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jacqkellie's Traveler List
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Vietnam and Cambodia in 9 Days

Ask this member a question. jacqkellie Low-budget sightseeing/culture trip in Vietnam and Cambodia. Inspired by reading too many guidebooks online.
5 Jul 2009
4.5 of 5 stars based on 6 votes
May 19-27. Cities we visited were Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. This list shows our itinerary, plus alternative scenario aka "we could have done this instead" portion.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
  • Category: Best of
  • Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Never been before
  • Appeals to: Singles, Budget travellers , Active/adventure, Tourists
  • Seasons: Summer
  • Tags: vietnam cambodia overland, angkor, ho chi minh, phnom penh
1. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 1 - after arriving in HCMC, we had lunch and went on a walking city tour at District 1. Sights included the Post Office, Notre Dame, Reunification Hall, War Remnants Museum, and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum before catching a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

Day 2 - Booked a trip to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh province and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
2. War Remnants Museum (Nha Trung Bay Toi Ac Chien Tranh)
War Remnants Museum (Nha Trung Bay Toi Ac Chien Tranh), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Rather one-sided, but should not be missed. Admission less than a dollar.
3. Cao Dai Temple
Cao Dai Temple, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Temple lovers would find this delightful to visit.
4. Cu Chi Tunnel
Cu Chi Tunnel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Make sure you get a good guide!
5. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Day 3 - took bus from HCMC, arrived in Phnom Penh around 2pm. Visited Tuol Sleng Genocidal Museum, walked around Sisowath Quay (unfortunately, riverside was closed due to flooding), caught a documentary about the history of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge.

Day 4 - Visited the National Museum and Wat Phnom before taking afternoon bus to Siem Reap. Arrived at Siem Reap around 6pm.

ALTERNATIVE SCENARIO: We should've used the rest of Day 4 to tour the Royal Palace, visit the Central Market, enjoy one more night at Phnom Penh, then took first bus out to Siem Reap on morning of Day 5.
6. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A haunting and sombering experience on the devastating history of Cambodia under the rule of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. This museum MUST NOT BE MISSED!
7. Siem Reap
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 5 - Tonle Sap Floating Village cruise, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat Nights

Day 6 - 11 hour bus ride back to HCMC

ALTERNATIVE SCENARIO: If we'd taken morning bus to Siem Reap on Day 5, we'd have arrived noontime. Then spend afternoon at Ta Prohm, then Angkor Wat, then stay until night time for Angkor Wat nights.
Day 6 will be dedicated to Bantay Srei, Roulos Group (both on outskirts of Siem Reap), and Angkor Thom.
Head back to HCMC on Day 7.
8. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Amazing. There's no other word for it.
The Angkor Wat Nights is a pretty interesting experience too.
9. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 7 - Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, Cholon District, Mariamman Hindu Temple
Day 8 - Dai Nam Amusement Park (the temple area was very much worth the trip, but the amusement park per se could still use a lot of improvement; if you haven't done the Mekong River Cruise, don't miss it!)
Day 9 - Fly back home
ALTERNATIVE SCENARIO:
Day 8 - booked a Mekong River Cruise day trip
Day 9 - last minute shopping before flying home
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap