A 20-day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos itinerary
This is the route we suggest for a first trip through all three countries. It runs north to south through Vietnam, then flies to Laos and finishes at Angkor. It follows our Indochina Revealed tour; shorter versions drop Hue, the Mekong or Phnom Penh. Regional flights are quoted separately and timetables change by season, so we confirm them against your dates.
| Days | Country | Where | Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Vietnam | Hanoi: Old Quarter, Temple of Literature | Hanoi |
| 3 | Vietnam | Ha Long Bay cruise | On board |
| 4–6 | Vietnam | Hoi An old town and countryside | Hoi An |
| 7–8 | Vietnam | Hue: citadel and royal tombs | Hue |
| 9–11 | Vietnam | Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
| 12–15 | Laos | Vientiane, then Luang Prabang: alms giving, Pak Ou Caves, Kuang Si Falls | Vientiane / Luang Prabang |
| 16–17 | Cambodia | Siem Reap: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei | Siem Reap |
| 18–20 | Cambodia | Tonle Sap, then Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh |
How many days do you need?
Fourteen days is the minimum we would suggest for the highlights of all three countries, for example Like a Local in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos or Best Indochina Highlights. Seventeen to 21 days adds Phnom Penh, the Mekong Delta and more time in Luang Prabang, as in Essential Indochina for Couples. If you only want two countries, see Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 days.
Budget guide per guest
Budget guide, per guest for the whole trip, with 4★ hotels sharing a double or twin, a private car and a private English-speaking guide. Your personal quote is the price.
| Group size | 14 days | 20 days |
|---|---|---|
| 2 guests | US$1,960 | US$2,800 |
| 4 guests (−5%) | US$1,862 | US$2,660 |
| 6 guests (−8%) | US$1,803 | US$2,576 |
Season, hotel level, number of guide days and flights move the price. Upgrades are priced on request, for instance InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort or a night on Capella Cruise. Tour pages list their own “from” prices, which can differ because inclusions and dates differ.
Included and not included
Included: 4★ hotels with breakfast, a private air-conditioned car and driver, a private guide in English on sightseeing days, the entrances, boats and activities listed in the itinerary, the overnight cruise where listed, and 24/7 support from Hanoi.
Not included: international and regional flights (quoted separately), visas, insurance, meals and drinks not listed, tips, personal expenses and upgrades.
Best time for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos together
| Country | Most comfortable | To watch |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Regional: spring (February–April) and autumn (August–October) are usually the more balanced months | North is cool in winter; the centre can see storms around October; August is wet in Hanoi; June is wet in Saigon |
| Cambodia | November to February | March to May is hot, often 35–40°C |
| Laos | October to May | Hot, intense sun before the rains |
The overlap that works for all three is November to March. Tet (the Vietnamese New Year) falls on 6 February 2027 (date checked on 15 November 2026); transport and hotels are busy around it, so book early.
Plan your Vietnam trip in 1 minute
Pick your month to see the weather by region, or estimate your budget — then get a private itinerary from our Hanoi team.
Typical seasonal patterns; weather varies year to year. Our team checks your exact dates when we prepare your itinerary.
"From" prices published on our Vietnam tour cost guide: per person per day, 2 travellers sharing, private guide & driver, hotels, listed activities. International flights, e-visa, insurance and tips not included. Final price is confirmed in your written quote.
What is new for 2027 planning
Siem Reap is served by the Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, open since 16 October 2023, roughly 45–50 km from the town; allow about an hour to a little more by road. The old airport closed. In Laos the Laos–China railway, open since December 2021, links Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, with fast trains between Vientiane and Luang Prabang taking about two hours. Both facts checked on 15 November 2026 (airport, railway). Train times change; we confirm them for your dates.
Visas
Each country has its own rules. Vietnam offers e-visas on the official portal evisa.gov.vn, and citizens of several European countries, including the UK, can enter visa-free for up to 45 days under a rule listed as running to 14 March 2028 (summary, checked on 15 November 2026); confirm for your passport before booking. See our guides to the Vietnam e-visa, the Cambodia visa and the Laos e-visa.
Payment and booking
A 30% deposit confirms the booking and the balance is due 45 days before arrival. A holding fee of 100 USD per guest reserves the dates and is non-refundable. Card payment adds 3.5%. Details are on how to book with us; to see how we work across the region, read about our Indochina tour operator service.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos?
At least 14 days for the highlights. With 17–21 days you can add Phnom Penh, the Mekong Delta and more time in Luang Prabang.
Which order should the countries go in?
We suggest ending at Angkor so the long Vietnam section comes first and the temples are a calm finish, but the order can be reversed to suit your international flights.
Are the flights between the countries included?
No. Regional and domestic flights are quoted separately; the budget guide covers hotels, private car, guide and listed activities.
What is the best month for all three countries?
November to March is the most comfortable overlap. April and May are very hot in Cambodia and Laos.
Can I do Laos by train?
Yes, between Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang on the Laos–China railway; we confirm times for your dates.
Ask about this trip on WhatsApp or send us your dates and group size.
The Metta Voyage team · Updated 15 November 2026
