Ha Giang
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ha Long
Sapa
Mekong Delta
Da Nang
Hue
Hoi An
Ninh Binh
Da Lat
Nha Trang
Phan Thiet
Phu Quoc
Quang Binh
Quy Nhon
Vung Tau
Thai Nguyen
Hello everyone,
I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions regarding our itinerary (for two middle-aged travelers) for a 6-week first visit to Cambodia and Vietnam, scheduled for March/April 2026.
- 21/3 Arriving in Siem Reap at 8:30pm. 3 Nights/4 Days
- 25/3 Flight to Phnom Penh, Arriving 9:15am. 3 Nights/3 Days
- 28/3 Boat journey from PP to Chau Doc. 2 Nights/1 Day
- 30/3 Flight Chau Doc to Can Tho. 3 Nights/3 Days – Staying at Green River Mekong
- 2/4 Flight Can Tho to Con Dao. 3 Nights/3 Days
- 5/4 Flight Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City. 3 Nights/3 Days
- 8/4 Flight from HCMC to Danang, then train to Hue. 3 Nights/3 Days
- 11/4 Hue to Hoi An. 4 Nights/4 Days
- 15/4 Hoi An to An Bang Beach. 3 Nights/3 Days
- 18/4 An Bang to Danang. 1 Night/1 Day
- 19/4 Fly Danang to Hai Phong. Bus to Cat Ba Island. 1 Night/1 Day
- 20/4 Cat Ba Ventures overnight cruise. 1 Night/1 Day
- 21/4 Cat Ba to Ninh Binh. Staying in Tam Coc. 4 Nights/4 Days
- 25/4 Ninh Binh to Pu Luong Tree House. Transfer by bus or car with Toan’s company. 3 Nights/3 Days
- 28/4 Pu Luong to Hanoi (by bus/car). 5 Nights/5 Days
- 3/5 Departure flight from Hanoi to Melbourne at 9:55am
We recognize that we will be missing several sights, but hope the pace is a good blend of activity and relaxation, and not too hectic! I would have loved to include the Ha Giang loop, but neither of us has a motorbike license and I’d prefer not to spend long hours as a pillion passenger. Any accommodation recommendations for HCMC and Hanoi would be welcome, as would any excellent food or bar recommendations! We are focused on budget to mid-range (at the absolute most) travel. Many thanks in advance!
Tiếng Việt
한국어
中文 (中国)
日本語
ไทย
Deutsch
Español
Destinations
Instagram
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Threads
Tiktok
As mentioned, looks like a solid plan, and will be a great mix and well paced.
In terms of logistics, I agree with the other recommendations.
Check out the Hafington in Hanoi. It’s an experience!
If you’ve got nothing to do for a few hours iou can try something very few people have even heard of. The abandoned water park. Sometimes there are a few locals at the entrance tryig to charge you to go in.
I went to the front desk of our hotel and asked about it. One person seemed to know about it. I told him I knew it’s in the middle of nowhere and could I get a taxi to go there and wait about an hout or so for me. While I was there about a dozen others were walking around as well. The massive dragon centerpiece was definitely worth going to see. I walked the cirle around the park and spent most of the time photographing the Dragon. When I got back to the taxi the driver was taking a nap. I have had worse times going to see established sites in some places. Let me change that. For sure I am not sorry nor did I find it a waste of time. The taxi cost me the equivalent of under 15USD.
Terrific you are getting to do so much. That accommodation in Phu Luong looks amazing. I would research options for diy in the area / a PL guide to see what”s available and what price. Happy planning
Replying to Shelleykeybookey
Good Idea Shelleykeybookey. Thanks!
Hoi An and An Bang beach are so close no need to stay at 2 locations.
You can stay half way and take a short grab ride or by peddle bike / scooter?
“8/4 Flight from HCMC to Danang, then train to Hue. 3 Nights/3 Days”
Seeing as you’re flying out of Danang, it would make more sense to fly HCMC to Hue, then make your way down to Danang and Hoi An.
Scott
Replying to scottj765
Good point scottj765! I was planning this trip last year but couldn’t go, and some of my research notes may have gotten mixed up! Thanks!
Your trip looks brilliant. Well-paced with a great mix of culture, nature, and downtime. It’s not too rushed at all, especially for six weeks. Skipping Ha Giang makes sense without a motorbike, and Pu Luong and Ninh Binh will still give you beautiful landscapes.
Just a heads-up: there’s no airport in Chau Doc, so you’ll likely need to go by road to Can Tho. It’s noot far, scenic and worth it.
Accommodation suggestions:
In Hanoi, try La Siesta Classic Ma May or Mad Monkey Hostel (private rooms).
In Ho Chi Minh City, The Hammock Hotel and Chez Mimosa Boutique are great value.
Food and bars:
In Hanoi, go for Bun Cha Ta and Banh Cuon Gia Truyen. For a drink, Polite & Co. is a cosy little spot.
In HCMC, try Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, Ốc Đào for local seafood, and The Racha Room for fun cocktails.
Replying to KidEase Rentals
Thanks for your feedback KidEase Rentals!
Replying to KidEase Rentals
Hello Kidease Rental,
The Chez Mimosa Boutique you mentioned, is the same as Chez Mimosa Petit?
Thank you.