Southeast Asia Loop in 14 Days
Thailand · Cambodia · Vietnam
Overview
This route strings together three countries' essential stops: Bangkok, Angkor Wat at Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City's war history, lantern-lit Hoi An, and Hanoi with an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay — all connected by short, cheap regional flights.
- Duration
- 14 days
- Pace
- Fast-paced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,050–€1,300
Route
1. Bangkok2. Siem Reap3. Ho Chi Minh City4. Hoi An5. Hanoi6. Ha Long Bay7. Hanoi
Highlights
- Sunrise over Angkor Wat
- An overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay
- Hoi An's lantern-lit old town and tailors
- Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
Worth knowing
- A fast pace with six stops and several flights in 14 days
- Visa requirements differ by country — check each well ahead
- Ha Long Bay's weather and visibility are best October–April
Day by day
Day 1
BangkokMain activities
- Arrive
- Khao San Road area
Overnight: Bangkok
Day 2
BangkokMain activities
- Grand Palace and Wat Pho
- Chao Phraya river boat
Overnight: Bangkok
Day 3
Bangkok → Siem ReapMain activities
- Flight to Siem Reap (~1.5h)
- Angkor Wat at sunset
~1.5 hours flightOvernight: Siem Reap
Day 4
Siem ReapMain activities
- Angkor Thom and the Bayon
- Ta Prohm's jungle-swallowed ruins
Overnight: Siem Reap
Day 5
Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh CityMain activities
- Flight (~1.5h)
- War Remnants Museum
~1.5 hours flightOvernight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6
Ho Chi Minh CityMain activities
- Cu Chi Tunnels day trip
Optional additions
- Ben Thanh Market
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City → Hoi AnMain activities
- Flight to Da Nang (~1.5h) plus transfer
- Old town lanterns at night
~1.5 hours flight + 45min transferOvernight: Hoi An
Day 8
Hoi AnMain activities
- Tailor shopping
- An Bang beach
Optional additions
- Vietnamese cooking class
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 9
Hoi An → HanoiMain activities
- Transfer to Da Nang, flight to Hanoi (~2h total)
- Old Quarter evening
~2 hours totalOvernight: Hanoi
Day 10
HanoiMain activities
- Temple of Literature
- Hoan Kiem Lake
Optional additions
- Water puppet show
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 11
Hanoi → Ha Long BayMain activities
- Drive to Ha Long Bay (~3.5h)
- Board overnight cruise
~3.5 hoursOvernight: Ha Long Bay
Day 12
Ha Long BayMain activities
- Cave visits and kayaking
- Return drive to Hanoi
~3.5 hoursOvernight: Hanoi
Day 13
HanoiMain activities
- Free day / final shopping
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 14
HanoiMain activities
- Departure
Overnight: Hanoi
Alternatives
Shorter version · 9 days
Drop Hoi An, flying Ho Chi Minh City → Hanoi directly.
Longer extension · 18 days
Add 4 days in Laos (Luang Prabang) between Siem Reap and Vietnam.