If you are dreaming of Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia are the ultimate combo. You get buzzing cities, street food that never ends, and some of the most jaw-dropping temples and landscapes in the world. This route takes you from the north of Vietnam all the way down through the south, before heading inland into Cambodia. It’s a journey that mixes culture, adventure, food, and just the right amount of chaos. And best of all, Vietnam and Cambodia are still being discovered; unlike its neighbor Thailand where so many backpackers have been.

Before we get into the perfect backpacking route for Vietnam and Cambodia. Here is a packing list of some essentials you’ll need to pack for backpacking Vietnam and Cambodia: Compression Packing Cubes, Travel Towel, Collapsible Water Bottle, Nomad Crossbody Bag, and RFID Wallet.

 

Backpacking Vietnam

 

Backpacking Hanoi: The Chaotic and Charming Capital

Hanoi is a great starting point for its large international airport. Hanoi is also one of those cities that grabs you from the second you step onto its streets. The Old Quarter is like a giant maze, filled with tiny alleyways, scooters weaving in every direction, and more street food stalls than you could possibly try in a week. Grab a little stool on the sidewalk, order a bowl of steaming pho, and just watch the world go by.

One of the most unique sights in Hanoi is Train Street. Imagine sipping coffee (try an egg coffee!) at a tiny café while a train barrels through just inches away from you. It is a little nerve-wracking, but also one of those travel experiences you will be telling your friends about forever. My one advice, be careful! You’ll want to take photos and videos but watch your footing.

I also had a very unique experience in Hanoi where I got a haircut and had to choose from a book of photos. It was very strange! They sent these electric shocks through my head, gave me a face massage, and my hair? I swear, I looked like Kim Jong Un of North Korea.

Hanoi is also the perfect launching pad for some epic side trips. If you have a few days, head out to Ha Long Bay. You’ve seen the photos: limestone cliffs rising straight out of emerald water, traditional junk boats gliding across the bay, and kayaks slipping into hidden caves. It is touristy, yes, but for good reason.

For something more rugged, the Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam is a backpacker favorite. Rent a motorbike or hop on the back with a guide and spend three to four days winding through mountains, rice terraces, and tiny villages. It is not polished or easy, but it might just be the highlight of your trip.

Backpacking Hoi An: Lanterns, Tailors, and UNESCO Vibes

After the buzz of Hanoi, Hoi An feels like stepping into a postcard. Hoi An was probably my favorite city from this trip. The Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason. Picture pastel-colored shop houses, Japanese bridges, and streets strung with glowing lanterns. At night the entire town lights up with color, and it’s hard not to just wander for hours soaking it all in.

Hoi An is also known for its tailors. You can walk into almost any shop and have a dress, suit, or jacket custom made in just a couple of days. It is cheap compared to what you would pay at home and the quality can be surprisingly good. I got my clothes from Yaly Couture. I highly recommend them.

During the day, grab a bike and head out to the rice paddies. You’ll pass farmers in traditional hats, water buffalo grazing, and little paths that eventually lead you out to the beach. If you want to venture further, Da Nang is only about 30 minutes away with long stretches of sandy coastline. From there you can take the Hai Van Pass, a winding mountain road with jaw-dropping ocean views that Top Gear once called one of the best coastal drives in the world.

 

Backpacking Ho Chi Minh City: Energy and the Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by many locals), is the kind of place that smacks you in the face with its energy. The traffic is wild, the heat is intense, and the food scene is off the charts. Start at Ben Thanh Market where you can find everything from noodles to knock-off sneakers. Then cool off with a rooftop drink overlooking the city’s endless sea of scooters.

History lovers should check out the War Remnants Museum. It is heavy but important, giving you a local perspective on the Vietnam War. If you want an even deeper dive, you can take a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels just outside the city to see where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought underground.

For a change of pace, head south to the Mekong Delta. This region is often called the “rice bowl” of Vietnam and life revolves around the river. Spend a day cruising through narrow canals, visiting floating markets, and watching how locals live in stilt houses right on the water. It is a completely different vibe from the city and shows just how diverse Vietnam really is.

 

Backpacking Cambodia

 

Backpacking Phnom Penh: Riverside Life and History

Crossing into Cambodia, the pace shifts again. Phnom Penh sits along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, and the best way to get a feel for the city is to stroll along the riverside promenade at sunset. There are cafés, street vendors, and locals out for an evening walk.

The Royal Palace is worth a visit, especially the Silver Pagoda with its glittering floor tiles. Phnom Penh also has a growing café culture, so it’s a nice place to slow down, sip iced coffee, and recharge.

But Phnom Penh is also a city where history hits hard. The Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum tell the story of Cambodia’s darkest years under the Khmer Rouge. They are not easy to visit, but they are essential for understanding the country and its resilience.

 

Backpacking Siem Reap: The Gateway to Angkor Wat

Siem Reap is the final stop on this route and it is the one that travelers often dream about the most. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, and nothing compares to watching the sun rise behind its ancient stone towers. But Angkor Wat is just the beginning. The Angkor Archaeological Park is massive, with dozens of temples scattered through the jungle. Rent a bike or hire a tuk-tuk and spend at least two to three days exploring.

Back in town, Siem Reap has a backpacker vibe that makes it easy to meet people. The night markets are full of cheap eats, souvenirs, and the occasional quirky massage stand where you can let fish nibble your feet. For something more relaxing, traditional Khmer massages are everywhere and cost just a couple of dollars.

If you want to see a different side of the region, head out to Tonle Sap Lake. The floating villages there show how locals adapt to the rhythm of the water, with houses that rise and fall with the changing levels of the lake.

 

Why Backpack Vietnam and Cambodia

What makes this route so good is the balance. Hanoi hits you with chaos and history, Hoi An slows you down with beauty and lanterns, Ho Chi Minh City cranks the energy back up, Phnom Penh shifts the tone with riverside life and history, and Siem Reap finishes it off with temples that are almost impossible to believe until you see them.

It also makes sense logistically. You start in the north of Vietnam, work your way south, and then cut inland into Cambodia. Transportation is straightforward with buses, trains, and cheap flights connecting the dots. I think one of my favorite reasons to go to these two countries is that they still feel undiscovered and growing unlike their neighbor Thailand which it seems like everybody has been to. 

 

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