One of Southeast Asia's Most Rewarding Journeys
I've recently returned from a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam and if you'd asked me before I left what I'd remember most, I'd probably have said Angkor Wat or Halong Bay - the obvious options.
I would have been wrong...
It was actually the quieter moments that stayed with me.
Standing alone beneath the tangled roots of Ta Prohm as sunlight filtered through the trees. Watching women in the iconic conical hats cycling through the alleys in Hanoi. Drinking my first salt coffee at the famous The Note Coffee Cafe. Cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay as limestone islands just started popping up all around me.
Just over two weeks, I travelled through Cambodia and Vietnam, visiting ancient temples, peaceful countryside, vibrant cities and some of the region's most impressive hotels. The two countries couldn't feel more different, yet together they create one journey that feels complete.
If you're considering a Cambodia and Vietnam holiday, here's what stood out to me.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
I'd seen hundreds of photos of Angkor before arriving, but nothing really prepares you for the scale of it.
What surprised me most, though, wasn't just the size of the temples - it was how quiet they were.
Travelling at the end of April meant I often found myself wandering through temple courtyards with hardly anyone else around. It gave the whole experience a completely different feel. There was time to stop, look around and appreciate the detail rather than simply following the crowds.
Although Angkor Wat deserves every bit of its reputation, the temples I found myself thinking about most afterwards were Bayon and Ta Prohm.
Bayon, in the heart of Angkor Thom, feels unlike anywhere else. The enormous stone faces seem to watch you from every direction, and the closer you look, the more details you notice.
Ta Prohm is something else entirely. Giant tree roots have slowly claimed the ancient walls, wrapping themselves around doorways and stone carvings until nature and history are almost impossible to separate. It feels less like a monument and more like somewhere that's simply been left to exist on its own terms.
It's easy to think of Cambodia as a destination centred around Angkor, but that's only part of the story.
Some of my favourite memories came from slowing down between sightseeing. Sitting down to a traditional fish amok (and an Angkor Beer!) after a morning exploring the temples, watching a traditional Apsara dance, and of course visiting Jaya House River Park, a hotel that somehow managed to feel calm and tucked away despite being just minutes from the centre of Siem Reap.
Vietnam
One of the reasons a Cambodia and Vietnam holiday works so well is the contrast between the two. You can spend one day exploring ancient temples in Siem Reap and, just a few days later, find yourself cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay or wandering the streets of Hanoi.
Moving on to Vietnam and one of the things I loved most was how quickly the scenery, and the atmosphere, changed.
Hanoi is energetic from the moment you arrive. Scooters stream through the streets as if they're one, cafés spill onto the pavements and every corner seems to offer somewhere new to eat. Amid all the movement, I found myself returning to one thing: salt coffee. I'd heard people talk about it before the trip, but I wasn't prepared for how good it actually was.
It's now something I'd recommend everyone tries at least once. As well as the Egg Coffee which is certainly an acquired taste but such an experience
After the energy of Hanoi, we travelled to Pu Luong and arriving here felt like someone had turned the volume down after being in the bustling city.
The rice terraces stretch across the hillsides and life just moves at such a slower pace.
One thing I noticed almost immediately was how many local women still wear Vietnam's iconic conical hats in everyday life. Before travelling, I'd associated them with postcards and photographs. In reality, they're simply part of daily life, whether working in the rice fields, cycling through villages or carrying fresh produce to market.
From there, we travelled to Bai Tu Long Bay.
Everyone has heard of Halong Bay, but cruising through its quieter neighbour felt incredibly special. The towering limestone karsts, calm emerald waters and almost complete silence made it one of those moments where you naturally put your camera down for a while and simply take it all in.
It was, without question, one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Hoi An
By the time we reached Hoi An, it felt like the perfect place to pause.
The lantern-lined streets and riverside cafés/bars create an atmosphere that's completely different from Vietnam's larger cities. It's somewhere you can spend the morning exploring, the afternoon by the pool, and the evening wandering through the Old Town without any real plan.
The Namia Hoi An only added to the experience. It struck the balance between contemporary luxury and local character beautifully, making it somewhere I'd happily recommend to clients looking for a more relaxed portion of the journey.
Where to stay in Cambodia and Vietnam
A trip like this is shaped as much by where you stay as what you see, and three hotels genuinely stood out to that I'd have no hesitation recommending:
Jaya House River Park, Siem Reap - a peaceful retreat after long days exploring Angkor. A more boutique hotel with a strong focus on art and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel at home.
Capella Hanoi - unlike anywhere I've stayed before bold, elegant and full of character, and the level of service is extremely high.
Namia Hoi An - quiet luxury, the perfect place to stay if you're interested in wellness.
Each felt completely different, but that's exactly what made them memorable.
Would I recommend Cambodia and Vietnam together?
Without hesitation.
Cambodia and Vietnam complement each other brilliantly.
Cambodia offers ancient history, remarkable archaeology and moments of unexpected stillness.
Vietnam brings vibrant cities, incredible food, spectacular landscapes and a pace that constantly changes from one region to the next.
Together, they create a journey that feels varied, balanced and endlessly rewarding.
I came home with thousands of photographs, a notebook full of recommendations, and a long list of places I'd happily return to. If I had to choose just one tomorrow, I'd be back in Hanoi without a second thought. But the truth is, I'd do the whole journey again.
Thinking about visiting Cambodia & Vietnam?
Whether you're dreaming of sunrise at Angkor, cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay, unwinding among the rice terraces of Pu Luong or discovering Vietnam's vibrant cities, we'll create a journey that's entirely tailored to you.
Get in touch with our team to start planning your bespoke Cambodia and Vietnam holiday by filling out the enquiry form below, sending us an email at: enquiries@tailoredjourneys.co.uk or by calling us on 01442617777 / 02081039000
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