Cambodia and Vietnam are currently the rising stars of tourism in Southeast Asia. They are located near each other and offer a variety of experiences, from spiritual tourism in the sacred temples to discovering historical and cultural beauty, as well as appreciating breathtaking nature. Below are the top 5 activities you cannot miss in these countries, covering all the essential tourist aspects.
1. Discover the ancient towns in Vietnam
With a rich historical background, Vietnam is a country of ancient streets that still preserve traces of the era of kings and emperors. The most prominent ancient streets are in Hanoi and Hoi An, which are known for many exciting activities. Specifically, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, where you can stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to appreciate the peaceful beauty as well as visit Ngoc Son Temple to learn about the stories of Vietnam from the very initiation. Especially, you should join a street food tour to explore the unique cuisine here.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999, the old quarter of Hoi An has remained almost intact since the 16th century. It attracts numerous tourists to wander through the narrow alleys to enjoy the ancient atmosphere. At night, Hoi An is shimmering with the sparkling lanterns floating on the Hoai River. You can also ride a boat on this river to release lanterns and admire the beauty of the streets. Notably, the top favorite thing for many foreign tourists about this street is the tailor-made clothing that has good quality, quick service, and reasonable prices.
2. Admire the majestic nature in northern Vietnam
Your trip to Vietnam cannot be completed without a visit to stunning scenic spots, which vary across the country with different landscapes. In the north of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is the best place to admire stunning seas. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can marvel at the fascinating limestone karsts amidst the crystal turquoise water. Here, you can kayak through sea caves and visit floating villages to feel the life pace of the local fishermen. The best way to enjoy your trip here is to take an overnight cruise to soak in the picturesque scenery of the bay.
If you seek the fresh atmosphere of the high mountains, Sapa is the ideal destination. This is a dreamy land, likened to the town of Cloulds and known for the vast terraced rice fields, where you can take a trek to enjoy the tranquility. A journey to Sapa will also offer you an opportunity to explore the unique culture of ethnic minority communities.
3. Relax on a beach holiday in southern Vietnam
The south of Vietnam particularly, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are the paradises of Vietnam beach holiday with clear blue water, white sand, and rows of coconut trees. The most exciting activities in Nha Trang beaches are snorkeling and scuba diving, which will give you the opportunity to discover the vibrant coral reefs beneath the sea.
Meanwhile, Phu Quoc is more serene, where you can chill on pristine beaches and explore peaceful islands. There are also many entertainment and exploration spots here, the must-visit ones are Phu Quoc National Park, Safari, and the mind-blowing amusement parks. At the end of the trip, do not forget to visit the Phu Quoc night market, and enjoy fresh seafood to immerse yourself in the lively, colorful life pace of this place.
4. Visit cultural & historical Khmer landmarks
Traveling to Cambodia, you will embark on the journey to learn about the Khmer Empire, a great and brilliant civilization in Southeast Asia dating back to ancient times. Many many mysteries and historical and cultural values are still preserved in the cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
In Siem Reap, you can immerse yourself in the mystical beauty of Angkor Wat and admire other antique temples in the World Heritage site – Angkor Archaeological Park, such as Bayon and Ta Prohm. To appreciate the unique culture of Khmer, do not miss out on the traditional Apsara dance, UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage, and a symbol of Cambodia.
In Phnom Penh, there are many exquisite architectures intertwined with the reigns of kings that you should visit, such as the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Especially, those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history can visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. These places tell the most tragic yet significant past of Cambodia.
5. Embark on soft adventures in Cambodia
In addition to the famous Angkor archaeological complex, Cambodia has many hidden breathtaking locations such as Tonle Sap, Koh Rong, and pristine beaches. Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, invites you to explore unique floating villages and experience the traditional fishing culture.
If you are looking for places to relax, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem – the two paradise islands with white sandy beaches, always welcome you. Here, you can immerse yourself in the blue crystal water and discover the whole marine world through the activities of snorkeling and diving. Notably, the highlight of these islands is the tours to see bioluminescent plankton and admire the fascinating phenomenon of shimmering lights on the sea at night.
The journey to Vietnam and Cambodia offers the best opportunity for travelers to explore the wonderful diversity, combining the essence of culture, history, and nature together. If you want to combine memorable sightseeing moments and great leisure experiences, plan your Vietnam Cambodia trip itinerary now!
