Wat Pho to see the giant Reclining Buddha

  • Stop by Wat Traimit, which houses the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world

  • Walk through Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, known for its old houses, busy alleys, and traditional street food

Day 3: Bangkok – Ayutthaya

  • Visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, the “Monastery of the Golden Mount”

  • Explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

  • See Wat Lokaya Sutha, known for its large reclining Buddha

  • Stop at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, with a unique mix of Thai, European, and Chinese architecture

Day 4: Ayutthaya

  • Visit Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Ratburana

  • Explore Wat Yai Chaimongkol, home to another large reclining Buddha and ancient royal structures

Visit Cambodia (Days 5 - 10): Discover ancient structures and local traditions

After Thailand, the journey continues through Cambodia. From small towns with quiet charm to monumental temples and capital city landmarks, this leg offers a balanced mix of heritage and everyday life.

Day 5: Ayutthaya – Battambang

  • Cross the Ban Pakard border into Cambodia

  • Transfer to Battambang

  • Visit local producers making rice paper, Prahok (fermented fish paste), and traditional Khmer sweets

  • Explore Wat Slaket Pagoda and the 11th-century Ek Phnom Temple

Day 6: Battambang – Siem Reap

  • Drive to Siem Reap

  • Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake

  • Visit the fishing village of Chong Kneas and the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve

Day 7: Siem Reap – Angkor Sites

  • Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom

  • Visit the South Gate, Bayon

  • See the fascinating Buddhist monastery of Ta Prohm

  • Visit Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King

  • Discover Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu

  • End the day with sunset views from Phnom Bakheng

Day 8: Siem Reap – Surrounding temples

  • Travel across the Kulen mountain range to visit Kbal Spean, the “River of a Thousand Lingas”

  • Stop at Phnom Kulen, considered Cambodia’s most sacred mountain

  • See Banteay Srei, a 10th-century pink sandstone temple

  • Visit the temple Banteay Samre

Day 9: Siem Reap – Rolous Group

  • Visit the Roluos Group, early Hindu temples from the 9th century

  • Explore the three main temples dedicated to Shiva: Preah Ko Temple, Lolei Temple, Bakong Temple

  • Visit: Preah Khan Monastery, Neak Pean Temple, Ta Som Temple

  • Continue to the Baray reservoir and Eastern Mebon Temple

  • Finish the day with sunset at Pre Rup Temple

Day 10: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh

  • Flight to Phnom Penh

  • Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, Royal Palace, and Silver Pagoda

  • Explore the Central Market, known for its Art Deco design

Visit Vietnam (Days 11 - 15): Finish your trip in the Mekong Delta

The final stretch of your journey unfolds in Southern Vietnam, where you’ll explore peaceful delta towns, lush wetlands, and the dynamic streets of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a smooth conclusion, blending riverside tranquility with city energy.

Day 11: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc

  • Transfer to the pier for a speedboat to Chau Doc

  • Complete border formalities during the boat trip

Day 12: Chau Doc

  • Discover Chau Doc and its Chinese, Cham, and Khmer communities

  • Visit a Cham village and its mosque

  • Explore the famous pilgrimage site of Sam Mountain

  • Visit Tra Su Cajeput Forest, a flooded forest typical of the Mekong Delta

Day 13: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh City

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Discover Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office

  • Visit the Reunification Palace

  • Stop at the War Remnants Museum for insights into Vietnam’s recent past

  • Explore Chinatown (Cholon) and the Thien Hau Pagoda

  • Walk through Binh Tay Market and the lively Ben Thanh Market

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure

Enjoy your last moments in Vietnam before flying home.

👉 For more details: Combined tour Thailand Cambodia Vietnam 15 days

Top travel itineraries for your Southeast Asia adventure

Exploring Southeast Asia brings a mix of ancient temples, historic towns, and lively cities. The Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days itinerary is a great starting point, but there are also shorter getaways and longer routes to suit different travel styles. These top itineraries make it easier to plan a meaningful journey through the region.

With Hanoi Voyages, your Southeast Asia adventure will be smooth, meaningful, and unforgettable. Let their local insight and customized service turn your travel dreams into reality!

Must-try local dishes across Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Traveling through Southeast Asia isn’t just about temples, landscapes, and bustling markets - it's also a chance to savor some of the most iconic dishes the region has to offer. Each country brings its own rich culinary heritage, shaped by history, culture, and local ingredients. Here’s what to try in each country:

 

Thailand

Thailand’s cuisine is a vibrant mix of sweet, spicy, salty, and sour flavors - balanced in every dish.

  • Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts

  • Tom Yum Goong: Spicy and sour shrimp soup

  • Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet mango with coconut sticky rice

Cambodia

Cambodian food is more subtle in flavor, often featuring coconut milk, fermented ingredients, and slow-cooked spices.

  • Fish Amok: Steamed fish curry in banana leaves

  • Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork with broken rice

  • Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef with lime-pepper sauce

Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, light, and aromatic, with a focus on herbs, rice noodles, and balanced dipping sauces.

  • Phở: Noodle soup with beef or chicken

  • Bánh mì: Crispy baguette sandwich with pickles and herbs

  • Bánh xèo: Savory pancake with shrimp and pork

Useful tips for the Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam tour 15 days

To make your Southeast Asia journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible, it’s helpful to prepare for the practical side of travel. These simple but important tips can save you time, help you stay connected, and make your experience more comfortable across all three countries.

Visa requirements

Always double-check entry rules before you travel. Many travelers don’t need a visa for short stays in Thailand (under 30 days), while Cambodia allows easy e-visa applications online. Vietnam may still require a visa depending on your nationality, but online applications are fast and straightforward for most visitors.

SIM card and Internet access

Buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport or from a convenience store in each country. Mobile data is affordable and reliable throughout Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Apps like Google Maps, Grab (ride-hailing), and Google Translate will come in handy, especially in non-touristy areas.

Currency exchange and withdrawals

Bring a mix of payment options. In Cambodia, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, while small change may be given in local riel. In Thailand and Vietnam, stick to local currency - Baht and Vietnamese dong. ATMs are common in major cities, but for remote regions, it’s smart to carry some small denominations in cash.

Other practical tips

  • Pack light and breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate.

  • Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

  • Bring a small power bank to keep your devices charged during long transfers or day trips.

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Thai, Khmer, and Vietnamese, it helps build friendly connections with locals.

  • Keep your schedule flexible to avoid burnout. Allow time to rest and take in the atmosphere at each stop - every destination on this itinerary has something different to offer.

Exploring Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 15 days offers a balanced journey through dynamic cities, ancient temples, and peaceful countryside landscapes. Each destination brings its own rhythm, flavors, and stories - giving you a rich sense of Southeast Asia’s diversity in just two weeks.

Start your journey with Hanoi Voyages - where your Southeast Asia adventure begins with thoughtful planning and authentic local insights.

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