Is two week too short for your Thailand Cambodia Vietnam tour?

Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia are 3 South East Asian countries which have a lot of incredible natural landscapes; and lots of things to enjoy. Many of our customers believe that 3 weeks to 1 month should be enough to visit all the essential highlights of these countries. However, if your time and budget do not permit, you would want to shorten your travel to 2 weeks, or even less. This is completely possible, as Absolute Travel Asia has mapped out the 2-week Thailand Cambodia Vietnam tour for you.

Thailand Cambodia Vietnam tour in 2 weeks: Suggestions from Absolute Travel Asia

Bangkok City Temple Tour: Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha

The first tourist destination that Absolute Travel Asia would suggest for your Thailand Cambodia and Vietnam trip is Bangkok city, the capital of Thailand. Let’s kick-start your Bangkok trip with a visit to Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The temple is famous for its 900-years old five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image. Then continue to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better-known as the Temple of the Dawn, one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok.

Another must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without is the Royal Grand Palace. It is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Bangkok. Built in 1782, it has been the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government ever since. Tourists keep visiting because the Grand Palace could arguably be called the birthplace of Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha housed there is considered to be the most important image of Buddha in Thailand.

Exploring impressive Angkor Wat

From Bangkok, let’s take a flight to Cambodia for unforgettable experiences with Angkor Wat. Exploring the temples of Angkor Wat is one of the top things to do in Cambodia, and it must not be missed. Angkor Wat is the most impressive Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. It is the only temple which still holds its position as a significant religious centre since its foundation, and the country’s prime attraction for visitors.

There are many things to see and do in Angkor Wat, which will help you understand more about its people’s beliefs and architecture. Therefore, we would recommend you devote 2 to 3 days of your trip to these ancient ruins. A novel way to discover the magnificent temples of Angkor is astride the back of an elephant. This would give you an Emperor’s eye view from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to the Bayon. Let’s start your visit with the Bayon, a bizarre structure of several architectural changes reflecting a switch from Hinduism to Buddhism. Then make a visit to the Elephant and Leper King, followed by Taprohm Monastery left in a devouring jungle.

During the discovery, don’t forget to pop in the famous temple of Bantey Srey “the Citadel of Women”. It is considered the crown jewel of classical Khmer art for the delicate beauty of its carvings. Continue to Bantey Samre, which has been admirably restored.

As much you are too excited about the temples, there are several rules you must abide by while at Angkor Wat:

• Let’s dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and avoid miniskirts.
• Do not eat, smoke, or litter. Keep your noise down.
• Respect the monks.
• Do not touch or climb on the temples, vandalise them or remove any stones. And don’t touch the carvings.

One more reminder, don’t buy Angkor Wat tickets or tours from unauthorized people. Instead, get the tickets from the official ticket booth on the road. Or you can ask for assistance from a reliable authorized travel agent such as Absolute Asia Travel.

Journey through Kampong Phluk floating village

Just outside of Siem Reap, beyond the temples and ruins, is a different world and way of life. Kampong Phluk village is home to families who make their living on one of the most abundant inland fisheries in the world. Once in Siem Reap, you can join a tour that will take you to the boats for Kampong Phluk village. You will have a chance to observe what it is like over water. The local residents do normal activities such as cooking, washing or fishing on top of their wooden boats. Pigs, cats, and chickens live inside paddle boats. People make their way across the river by boats, and children can operate boats at an early age. Visiting a floating village of Kampong Phluk will be a unique experience which offers a close look at the submerged forest and lakeside village life.

Cultural highlights of Ho Chi Minh city

The next destination, as suggested by Absolute Travel Asia, is Ho Chi Minh city. The bustling metropolitan is the economic centre of Vietnam. It is always overflowing with energy and excitement. Therefore it becomes another must-not-miss place during your Thailand Cambodia Vietnam tour. Its attractions are wonderful combinations of old and new, with colonial structures and war relics from the devastating Vietnam War as well as skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls.

If you want to visit the inner town, one day is just enough. You can embark on a guided city tour starting with the War Remnants Museum – a real eye-opener to a part of Vietnam’s proud history. Then the Reunification Palace – the former South Vietnam Presidential Palace. Not very far from the museum are two other major tourist attractions: Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. For those who have a passion for local products and specialties, do not forget to drop by Ben Thanh market. It is where you can buy almost everything from clothes, souvenirs, jewelry, food.

Your trip to Ho Chi Minh city would not be complete without Cu Chi Tunnels exploration. The amazing network of underground tunnels was used during the Vietnam War as a habitation for villagers in the war time. Today it is a historical relic national stature which is a testament to the strength of the country and people of Vietnam.

Boat trip on Ben Tre river

Leaving behind the bustling city, let’s depart for a 2-hour drive to Ben Tre province, situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. It attracts tourists by its rustic beauty with many wide ranges of coconut trees and large fruit gardens. On arrival, take a boat on Ben Tre River – one of the tributaries of the Mekong River to witness lively activities along the river such as fishing and water transferring. Continue the boat trip along the river, you can visit coconut processing workshops located along the canal, or stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in traditional style by printing and baking. Later, you can take a motor-cart on shady village paths, passing by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on real life and find out about tropical culture from the locals.

Hue – Imperial citadel and Dong Ba market

If Saigon is known as the vibrant and dynamic city, Hue is felt by many people as on the total opposite site, thanks to the poetic, dreamy and romantic vibe. Hue is one of the most charming towns in Vietnam and is located on the banks of the beautifully named Huong (Perfume) River. It was once the home of Vietnam’s emperors. So while in Hue, you can not miss a city tour of Imperial City of Hue, firstly with the ancient walled Citadel including the former Imperial Palace. Then you can cruise the Perfume River by a dragon boat to serene Thien Mu Pagoda; and drive to visit the majestic Royal Tomb of King Ming Mang and King Khai Dinh. If you want to observe the local way of life and buy local specialties, head to Dong Ba market, where you might get some great deals done.

To continue with your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam holiday in 2 weeks, from Hue, let’s head to the nearby province Da Nang, then get on a bus to Hoi An old town. It is a city on Vietnam’s central coast known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals.

Strolling around Hoi An ancient town

During your trip to Hoi An, we would recommend you start a walking tour with numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, a museum and the colorful local market. Following the narrow lanes, you walk along tiny

streets with houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures. All Hoi An’s major attractions or landmarks are located within walking distance of each other. Therefore, discovering the old town on foot would be a pleasant experience.

Hanoi: historical places and the Old Quarter

One of the most indispensable places on your Vietnam tripis Hanoi. It has its special charm and beauty, as well as a lot of interesting things to attract tourists to visit all year round.Let’s commence your visit to Hanoi with some essential places such as the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Mausoleum, Uncle Ho’s former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and The Temple of Literature, which, dating back to 1070, is Vietnam’s oldest university. The Museum of Ethnology is another enthralling destination that should be included in your itinerary, which contains an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities.

The next day, let’s devote your full day to discover the best highlight of Hanoi – The Old Quarter. Going to this place, you can feel the inner peace as well as the beauty of Hanoi people through their simplicity and friendliness. To get the best exposure of rich old Hanoi’s culture and beauty, and earn some precious moments to snap epic shots, you would be advised to take a cyclo ride tours around the old streets. After that, enjoy worldwide famous dishes in Hanoi with low cost such as Pho, Bun cha, Bun dau mam tom…Then finish your day with a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets.

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

From Hanoi, let’s take a scenic drive to Halong Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas. The route we would recommend is that you leave for the Bay in the early morning, then board the traditional wooden junk to relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads towards the secluded islands. You will have a chance to visit a fishing village by a rustic rowing-boat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and pearl farms.

The day after, you can an early morning swim (if weather permits). Then continue your visit to a famous ancient limestone cave in the middle of the bay.

In addition to the essential tourist attractions, another concern expressed by our customers is that: “When is the best time for our Thailand Cambodia Vietnam tour”. Our advice is that the most ideal time for your trip is Spring, from January to April; or Winter, from October to December.

To help your itinerary easier, Absolute Asia Travel offers a great cultural discovery tour covering the highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. However, the tour can be combined with extended nights or added more activities to your wish.