![](https://www.thomascook.in/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Vietnam.jpg)
Vietnam and Cambodia – Backpackers Second Home
Table of contents
![Cambodia and Vietnam](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cambodia-top10-attractions-L-e1485519181979.jpg)
‘One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.’ – Henry Miller
Travelling is all about exploring new places, coming across different lifestyles, accepting different faiths and cultures and leaving as a different human being. When one travels with this perspective, the world presents a plethora of options to explore new places.
Vietnam and Cambodia are the perfect answer to every traveller’s wanderlust and desire to travel to new destinations and see new things. Backpacking in Vietnam takes you on a journey showcasing rich history, delicious food, and splendid architecture and ticks new countries in your checklist. In the quaint lanes and hostels of Hanoi, Saigon, and Siem Reap exists a backpacking culture that you have never seen before. The many places to explore here are a mixed bag of many aspects.
Backpacking in Vietnam and Cambodia at a Glance
![Vietnam and Cambodia](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Vietnam-e1524915822711.jpg)
Time – 10 to 15 days
Currency – Vietnamese Dong, Cambodian Riel
Capital – Hanoi (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Major airports – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi (Vietnam), Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Reasons to visit – Cultural tours, adventure tours, Village visits, honeymoon, trekking, cruise trips, caving, food and drinks
Suggested Read : 10 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam for Honeymoon
How cheap are Vietnam and Cambodia
![Vietnam For Honeymoon](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Vietnam.jpg)
Compared to many international tourist destinations, Vietnam and Cambodia are extremely cheap. 1 INR is equal to approximately 327 Vietnamese Dong. In Cambodia 1 INR is equal to 56 Cambodian Riel. Everything in these two countries, from hotels, to food and coffee is extremely cheap. Since the facility of Border Crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia is available to the visitors, one saves themselves from taking costly flight tickets. Those who are planning for backpacking in Vietnam and Cambodia will get to enjoy a time of their life.
Reasons to visit Vietnam and Cambodia
![Cambodia](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cambodia.jpg)
While Vietnam and Cambodia have many reasons to book a flight ticket and get going, here are a few most convincing ones.
Abundance of cheap guest houses and hostels in every city
For a backpacker, it is important to find places to stay where one can find accommodation for cheap. When you are in Vietnam and Cambodia, this problem is automatically solved. Every major destination is filled with amazing guest houses and backpackers hostels where one can stay and then move on to another destination.
Popular hostels in Vietnam and Cambodia
- See you at Lily’s, Hanoi
- Hanoi Backpackers Hostel, Hanoi
- My Tra Homestay Hostel, Sa Pa
- Mountain View Hostel, Sa Pa
- Hoi An Backpackers Hostel – DK’s House, Hoi An
- The Hideout Hostel, Saigon
- Long Guesthouse Hostel, Hi Chi Minh City
- Lovely Jubbly Villa Hostel, Phnom Penh
- The Led Zephyr Backstage Bungalows Hostel, Sihanoukville
- The Last Point Hostel, Sihanoukville
- Neakru Guesthouse, Kampot
- The Siem Reap Hostel, Siem Reap
- Adan World Hostel, Siem Reap
- Mad Monkey Hostel, Siem Reap
Laid back city life
Both Vietnam and Cambodia are known for the laid back city life. The street culture, night markets, shopping destinations and vibrant atmosphere makes spending time in Saigon, Sa Pa, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Hanoi worth it. Many of these cities are nestled on the river banks which makes the entire scenery quaint and lively.
A few things that you can do during your stay in these cities
- Go on photography tours
- Join curated heritage walks
- Walk around the street markets to observe local life up close
- Visit city museums
- Explore the cities on a cycle
Amazing street food
![Vietnam and Cambodia - Food](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Vietnam-Bun-Cha.jpg)
If there is one quality that differ the countries of South East Asia from each other then it is their street food culture. Every country has different variety of dishes that range on many different levels. Vietnam and Cambodia have a rich street food culture.
The Vietnamese Coffee is one of the best in the world and is found everywhere from Cafes to hotels and too road side stalls. The famous Pho has been a favourite and most recommended while backpacking Vietnam. Bun Cha is another delicious preparation of Noodles with Grilled Pork which is a must try.
Must Read : Vietnam Shopping Destinations for the Traveller in you
Must try street food in Vietnam –
- Phở – Noodle Soup
- Bánh Mì – Vietnamese Bread Roll
- Mì Xào – Fried Noodle
- Chả Tôm – Grilled Shrimp
- Bánh Cuốn – Rolled Cake
- Bún Chả – Noodle With Grilled Pork
- Bánh Bột Lọc – Clear Flour Cake
Must try street food in Cambodia
- Fish Amok – Coconut curry cooked in banana leaves
- Lok Lak – cubed, stir fried beef with red onions on a salad bed
- Lort Cha – Fried fat rice noodles
- Bai Sach Chrouk – Rice with grilled pork strips
- Balut – Duck foetal egg
- Grilled Skewers –
- Kuy Teav – Noodle Soup with rice vermicelli, scallions, and pork or chicken bones
Natural wonders
![Halong Bay - Vietnam and Cambodia](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Halong-bay-Vietnam--1024x724.jpg)
These countries are filled with natural wonders. From lush green mountains to rugged limestone cliffs, travellers would love exploring these geological beauties. In Vietnam, you can visit many caves that hide a whole world inside. The majestic Sapa valley is a highlight of travelling to Vietnam. Saracen Bay Beach and Long Set beach are two of the most gorgeous beaches in Cambodia. Nature lovers would enjoy their time exploring these gorgeous settings.
Most popular natural attractions of Vietnam
- Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Sapa Valley, Vietnam
- Sapa Lake, Vietnam
- Chi Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
- Phong Nha cave, Vietnam
- Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
- Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Most popular natural attractions of Cambodia
- Cardamom Mountains
- Saracen Bay Beach
- Kbal Spean
- Tonle Sap Lake
- Sam Veasna Center
- Otres Beach
- Independence Beach
- Tatai Waterfall
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Battambang Bat Caves
Superb adventurous activities
If you have an adventurous soul then you don’t need to worry as these destinations off a number of adventure and extreme sports in different parts of the country. Mui Ne is literally the adventure capital of Vietnam. You can go for Sandboarding in the desert or ride a quad bike on the sand. Mount Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina is a wonderful place to go trekking and the river side villages can be explored by canoeing.
In Cambodia, adventure junkies would love to Flyboarind and Dirt Biking. Kampet in Cambodia offer several climbing activities in the caves and the untouched rocks.
Adventure sports in Vietnam
- Sandboarding, Mui Ne
- Quad Biking, Mui Ne
- Scuba Diving, Nha Trang (Moray Beach and Madonna Beach), Hoi An (Hon Mo and Hon Nhan)
- Trekking on Mount Fansipan
- Canyoning, Dalat
- Kayaking, Ha Long Bay
- Biking
- Cave exploration, Hoi An
Adventure sports in Cambodia
- Dirt Biking, Siem Reap
- Flyboarding
- Climbing
- Ziplining
- Quad biking
Wonderful historical attractions
The history of these countries goes back to thousands of years. Vietnam has seen many wars along with rise and fall of many kingdoms. Cambodia’s history goes even beyond to the era of Khmer Empire. Angkot Wat is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world and major reasons to visit Cambodia. One can spend a lot of time exploring these historical sites. Backpacking to Cambodia also becomes easy as most of these archaeological parks allow cycling inside the complex.
Top historical sites in Vietnam
- Con Dao Prison Complex
- Hoa Lo Prison
- Khai Dinh Tomb
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- My Son Cham Ruins
- War Remnants Museum
- Long Tan Cross Memorial
- Hue Imperial Citadel
Top historical sites in Cambodia
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon
- Ta Prohm
- Banteay Srei
- Wat Langka
- Preah Vihear
Easy Border crossing
If the only way to travel between Vietnam and Cambodia was by flights, then its value as a backpacking destination would have gone down. But both countries offer the facility of easy border crossing if your e-visa permits are in place. Buses between both countries charge a nominal fee which makes travelling very easy. You can also contact your travel agent to arrange papers and bus tickets for border crossing.
Enjoy the best of Vietnam and Cambodia with Thomas Cook
Our itineraries for Vietnam and Cambodia cover major destinations and attractions in both countries. We plan the best travel experiences based on your requirements. Our expertise makes it easy to go on Backpacking in Vietnam and Cambodia. With us, you’ll find the best moments to cherish during your vacation.
For details on specially curated itineraries for South East Asia, contact our team of experts.
Table of contents
Trending blogs for you
Recommended Articles for you
Sikkim’s Spiritual Splendour: Embarking on a Journey of Buddhist Discovery in Gangtok
Reading Time: 7 minutes 0 0 Nestled amid the Himalayas, Gangtok stands as a tranquil haven for travelers seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty. With its serene monasteries, breathtaking viewpoints, and rich cultural heritage, Gangtok offers a unique blend of experiences that captivate the […]
The Sacred Sands of Puri: Unraveling The Mysteries Of Jagannath Temple & Beyond
Reading Time: 7 minutes 1 0 Nestled amidst the tranquil sands of Puri lies the Jagannath Temple, a sanctuary of spirituality and wonder. As one of the Char Dhams, this ancient pilgrimage site holds a special place in the hearts of Hindu devotees. The […]
A Divine Sojourn: Why Mcleodganj is the Perfect Destination for Spiritual Seekers
Reading Time: 7 minutes 0 0 Mcleodganj is a popular hill station located in the suburbs of Dharamshala, which is another popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The mighty Dhauladhar Range surrounding Mcleodganj attracts trekkers to explore the Kangra valley and admire its natural […]
Rajasthan’s Spiritual Oasis: Experiencing Peace & Devotion in Pushkar
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Pushkar is a spiritual destination situated in the scenic landscapes of Rajasthan. It is a place that attracts visitors from all over the world, including pilgrims and travellers who seek peace and tranquillity. With its serene lake, vibrant […]
Mystical Insights in Tiruvannamalai: Delving into Hinduism & Meditation in Tamil Nadu
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Tiruvannamalai is nestled at the base of the sacred Mount Arunachala in Tamil Nadu. It symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and mysticism. This quaint town exudes an aura of tranquillity and calm, drawing pilgrims and seekers from all corners of […]
Soulful Serenity in Bodh Gaya: The Place of Enlightenment & Buddhist Pilgrimage
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Millions revere Bodh Gaya as the sacred site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago, becoming the Buddha. Nestled in the serene state of Bihar, India, Bodh Gaya is a popular destination of spiritual enlightenment, drawing […]
Journey to the Divine: Pilgrimage to the Holy City of Amritsar
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Nestled in the heart of Punjab, Amritsar stands as a land known for its spirituality and cultural heritage. Steeped in history dating back to the 16th century, this vibrant city is renowned as the spiritual capital of Sikhism. […]
The Tranquil Charms of Dharamshala: A Retreat for Tibetan Buddhism & Nature Lovers
Reading Time: 7 minutes 0 0 Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is a captivating destination renowned for its tranquil ambience, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. Situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, this picturesque town serves […]
Varanasi: India’s spiritual heartbeat on the banks of the Ganges
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Nestled along the revered banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi stands as a timeless beauty to India’s spiritual heritage. Known by various names such as Kashi or Benares, this ancient city showcases an aura of tranquillity and peace. […]
A Spiritual Journey in Rishikesh: Exploring Yoga, Meditation & Adventure
Reading Time: 7 minutes 1 0 Rishikesh is a spiritual haven in the foothills of the Himalayas where the Ganges flows and beckons seekers from all over the world. It is a place of self-discovery and renewal. Rishikesh is a destination that derives its […]
Forex Card vs Credit Card – Which is the Better Option for International Travel?
Reading Time: 5 minutes 0 0 It was a bright sunny morning when we reached Lake Geneva Castle in Switzerland. We needed to park the car and it required Swiss francs to do so. Since my friends and I were travelling from Paris, all […]
Navigating the Globe: A Comprehensive Comparison of Thomas Cook India vs Other Foreign Exchange Providers
Reading Time: 6 minutes 2 0 The dynamic and volatile market of foreign currency exchanges is fast-paced and forever changing as it is highly impacted by the political, legal and economic environment of a country. Hence, it is in the best interest of all […]
Local Banks vs. Specialised Foreign Exchange Providers: Where Should You Exchange Currency for Your Next Trip?
Reading Time: 5 minutes 1 0 Travelling worldwide is learning and experiencing different nations, enjoying cuisines, learning about cultures, and having much more fun. However, when you travel abroad, you can’t use Indian currency anywhere. These days, it is not difficult to get foreign […]
12 Outstanding Dubai Attractions That Should Not Be Missed
Reading Time: 6 minutes 2 10 With so many people visiting this Arab city every year, Dubai needs no introduction. You are spoiled by choices of places when it comes to Dubai attractions! Did you know Dubai is now open to international visitors? It has officially […]
21 Magical Places to Visit Near Pune in Monsoon
Reading Time: 10 minutes 8 0 Often called the twin city of Mumbai, Pune is a unique and lively metropolis in Maharashtra. With tons of great Places to Visit in and around the city, surely every avid traveller will love to explore the absolute wonders […]
20 Holiday Destinations to Visit in India in 2024 | Tourist Places In India
Reading Time: 8 minutes 3 2 When it comes to travelling, India is a vastly underrated holiday destination that doesn’t get its due credit. From arid deserts to lush rainforests, from lofty mountains to mysterious valleys; you’ll get an overwhelmingly vast number of experiences […]
1 USD to INR from 1947 to 2024
Reading Time: 5 minutes 6 2 Today, if we convert 1 USD to INR the Indian currency’s value is lower than USD. INR’s value ranges around 83.57 to 1 USD. Many travellers travelling abroad exchange INR to USD and then later get it converted […]
Countries that offer Visa on Arrival for Indians – Part 1
Reading Time: 5 minutes 1 0 Travelling around the world is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but the process of obtaining a visa can be daunting and time-consuming. Fortunately, many countries offer visas on arrival for Indians, making travel easier and more convenient. In […]
How You Can Plan a Dubai Itinerary on a Budget
Reading Time: 4 minutes 0 0 It’s hard to define the essence of Dubai. This melting pot of different cultures and races has more than its fair share of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches, enough to satiate the needs of sun worshippers and business magnates […]
10 Best Places for Shopping in Bali
Reading Time: 7 minutes 1 0 The archipelago of dormant volcanoes, quaint beaches, and a throbbing nightlife makes Bali one of the best destinations to visit in Asia. Bali attracts travellers from all around the world. Whether it is a bachelor’s party, honeymoon, shopping […]