What you need to know before going
Visa requirements for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
Each country has its own visa rules. Getting them wrong can derail your trip before it starts.
Vietnam: Most nationalities can apply for an e-visa online. It costs $25, takes three working days to process, and is valid for a single entry of up to 30 days. A visa on arrival is also available but requires a pre-approval letter from a travel agency. The critical point: the standard e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Vietnam for Cambodia or Laos, you cannot re-enter without a new visa. Plan your route accordingly.
Cambodia: E-visa ($36, three working days) or visa on arrival ($30, instant). The visa on arrival requires one passport photo. Both options give 30 days single entry. The land border from Vietnam to Cambodia at Moc Bai/Bavet offers visa on arrival without issues.
Laos: Visa on arrival at airports and major land borders costs $30 to $40 depending on nationality. E-visa is also available for $50. Have a passport photo ready. The land border from Cambodia to Laos is rarely used by travelers on this route; flying from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang is the standard choice.
Pro tip: Print two copies of each visa and keep passport photos separate from your passport. Border officials sometimes ask for photos even when not required.
Best time for a one-month Indochina trip
The dry season from November to April is the optimal window for all three countries. Rain is minimal, temperatures are manageable, and roads are passable.
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): November to April is cool and dry. December and January can be chilly (15-20°C).
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue): February to August is best. September to November brings typhoons and flooding.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): November to April is dry and hot. May to October is monsoon season with daily downpours.
- Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap): November to March is dry and pleasant. April and May are extremely hot (35-40°C).
- Laos (Luang Prabang, Vientiane): November to February is cool and dry. March to May is the hot season with temperatures above 35°C.
Warning: Avoid central Vietnam in October and November. Typhoons regularly cause flight cancellations and flooding in Hoi An and Hue.
Packing checklist for three countries
Pack light. Laundry is cheap and available everywhere. Aim for 7-10kg in a carry-on backpack.
- Clothing: Lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts for temple visits. Layers for cooler northern Vietnam and upland Laos. Swimwear for beaches and waterfalls.
- Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes for Angkor Wat and cave visits. Sandals for evenings and easy days.
- Health: Insect repellent with DEET (dengue risk is real), sunscreen SPF 50, basic first aid, anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts.
- Tech: Universal power adapter (types A, C, F), power bank (10,000mAh minimum), offline maps downloaded on phone.
- Documents: Printed copies of all visas, two passport photos per person, travel insurance details, digital backups on cloud storage.
How to structure your 30-day route
Three route options exist. Each has clear trade-offs. Choose based on your travel style and budget.
Route option 1: Vietnam first (most common)
Hanoi (3-4 days) → Ha Long Bay (2 days) → Hoi An (3 days) → Hue (2 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (3 days) → Mekong Delta (2 days) → Phnom Penh (2 days) → Siem Reap/Angkor (4 days) → Luang Prabang (4 days) → Vientiane (2 days) → depart
Pros: Logical north-to-south flow in Vietnam. Ends in relaxed Laos. Best flight connections.
Cons: Long travel day between Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. Requires a flight or overnight train.
Route option 2: Cambodia first (budget-friendly)
Siem Reap arrival → Angkor (4 days) → Phnom Penh (2 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (3 days) → Mekong Delta (2 days) → Hanoi (3 days) → Ha Long Bay (2 days) → Hoi An (3 days) → Hue (2 days) → Luang Prabang (4 days) → depart
Pros: Cheaper flights into Siem Reap. Avoids the Vietnam single-entry visa problem entirely.
Cons: Starts with the most physically demanding destination (Angkor). Less scenic first days.
Route option 3: Laos first (slow travel)
Luang Prabang arrival (4 days) → Vientiane (2 days) → Hanoi (3 days) → Ha Long Bay (2 days) → Hoi An (3 days) → Hue (2 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (3 days) → Mekong Delta (2 days) → Phnom Penh (2 days) → Siem Reap/Angkor (4 days) → depart
Pros: Eases into the trip with Laos's slower pace. Best for digital nomads and slow travelers.
Cons: Less common flight routes. May require backtracking or additional flights.
How to choose the right route for your travel style
- Solo backpackers: Route 2. Budget-friendly and follows the common hostel trail.
- Couples or mid-range travelers: Route 1. Classic, well-connected, and most guidebooks follow this order.
- Slow travelers or digital nomads: Route 3. Least rushed with more downtime.
- Families: Route 1 with reduced destinations. Cut one country or focus on fewer cities.
Getting around: Internal flights vs. buses vs. trains
When to fly (and when not to)
Fly for any route over 400km. A bus journey of 400km takes 8 to 10 hours in this region. A flight takes 1 to 2 hours.
Key flight routes and average costs:
| Route | Duration | Cost (USD) | Airline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi to Da Nang (for Hoi An) | 1h 20m | $50-$80 | Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways |
| Hue to Ho Chi Minh City | 1h 30m | $60-$100 | Vietnam Airlines |
| Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh | 1h | $80-$120 | Cambodia Angkor Air |
| Siem Reap to Luang Prabang | 1h 30m | $100-$150 | Lao Airlines |
| Luang Prabang to Vientiane | 1h | $60-$90 | Lao Airlines |
Book flights 4 to 6 weeks ahead for the best prices. Last-minute bookings cost two to three times more.
Pro tip: Most regional airlines allow 20kg checked luggage. Double-check baggage allowance when booking budget carriers.
Bus travel: pros, cons, and safety
Buses are cheap but uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Use them for short routes only.
Popular bus routes:
- Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: 3-4 hours, $8-$12
- Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass: 3-4 hours, $10-$15
- Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta: 2-3 hours, $5-$10
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 5-6 hours, $10-$15
Safety considerations: Reckless driving is common. Seatbelts are often missing. Night buses on mountain roads carry higher accident risk. VIP buses with reclining seats are more comfortable than local minibuses.
Warning: Avoid overnight buses on mountain routes in Vietnam. The accident rate is significantly higher than daytime travel.
Train travel in Vietnam
The Reunification Express runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It takes 30+ hours but offers a scenic and safer alternative to buses.
- Best scenic section: Hue to Da Nang. The train hugs the coast and passes through Hai Van Pass. This is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Asia.
- Sleeper options: Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin, air-conditioned) costs $30-$50. Hard sleeper (6-berth cabin, fan only) costs $20-$35.
- Pros: More spacious than buses. Safer. Scenic. You can walk around and buy food.
- Cons: Slower than flying. Limited to Vietnam. Not available for Cambodia or Laos.
Border crossings: what to expect
- Vietnam to Cambodia (Moc Bai/Bavet): The main crossing from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. Total journey time including border procedures is 6 to 7 hours. Visa on arrival available for Cambodia. Expect 30 to 60 minutes processing.
- Cambodia to Laos: No direct land border crossing used by most travelers. Fly Siem Reap to Luang Prabang.
- Vietnam to Laos (Lao Bao/Dansavanh): Rarely used for this route. Located in central Vietnam, far from the standard itinerary.
Scams to avoid at borders: Unofficial fees for faster processing. Overpriced visa photos. Fake health certificate requirements. Officials demanding payment in dollars at inflated exchange rates.
Pro tip: Arrive at borders early in the morning. Afternoon crossings are slower and more prone to harassment.
The unmissable stops: what to see and do
Hanoi (3-4 days)
Old Quarter walking tour, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (closed Monday and Friday). Vietnamese coffee culture: egg coffee at Giang Cafe, coconut coffee at Cong Caphe. Water puppet show (30-45 minutes, touristy but culturally interesting). Day trip to Ninh Binh for Tam Coc boat ride and Mua Cave viewpoint.
Ha Long Bay (2 days, 1 night on cruise)
Overnight cruise is the only way to experience the bay properly. Avoid $50 budget options. Mid-range cruises cost $100 to $150 per person and include kayaking, cave visits, and meals. Activities include kayaking through karst formations, visiting Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave, and seeing floating villages. Consider Lan Ha Bay as an alternative. It is less crowded with similar scenery.
Warning: Ha Long Bay can be disappointing in bad weather. Fog and rain reduce visibility to zero. Check the forecast before booking.
Hoi An (3 days)
Ancient Town walking tour: Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls, old merchant houses. Tailor-made clothing: allow 24 to 48 hours for custom suits, dresses, or ao dai. Cooking classes: half-day classes with market visit cost $25 to $40. Day trip to My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO Cham ruins, half-day). Lantern festival on full moon each month.
Hue (2 days)
Imperial Citadel: allow 3 to 4 hours for full exploration. Royal tombs: choose two of three (Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, Minh Mang). Perfume River cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda. Hue cuisine: bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh khoai (Hue pancake). Hai Van Pass scenic drive from Hoi An to Hue.
Ho Chi Minh City (3 days)
War Remnants Museum (powerful, essential, emotionally heavy). Cu Chi Tunnels (half-day tour, claustrophobic but fascinating). Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office. Ben Thanh Market (haggle hard or skip for less touristy markets). Day trip to Mekong Delta: My Tho or Ben Tre for coconut candy and boat rides.
Phnom Penh (2 days)
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (1.5 to 2 hours). Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields (half-day, emotionally draining). National Museum of Cambodia for Khmer art. Riverside promenade and Central Market.
Pro tip: Visit Tuol Sleng in the morning and the Killing Fields in the afternoon. The experience is heavy. Plan a quiet evening afterward.
Siem Reap and Angkor (4 days)
Angkor Wat sunrise: arrive at 5am. Crowds are real but the experience is worth it. Angkor Thom: Bayon with 216 stone faces, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King. Ta Prohm: the "Tomb Raider" temple with jungle overtaking stone. Banteay Srei: 35km from main complex, intricate carvings, half-day trip.
Angkor pass prices: 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), 7-day ($72). Buy the 3-day pass for a 4-day stay. Tonle Sap floating villages: Chong Kneas or Kampong Phluk (seasonal, half-day).
Warning: Temple fatigue is real. Plan rest days. Visit temples in the morning. Spend afternoons at the pool or in a hammock.
Luang Prabang (4 days)
Kuang Si Waterfalls: turquoise pools, swimming allowed, one hour drive. Pak Ou Caves: Mekong River cruise, thousands of Buddha statues. Wat Xieng Thong: the most beautiful temple in Laos. Alms giving ceremony (Tak Bat): respectful viewing at 5:30am. Night market for handmade textiles and local crafts. Phousi Hill sunset: steep climb, crowded but panoramic views.
Day-by-day budget breakdown
Daily budget by traveler profile
| Profile | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Activities | Misc | Total per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $8-$15 | $8-$12 | $5-$10 | $5-$15 | $5-$10 | $35-$50 |
| Mid-range | $25-$40 | $15-$25 | $10-$20 | $10-$25 | $10-$15 | $70-$100 |
| Comfort | $60-$120 | $30-$50 | $30-$60 | $20-$50 | $15-$30 | $150-$250 |
Total estimated cost for 30 days
- Backpacker: $1,050-$1,500
- Mid-range: $2,100-$3,000
- Comfort: $4,500-$7,500
These figures exclude international flights to and from the region.
Currency and payment tips
- Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is preferred. ATMs are widely available. Do not try to pay with US Dollars.
- Cambodia: US Dollars are widely accepted. Cambodian Riel is used for small change. ATMs dispense US Dollars.
- Laos: Lao Kip (LAK). US Dollars are accepted in tourist areas. ATMs are less reliable than in Vietnam or Cambodia.
- Credit cards: Accepted at mid-range hotels and restaurants in cities. Not accepted at street stalls or markets.
- ATM fees: $2 to $5 per withdrawal. Check with your bank for international transaction fees.
- Cash backup: Carry $200 to $300 in US Dollars for Cambodia and Laos.
Pro tip: In Cambodia, always ask for change in US Dollars, not Riel. The exchange rate at shops is worse than the market rate.
Where to stay: accommodation by budget and style
Vietnam accommodation
- Hanoi: Old Quarter for walkability. West Lake for quieter luxury.
- Hoi An: Ancient Town for atmosphere. An Bang Beach for relaxation.
- Ho Chi Minh City: District 1 for central location. District 3 for local feel.
- Booking platforms: Booking.com has the best selection. Agoda often has better deals for Asia.
Cambodia accommodation
- Siem Reap: Pub Street area for nightlife. Wat Bo Road for quieter options.
- Phnom Penh: Riverside for colonial charm. BKK1 for modern amenities.
- Guesthouses: $10 to $20 for basic private rooms with fan.
Laos accommodation
- Luang Prabang: Peninsula area for UNESCO charm. South of city for budget options.
- Vientiane: City center near Mekong River.
- Boutique hotels: Luang Prabang has excellent mid-range options at $30 to $60 per night.
Health, safety, and practical tips
Health precautions
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, Japanese encephalitis. Consult a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
- Malaria: Low risk in cities. Moderate risk in rural areas. Mosquito repellent is essential.
- Dengue fever: Present year-round. No vaccine exists. Prevention is the only protection.
- Food safety: Avoid tap water, ice made from tap water, and raw vegetables washed in tap water. Eat freshly cooked food from busy stalls.
- Travel insurance: Mandatory. Must include medical evacuation, theft, and trip cancellation.
Safety concerns
- Traffic: Vietnam and Cambodia have chaotic traffic. Cross roads slowly and predictably. Do not run. Do not make sudden movements.
- Theft: Pickpocketing in crowded markets. Bag snatching on motorbikes, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Keep phones and wallets in front pockets or cross-body bags.
- Scams: Taxi overcharging (use Grab app), temple donation pressure, gemstone scams in Cambodia.
- Night travel: Avoid overnight buses on mountain roads. Accident risk is significantly higher after dark.
- Political stability: Generally safe. Avoid protests or political gatherings.
Practical tips for daily life
- SIM cards: Viettel for Vietnam, Smart or Cellcard for Cambodia, Unitel or Lao Telecom for Laos. Buy at the airport upon arrival.
- WiFi: Widely available in cafes and hotels. Speeds are good in cities, slower in rural areas.
- Toilets: Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Squat toilets are common in budget accommodation and rural areas.
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Remove shoes before entering. Women should cover their shoulders in Laos.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. $1 to $2 for guides. Small change for hotel staff.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Overpacking the itinerary
Mistake: Trying to see everything in 30 days leads to burnout. Solution: Plan for 2 to 3 rest days with no scheduled activities. Reduce destinations if needed. Better to see 8 places well than 12 places rushed.
Underestimating travel time
Mistake: Thinking a 200km bus ride takes 3 hours. It often takes 5 to 6 hours due to road conditions. Solution: Add 30 to 50 percent to all estimated travel times. Never plan activities on travel days.
Visa complications
Mistake: Assuming a single-entry Vietnam visa allows re-entry after Cambodia. Solution: Apply for a multi-entry Vietnam visa if planning to return. Or plan the route to end in Vietnam.
Not carrying enough cash
Mistake: Relying on credit cards in rural areas or Laos. Solution: Carry $200 to $300 in US Dollars as backup. Withdraw cash at city ATMs before heading to rural areas.
Temple fatigue
Mistake: Trying to visit every temple at Angkor in 2 days. Solution: Prioritize 4 to 5 temples. Take breaks. Visit temples in the morning and late afternoon only.
Sample 30-day itinerary (Vietnam first route)
Week 1: Northern Vietnam (Days 1-8)
- Day 1: Arrive Hanoi. Settle in. Evening Old Quarter walk.
- Day 2: Hanoi city tour. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Day 3: Hanoi food tour. Water puppet show.
- Day 4: Travel to Ha Long Bay. Afternoon cruise.
- Day 5: Ha Long Bay kayaking. Cave visit. Overnight on boat.
- Day 6: Return to Hanoi. Fly to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An.
- Day 7: Hoi An Ancient Town walking tour. Tailor visit.
- Day 8: My Son Sanctuary day trip. Evening lantern-lit Hoi An.
Week 2: Central and Southern Vietnam (Days 9-15)
- Day 9: Hoi An cooking class. Free afternoon at An Bang Beach.
- Day 10: Travel to Hue via Hai Van Pass. Afternoon Imperial Citadel.
- Day 11: Hue royal tombs. Perfume River cruise.
- Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon War Remnants Museum.
- Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour. Evening Ben Thanh Market.
- Day 14: Mekong Delta day trip (My Tho or Ben Tre).
- Day 15: Free day in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore District 1.
Week 3: Cambodia (Days 16-22)
- Day 16: Bus to Phnom Penh (6 hours). Evening riverside walk.
- Day 17: Phnom Penh. Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng, Killing Fields.
- Day 18: Bus to Siem Reap (5-6 hours). Evening Pub Street.
- Day 19: Angkor Wat sunrise. Angkor Thom. Ta Prohm.
- Day 20: Banteay Srei. Tonle Sap floating village.
- Day 21: Free day in Siem Reap. Relax, spa, or revisit favorite temples.
- Day 22: Fly to Luang Prabang.
Week 4: Laos (Days 23-30)
- Day 23: Luang Prabang. Wat Xieng Thong. Phousi Hill sunset.
- Day 24: Kuang Si Waterfalls. Bear sanctuary. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 25: Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Weaving villages.
- Day 26: Alms giving ceremony (5:30am). Free day for exploration.
- Day 27: Optional day trip to Vang Vieng or relax in Luang Prabang.
- Day 28: Fly to Vientiane. Afternoon That Luang Stupa. Patuxai Monument.
- Day 29: Vientiane. Wat Si Saket. Buddha Park (half-day). Evening night market.
- Day 30: Depart from Vientiane.
FAQ
Q: Is one month enough for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. 30 days allows you to see the highlights of all three countries without rushing, provided you limit destinations to 8 to 10 places and include rest days. Cutting one country gives more depth.
Q: What is the best order to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos?
The most common route is Vietnam first (north to south), then Cambodia, then Laos. This avoids visa complications and follows logical flight connections. Starting in Cambodia is cheaper but less scenic for the first days.
Q: How much does a one-month Indochina trip cost?
Budget travelers spend $35 to $50 per day ($1,050 to $1,500 total). Mid-range travelers spend $70 to $100 per day ($2,100 to $3,000). Comfort travelers spend $150 to $250 per day ($4,500 to $7,500). These figures exclude international flights.
Q: Do I need visas for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos?
Yes. Vietnam requires an e-visa or visa on arrival (single-entry, 30 days). Cambodia offers e-visa or visa on arrival ($30). Laos offers visa on arrival ($30 to $40) or e-visa. Apply for a multi-entry Vietnam visa if your route requires re-entering Vietnam.
Q: Is it safe to travel overland between these countries?
Generally yes, but road safety is a concern. Bus travel in Vietnam and Cambodia has higher accident rates than in Western countries. Border crossings are straightforward but can involve scams. Flying between countries is safer and saves time.
Q: Should I book internal flights in advance?
Yes, book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for the best prices. Key flights can fill up during peak season (November to March). Last-minute bookings cost two to three times more.
Q: What should I pack for a three-country trip?
Pack light (7 to 10kg carry-on if possible) with layers for varying climates. Essential items include lightweight long pants and shirts for temple visits, sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, universal power adapter, and a reusable water bottle with filter.
Q: Can I use US Dollars in Cambodia and Laos?
Yes. US Dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia and preferred for larger purchases. In Laos, US Dollars are accepted in tourist areas but local currency (Kip) is better for small transactions. Vietnam uses Dong exclusively.