Vietnam and Cambodia
Land of the Ascending Dragon
Eager travelers hoping to experience the lifestyle and culture so vastly different from their own are all flocking to Vietnam to experience shimmering paddy fields, sugar-white beaches, ancient cities and hallowed pagodas.
Apart from the gorgeous landscapes of Hanoi and Halong Bay, Vietnam’s remote highland regions showcase the deep-rooted culture of the ethnic minorities who reside there – elaborate tribal costumes, age-old customs and communal longhouses await those visitors who are ready to venture.
Cambodia – An Empire of Temples
There’s a mystique about this alluring yet perplexing kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. Here, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
The mighty Khmer empire, ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The remains of this empire can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer ingenuity and wealth.
Angkor is sublime and matched by only a few places on earth. Cambodia is more than its temples though, as its urban areas thrill visitors with their sophistication. Chaotic yet charismatic capital Phnom Penh is a city famed for its sumptuous riverside, cultural renaissance, and top notch dining experience. Inland are the Cardamom Mountains, a gateway to ecotourism adventures such as river rafting down the mighty Mekong River.
Best Times to Visit Vietnam
If you want to visit Vietnam, the best time to go is from November to April. This is the driest time of year in the region.
Northern Vietnam has two different seasons. It gets really hot from May to October, and because of the high humidity, it does rains a lot. From November to April, the weather gets cooler and there is less rain. December and January are the chilliest months of the year. In most places, the temperature can drop as low as 50°F.
Summer in Central Vietnam starts in January and ends in August. It’s really hot and dry outside, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F. From September to December, it rains more often but the weather is still warm.
In Southern Vietnam, the hot and dry season begins in November and ends in April. During this time, the temperature can go up to 86°F. It rains from May to October, but it’s still warm with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 90°F.
Best Times to Visit Cambodia
Cambodia is also most enjoyable to visit from November to April as rains are scanty. With clear, blue skies at this time, it’s a great opportunity to take a relaxing vacation along the southern coast. The temperature remains a comfortable 68°F all year.
From May to October, it gets more humid and hence rainy in Cambodia and this helps farmers plant their crops. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t let that stop you from going because the surroundings are lush and green, the rivers brim with abundance, and the temples more serene. Temples in more remote locations are less likely to be crowded at this time of year.
Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and home to Cambodia’s floating villages, comes to life at the end of the summer.
Month-by-Month Guide for Traveling In Vietnam
Month-by-Month Guide To Traveling In Cambodia
6 days Itinerary to Vietnam and Cambodia
Our recommended itinerary for a classic Vietnam and Cambodia!
Day One: Arrival in Hanoi.
Day Two: Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay to cruise amongst the bay’s spectacular scenery. Also indulge in a local gastronomical experience as you spend the night aboard.
Day Three: Greet the day with the traditional Tai Chi exercise, kayaking in the bay and a cooking demonstration before returning to Hanoi.
Day Four: Explore historic sites of the ancient Asian city of Hanoi and fly to Siem Reap.
Day Five: Discover the gorgeous temples and architectural marvels of Angkor Wat.
Day Six: Take the famous silk making tour at Puok.
People, food and culture
The origins of the Vietnamese people are a combination of the Mongol races of north and east Asia, with Chinese and Indian influences. About seven million of these ethnic minorities or montagnards (French for mountain people) live in remote, lightly populated mountain regions in northern and western Vietnam. Spiritual life in Vietnam is a grand panoply of belief systems, including Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Tam Giao. The most important festival of the year is “Tet”, a week-long event in late January/early February that heralds the new lunar year and the advent of spring. The celebration involves a contrast of feverish and raucous festivity (fireworks, drums, gongs) as well as quiet meditation. In addition to Tet, there are about twenty other traditional and religious festivals each year. Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. Deeply influenced by the national cuisines of France, China, and Thailand. One of the most unique flavorings is the national condiment Nuoc Mam, a piquant fermented fish sauce that is served with every meal. Cha Ca is another unique dish made of sizzling chunks of fish seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric. This dish is so popular that there is a street in the capital dedicated to it! If you are visiting Vietnam in the summers, don’t forget to try Che, a dessert made of layers of bean jelly, coconut milk, fruit, and ice.
Languages spoken:
Vietnamese, Chinese
Fun Fact
Snake wine is a common drink in this region for those who want to increase vitality!
One reason you should go here
Spend a night in Han Son Doong, the largest cave in the world!
Travel FAQs on visiting Vietnam
U.S. tourists and business travelers must obtain valid visas to enter Vietnam. The U.S. passports must be valid for 6 months after arrival and should have at least 2 blank visa pages. Evisas can be applied for online on the My Vietnam Visa portal.
If you’re a British citizen, you can visit Vietnam for tourism, transit, or business purposes without a visa for up to 15 days. However, you can’t work for pay or volunteer during your stay.
You don’t need any specific vaccinations to visit Vietnam according to the laws of the Vietnamese Government. But, it’s important to get certain vaccines before traveling to some parts of the country because there’s a greater chance of getting sick from certain diseases, especially in rural places.
Protect yourself from mosquito and insect bites and get vaccinated for yellow fever, malaria, and Japanese Encephalitis. All of these diseases are spread by insects.
Some health risks come from animals that are infected, hence it’s a good idea to get the rabies vaccine. It’s one of the vaccines that is recommended.
