How to Plan for a Vietnam-Cambodia Trip with Php 20,000
How to Plan for a Vietnam-Cambodia Trip with Php 20,000
DISCLAIMER: Prices may change depending on the exchange rate and season, but hopefully this article gives you an idea of how much you’ll be spending.
It occurred to me after a conversation with a fellow Filipino who we met during our tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels that though there are a lot of young Filipinos who want to travel, many of them still hesitate to go for it. Perhaps this is due to the intimidating impression that traveling outside the Philippines is expensive, and that a budget of Php 20,000 is only enough to bring you to local attractions.
But in this entry, I’d like to breakdown the itinerary and total cost of our recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia—and prove to people that it’s possible to leave the country and spend just this amount.
We spent four nights and three days in Vietnam, and two nights and three days in Cambodia. Our flight was booked sometime last year during a piso fare promo—and the total amount was Php 2,400 per ticket. It was a one-way trip from Manila to Vietnam, and another one-way trip from Cambodia to Manila. With the number of seat sales emerging, thanks to airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia, it’s much more affordable to book flights outside the country—you just need to be patient, resourceful, and persevering enough to wait for them.
(A little tip when booking during a seat sale: wait for midnight when the seat sale starts. The website loads faster, and there are more seats available.)
Our flight was on a Wednesday evening at 10:50pm (Manila time) so we arrived in Vietnam at about 11:30pm (Vietnam time). (Vietnam and Cambodia are an hour behind.) We stayed in Blue River II Hotel, a family-owned boutique hotel along Ky Con Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh, which was just 30 minutes away from the airport via car. Our hotel was also just a few blocks away from Ben Thanh Market, different museums, 23/9 park, and De Tham Street, where most of the travel agencies are located.
We booked our hotel via Agoda. Since there was a promo, we paid about $13 per night for a deluxe room (free breakfast included). You can find much cheaper backpacker hotels in De Tham Street, but we chose Blue River because of its reviews and because we wanted a nice, clean, and comfortable place to stay in that had all the basic necessities.
Thursday (Day 1): Cu Chi Tunnels
Since we weren’t familiar with our area yet, our hotel referred us to Delta Tours in De Tham Street, where we booked a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels for 131,000 dong. With only a map, we found our way to De Tham Street and confirmed our tour with Delta Tours. We also discovered The Sinh Tourist along the same street, the same travel agency that the Cupcake and his family booked when they visited Vietnam and Cambodia four years ago.
Having found the Sinh Tourist, we booked a package going to Cambodia for $130 and a whole-day tour of the Mekong River for $10.
The Cambodia Package included the following:
- bus ride from Vietnam to Cambodia
- 3D2N accommodation at Monoreach Angkor Hotel
- free breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner with an Apsara show during our stay
- private tour of the temples (with tour guide)
We spent the rest of the morning walking around and exploring our area. We walked around the park, visited Ben Thanh Market, and enjoyed pho and iced coffee in Huong Vy just along De Tham Street. At 12:30pm, we went back to Delta Tours and spent the rest of the day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Pho and iced coffee in Huong Vy for our second meal in Ho Chi Minh
Friday (Day 2): Mekong River
Our merienda during our Mekong Delta tour
Since there’s a lot to see in the Mekong Delta tour, this took up the entire day—our package included lunch and merienda. When we got back in the evening, we ate dinner at Gogi, a Korean restaurant near our hotel. For a scrumptious and generous dinner, we only spent Php 600!
dinner at Gogi
Saturday (Day 3): Shopping Day
We really set aside budget to shop in Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Square (I had $200 for shopping and miscellaneous expenses—$100 for Vietnam and $100 for Cambodia). Shopping in Ho Chi Minh is extremely cheap! Those who frequent Divisoria and Greenhills Tiangge will definitely enjoy. Aside from shopping, we were able to try Pho 2000, the same restaurant President Bill Clinton ate in years ago.
Sunday (Day 4): 14-Hour Bus Ride to Cambodia
Our call time in The Sinh Tourist’s office was 6:00am and we left at 6:30am. It took about two hours to get to the border (if you hold a Philippine passport, you’ll need to pay $1 for the Visa Fee), then we stopped over for a free lunch in Phnom Penh. After a couple more stopovers, we arrived in Cambodia at about 9pm. Dinner that evening was free as well, which was part of our package.
Crossing the border from Vietnam to Cambodia
Monoreach Angkor Hotel
Monday (Day 5): Tour of Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple, and Angkor Wat
Ta Prohm
Bayon Temple
Angkor Wat
The entrance fee to a one-day visit of the temples is $20. Aside from touring the three temples, we also visited the Angkor National Museum, which had a $12 entrance fee. If you want to ride and feed an elephant in Angkor Thom (where Bayon Temple is located), the ride is $15 per person and a cluster of bananas is $1.
That evening, we enjoyed an eat-all-you-can dinner and an Apsara show at Angkor Mondial Restaurant (which was also part of Sinh Tourist’s package). After dinner, we rode a tuk-tuk for $4 ($2 per person) to the Angkor Night Market where we shopped and got a foot spa for $1 care of Dr. Fish.
(In Cambodia, they accept U.S. dollars and Vietnamese dong aside from Cambodian riel, so it’s okay to pay in any of these currencies.)
Tuesday (Day 6): Shopping and Food-Tripping at Pub Street and the Old Market
On our last day, we had lunch in Cambodian BBQ along Pub Street, and experienced eating seven kinds of meat: beef, pork, chicken, fish, squid, shark, and crocodile.
We then explored and went shopping in the Old Market, had coffee, and ate banana pancakes, crickets, grasshoppers, and a tarantula along the streets of the Old Market. Our flight that evening was scheduled to depart at 11:59pm, so we killed time by getting a foot massage until it was time to go to the airport. We booked a hotel transfer for $10. Siem Reap International Airport was approximately 15 minutes away from our hotel, Monoreach Angkor Hotel.
To give you a better visual of how much you’ll be spending, here’s an approximate summary:
Again, the prices may change depending on the exchange rate and season. If you share a room with friends or stay in a backpacker hotel in Vietnam, eat in affordable restaurants, and lessen the miscellaneous expenses, it’s possible to lower your total spend.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment box below! Hope you can also check out my other articles on 11 things to do in Ho Chi Minh and 12 things to do in Siem Reap!
How to Plan for a Vietnam-Cambodia Trip with Php 20,000
For more information on our travel agency, The Sinh Tourist, visit their website at http://sinhtourist.vn.
You can also book a private tour with Sava Sun, who was our very lovely and down-to-earth tour guide at Siem Reap. His e-mail is sunvuth2007@gmail.com.
November 4, 2014 @ 2:49 pm
hi.. thank you for posting this,, very helpful for a person like me who loves to travel on a budget (very tight budget.. 🙂 )
November 4, 2014 @ 3:55 pm
Hello! You’re very welcome! 🙂 You can lower the costs further if you share accommodation and food expenses with friends. 🙂
November 13, 2015 @ 8:15 pm
Hi there! I want to go to cambodia too! It will be my first time travelling outside the country. Im afraid that when i get to cambodia, the immigration will stop me and deport me back to the country. Can you help me and give me tips to make sure that ill be prepared. What documents do i need to bring to ensure that they wont deport me.
November 16, 2015 @ 2:07 pm
Hi, Kim! As long as there’s no reason why they would deport you (like you’re not a criminal or anything), they won’t. 🙂 You just need your passport, round trip ticket, and possibly proof of what hotel you’re staying in.
October 5, 2016 @ 6:57 am
Hi Gretchen
I learn a lot on your postings re Vietnam & Cambodia trip.
I am interested to know.
1) since you stayed at blue river2 hotel, do they have HOT shower per room?
2) I am an American passport holder. Vacationing in Manila.
Do I need to get a Cambodian visa in Manila or at combodia border?
Thank you for your help.
October 9, 2016 @ 9:15 am
Hi, Jess!
1. Yes, I remember they had.
2. I think you also get it at the border. 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂
November 4, 2014 @ 4:53 pm
thanks for the posting. We’ll be in Vietnam this December and is already looking at booking in Lavander Hotel. I checked Blue River however I cannot see any contact information like email. Do you mind if you post their email address? Also, I see tours in the Blue River website, how come you did not book in their in house tours? 🙂 Thanks.
November 4, 2014 @ 5:02 pm
Hi, Apple! You’re very welcome. Here are Blue River II’s contact details:
BLUE RIVER 2 HOTEL
Add : 54/13 Ki Con, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
Tel / Fax : +848 39 152 852
Email : blueriver_hotel@yahoo.com.vn
Website : blueriverhotel.vn or blueriverhotel.net
They also offer airport transfer/pick up service for $15. 🙂 Regarding the tours, they’re partnered with De Tham actually (the first tour we booked for the Cu Chi Tunnels). So when we booked through them, they referred us to De Tham.
November 4, 2014 @ 5:01 pm
indeed, its the first thing that we must consider(budgeting tips) now if we truly loves to travel.thanks for sharing it to us!
November 4, 2014 @ 5:03 pm
You’re very welcome, Rael! 🙂
November 4, 2014 @ 7:47 pm
This is very informative. You’re indeed a great help 🙂 Hope you’ll share more of your adventures 🙂
November 4, 2014 @ 10:14 pm
Hi, Crez! I’m so glad to hear my article helped you. 🙂 Will definitely be writing more of my adventures!
November 4, 2014 @ 10:05 pm
Is the 20,000 expenses good for two? Or 20,000 each of you? Im also planning to have this kind of vacation nxt year with my husband…
November 4, 2014 @ 10:16 pm
Hi, Telly! The Php 20,000 is for one person only (based on the itinerary we followed), but if you share/split the accommodation and food expenses, the costs can come out much cheaper. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
galing naman ng tour package,, very helpful. thank you.
November 7, 2014 @ 1:27 pm
Yeah, super sulit! 🙂 You’re welcome!
November 5, 2014 @ 5:25 am
Hi! They say that converse and northface are a lot more cheaper in Vietnam. Is it true? Anyway, thanks for posting this.
November 5, 2014 @ 9:23 am
Hey there! Yes, it is. We were able to buy North Face bags and fleece jackets for almost half the price. 🙂
November 5, 2014 @ 2:52 pm
This post is really great! It encouraged me to pursue my plan to do my Indochina expedition 🙂 . A question though, any tips on how to avoid being ripped off/scammed?
November 5, 2014 @ 6:34 pm
Hi, Jay! So glad you liked the article! 🙂 Yes, you should definitely pursue it. In Vietnam, we were told to just be careful with snatchers in motorcycles while you’re walking. The hotel owner herself made me sling my bag diagonally (not just one shoulder) so that it’s safer. And if you’re going to be riding a taxi, ride a trusted taxi line like Vinasun. 🙂
November 5, 2014 @ 4:31 pm
hi.. this is very helpful.. I’m planning to have this kind of vacation next year january my birthday month.. may I ask is it possible to have 20k Php expenses if single traveler? or it might reach as 25 to 30 k ? and the shopping expenses(200usd) is not included in the itinerary right? TIA
November 5, 2014 @ 6:36 pm
Hi, Francis! Yes, it’s very possible! There are hotels in Vietnam that are only $5 per night. Food is really cheap, too. So no worries. 🙂 The shopping expenses weren’t included in the itinerary.
November 6, 2014 @ 12:41 am
what about in cambodia, HOtels is also cheap?
November 6, 2014 @ 5:47 pm
Hi, Francis! I’m not sure how much the hotels are in Cambodia since we booked a full package through an agency. But given the price we paid and based on stories from friends who also traveled to Cambodia, I’m confident there are affordable hotels there, too.
November 5, 2014 @ 4:54 pm
Thank you for posting. Very informative…I was just thinking Vietnam, Cambodia ang Myanmar as my next adventure and you just answered all questions…hehehe.
November 5, 2014 @ 6:36 pm
You’re very welcome! That’s so great to hear! Have fun! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by the blog.
November 9, 2014 @ 4:14 am
ok thank you… I’m planning to have a solo trip from Vietnam cambodia bankok.. is it possible na mag kasya ung 20k regardless ung airfare kasi wlaa na ako makita na piso fare.. 20k for the trip then more or less 8k for the fare. possible kaya un Sa tatlong countries? or should I stick to Vietnam cambodia.. one more thing ung process ng visa to Vietnamese cambodia at bankok as in ba no requirements needed papakita ko Lang ung passport ko.. thank
November 10, 2014 @ 10:25 am
Hi, Francis! Yes, I think 20k is possible for all three countries if you’re going to be staying in cheaper hotels. Sinh Tourist offers packages from Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand, I think. And you don’t really need to Visa in all three countries. No need to prepare anything except your passport. 🙂 The fee we paid in the border from Vietnam to Cambodia was more like a processing fee/tip for our tour guide. 🙂
November 5, 2014 @ 6:08 pm
Hi, why is the airfare so cheap? Is it something like Piso Fare?
And do you have any other Travel Tips in other countries??
November 5, 2014 @ 6:38 pm
Hi, Ana! Yes, we booked our tickets during a piso fare promo. 🙂 I do have an article written about the things you can do in Kuala Lumpur. Hope you can check it out!
https://gretasjunkyard.com/13-things-to-do-in-kuala-lumpur/
November 5, 2014 @ 6:53 pm
Hi Gretchen! First of all, thank you for posting this! I just want to ask if you spent 20k each (per person) for this trip? And would you recommend going to Thailand together with these two?
November 5, 2014 @ 6:56 pm
Hi, Mark! You’re very welcome. 🙂 Yes, the 20k was per person but it’s possible to lower the costs further if you share accommodation and food expenses. There are also hotels in Vietnam that charge just $5 per night. I would definitely recommend going to Thailand with these two (a lot of backpackers do that). They go from Vietnam to Cambodia to Thailand to Laos. 🙂
November 5, 2014 @ 8:36 pm
Why did you pay a visa fee at the Vietnam-Cambodia border. You shouldn’t paying anything because Vietnam and Cambodia is part of ASEAN which is supposed to be visa-free. I didn’t qpay anything at the border last September.
November 5, 2014 @ 10:14 pm
Hi, Ryan! The Cupcake was more familiar with the process, and based on his trip before, they also paid a minimal fee. Our group was composed of the two of us, seven French tourists, and two Koreans. Among our group, only we paid a dollar. The rest had to pay more than we did for the Visa fee. 🙂
November 5, 2014 @ 9:54 pm
Hello! Thanks for this article, may I ask about the currency, did you change PHP to USD then to Dong or did you just use USD? Also would you recommend we change our PHP here or upon reaching Vietnam?
November 5, 2014 @ 10:19 pm
Hi, Aurora! You’re welcome. 🙂 Yes, before leaving the country, we already changed our PHP to USD. When we got to Vietnam, we changed our USD to Dong. By the way, based on our experience, it’s better to change in DongA Bank because the rates are better than the regular foreign exchange stores. Just make sure to bring your passport because they’re strict about that. 🙂
I recommend you change your PHP to USD here already, then have your USD changed to Dong in Vietnam. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 11:59 am
Hi Gretchen,
Your Blog helps a lot. Were planning also to go to Vietnam/Cambodia and thanks for the tips you shared, you give us idea for our itinerary. Have you been to Macau/Hongkong also? If ever, can you give me some tips also. please :)..Your response is highly appreciated.
Thank you and more power to you 🙂
Loren
November 6, 2014 @ 5:58 pm
Hi, Loren! Thank you for your kind words. 🙂 I’ve been to Hong Kong, but that was years ago when I wasn’t blogging yet.
November 7, 2014 @ 11:05 pm
Hi, everywhere I go I never bring cash. What I do is withdraw money from an atm in the host country, usually just enough to last through the trip. Very convenient.
November 8, 2014 @ 9:59 am
Thanks for that tip, Ruji! 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 5:56 am
Hi Gretchen,
Do you know what tour you did on vietnam-cambodia?
I couldnt find the trip you did on their website for $130
Do you know if they do cambodia-vietnam?
November 6, 2014 @ 5:49 pm
Hi, Mariel! It was a pretty customized tour, so I’m not sure if it will be on their website. But yes, they also have tours the other way around (Cambodia to Vietnam). They also have a round-trip packages. (Ours was just one way.)
November 8, 2014 @ 2:37 am
Ah so just email them for customize trip? Did u book your hotel in cambodia ahead of time or the tour book it for you?
November 8, 2014 @ 10:04 am
Hi, Mariel! They customized our trip then and there. Prior to flying to Vietnam, we had no clear itinerary. We just fixed everything when we got there. 🙂 Our hotel in Cambodia was part of our agency’s package, so they booked it for us. 🙂
November 12, 2014 @ 3:37 pm
Hi Gretchen,
Thanks for the tip. It’s really helpful. Unfortunately the tour they’re trying to give us is $397 per person 🙁 . We wanted to just tour the Cambodia. Do you think the Cu Chui tunnel is more worth it to see than the mekong river? Were thinking about touring one of them on our own tour. Which one you would suggest to tour on our own.?????
November 12, 2014 @ 6:25 pm
Hi, Mariel! Really? 🙁 Honestly, I enjoyed Mekong River more than Cu Chi Tunnels, but it really depends on your preference. It’s hard to say which is better to plan, because both are 2-3 hours away from Ho Chi Minh. It was really more convenient to book with a travel agency. You can try going to De Tham Street when you get to Ho Chi Minh to choose an agency who can offer a tour at much more affordable rates. 🙂
November 12, 2014 @ 6:26 pm
Here’s a more detailed article on our trip to Ho Chi Minh: https://gretasjunkyard.com/11-things-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh-vietnam/
November 6, 2014 @ 6:09 am
Hi! Where do you find the exotic food stall? We roam around pub street for two nights and we didn’t find any.
November 6, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
Hey, Patricia! We found it along the streets beside the Old Market and the Night Market. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 6:24 am
Hi, this information is very helpful especially for travellers like me.. thanks for this.. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
You’re welcome, Gerald! 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 8:30 am
Very informative. Been dreaming to visit those countries so soon 🙂 Thank you for this maam.
November 6, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
You’re welcome, Alexis! 🙂 Thank you also for dropping by the blog!
November 6, 2014 @ 9:35 am
Wow this is really good, i hope you can post more travel tips
🙂 keep it up
November 6, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
Hi, Elle! Yes, I’ll be posting more articles soon! Watch out for them! 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 10:40 am
Hi! I have just visited these two countries last September and I really had a blast. True, malayo ang mararating ng 20k mo! 😀
November 6, 2014 @ 5:53 pm
Hi, Renz! Diba? 🙂 You can even spend less if you’re really matipid!
November 6, 2014 @ 10:51 am
I am also interested to travel veitnam and cambodia…nice to see ur article it will really help us a lot in our future travel
November 6, 2014 @ 5:54 pm
Hi, Perlin! Yes, you should definitely go. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 11:03 am
Hi, really like your post about vietnam and cambodia for 20000. You know i like roundtrip destination than one way. May i know aboug cambodia package, did you get it from trabel agency or just your own? Do you think travel agency is much cheaper?
November 6, 2014 @ 5:56 pm
Hi, Dane! We got the Vietnam to Cambodia package from an agency. I think it’s worth it to book the package from a travel agency because they’ll take care of everything at a really reasonable price. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 11:49 am
Very nice..the $52.00 accommodation for 4 nights is for just 1 person or i can share it with my daughter? thanks
November 6, 2014 @ 5:57 pm
Hi, Jean! You can share it with your daughter. 🙂 The room we stayed in can accommodate two people.
November 6, 2014 @ 12:24 pm
Nice post with lots of useful information. Do you think the same trip you took will be okay for a family trip? Me and my wife plus my 2 daughters. I’m planning for a vacation cum adventure trip for next year. Thanks!!!
November 6, 2014 @ 6:03 pm
Thanks, Richard! 🙂 Oh, for a family trip, I’m not so sure. Maybe a little more expensive than 20k. The Cupcake and his family did the same trip four years ago. I’ll try to ask how much they spent. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 1:45 pm
this is a good post so comprehensive. Hehe re visa fee though you paid a very minimal fee you should have not as Philippine passport holders are visa-free. I surmise the payment was more of a tip to your guide. I’ve visited cambodia 4 times and have not paid any visa fee. Hehe
November 6, 2014 @ 6:03 pm
Hi, Julius! That’s what I think, too. 🙂 Hehe.
November 6, 2014 @ 1:48 pm
I wish I could also visit Cambodia with that budget 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 6:04 pm
It’s very possible, Princess! 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 1:57 pm
Hi i was also able to book the piso fare if cebupac early this year but the price per person is 4,693.50 excluding travel tax of 1,620 and airport tax of 550.
I booked our Vietnam tour via internet also with TNK travel they were super patient with my various changes. $1,086 for 2pax inclusive of hotel, tour and bfast and lunch and a domestic roundtrip plane ticket to Hue City (Central Vietnam)
My estimate is roughly around 35k per pax for a 7d6n stay 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 6:04 pm
Oh, nice! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Juliet!
November 6, 2014 @ 2:25 pm
Hi!
Right in time as I was planning to book my trip for 2015. Quick question, which airline did your ride? the flight you got was so cheap!
November 6, 2014 @ 6:05 pm
Hi, Moe! 🙂 We rode Cebu Pacific. 🙂 Yeah, we were so lucky the flight was super cheap! But it didn’t include travel tax and terminal fee yet though. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 4:53 pm
Hi! This is just awesome! I’ve been planning a Bangkok-Cambodia-Vietnam tour this summer as a graduation gift since last summer. But I have a super tight budget, and I’ve always wondered if that will remain a fantasy. This article was like the heavens giving me a huge go-ahead sign! Much thanks!
November 6, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
Hi, Albert! Awww. I’m so excited for you! 🙂 That will be such an awesome adventure! Good luck!
November 6, 2014 @ 6:18 pm
hi Gretchen, thank you so much for this very informative article. this makes me not to avail the packages offered by metrodeal and cashcash, but opt to make a diy travel for me and my partner. since we were both first-timers travelling abroad, I am more concerned about our safety. may you please share to us on how you managed to go to your hotel from the airport? re: “We stayed in Blue River II Hotel, a family-owned boutique hotel along Ky Con Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh, which was just 30 minutes away from the airport via car.” by car, you mean taxi? thank you in advance. 🙂
November 7, 2014 @ 1:40 pm
Hello! 🙂 You’re welcome! Yeah, no need to take those deals anymore when you can just plan the trip yourself and not spend too much. Our hotel offered an airport transfer for $15. Since our flight was late and we arrived night time in Vietnam, we chose to book their air transfer than take a taxi. But if you do plan to take a taxi, make sure to ride trusted taxi lines like Vinasun. 🙂 Hope that helps!
November 6, 2014 @ 6:51 pm
Buti nalang nakita ko itong article, very informative at ang pinakagusto kong part dito yung breakdown ng lahat ng expenses para malaman ko yung eestmate na budget for travelling especially outside pinas. Sana marami pang ganitong travel blog na may breakdown sa expenses. Super laking tulong nito. I pray and hope na marami pa kaung mapuntahan. God bless.
November 7, 2014 @ 1:41 pm
Awww. Sweetest message I’ve read. 🙂 Thank you!
November 6, 2014 @ 7:26 pm
Hey, kudos to your pictures!! Especially the one in Cu Chi Tunnel. Always great to read blogs with pictures. 🙂
November 7, 2014 @ 1:43 pm
Hey, Carol! Awww, thank you! I’m sure the Cupcake would be flattered. He’s the designated photographer of my blog! Haha. 🙂
November 6, 2014 @ 10:39 pm
You are my heavensent! Booked manila-hanoi-siemreap-manila for 7 days! This article is very useful. 7 days too! But crossing the border from hanoi is much harder and takes longer, i think. Any suggestions? Thanks!
November 7, 2014 @ 1:47 pm
Awwww! 🙂 I haven’t been to Hanoi yet, but maybe it’s easier to book through an agency and have them assist you when you cross the border, just like what The Sinh Tourist did for us.
November 9, 2014 @ 1:47 am
Hi Wanderfull & Greta,
Makikisawsaw ako sa usapan niyo. Hope you dont mind.
You need a plane ride from Hanoi to Siem Reap to make your 7-day trip achievable. It’ll take you days if you’re going to travel by bus or train. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh pa lang is very far na… I think u need to allot 3 days for travel time via train 🙂 Check this http://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm#Hanoi – Hue – Danang – Saigon
My friend traveled from Siem-Phnom Penh- Ho Chi Minh by bus. Then from Ho Chi Minh – Hanoi, via plane na. Not sure what airlines, but they got it at a discounted price. Just check their local airlines regularly.
Hope this helps.
November 10, 2014 @ 10:15 am
Hi, Elle! Thank you for sharing this! 🙂
November 7, 2014 @ 12:54 am
This is great! Do you know any travel agency that caters tour from Cambodia to Thailand?
November 7, 2014 @ 1:48 pm
Hi, Ricci! The Sinh Tourist also offers a tour from Cambodia to Thailand! 🙂
November 7, 2014 @ 6:45 am
Hi! A friend referred your entry cos I’ve been planning a Cambodia-Vietnam trip this January and I’m very excited as this will be my first out of the country trip! lol. One question though, since our entry point will be Cambodia, would you know if Sinh Tourist have a Cambodia to Vietnam package? Cos I’ve been thinking of the bus trip since day one and if they offer a package that way too, it will be great! Thank you! 😀
November 7, 2014 @ 1:50 pm
Hi, Denis! Yes, they offer that as well! 🙂 They have an office in Siem Reap (right across Angkor Monoreach Hotel, actually).
November 7, 2014 @ 9:26 am
uhm, do they allow fishing @ Mekong River? i heard that there’s a lot of giant koi fish there?
November 7, 2014 @ 1:51 pm
Hey, Jhenolyn! Well, I’m not sure if tourists can fish there during the tour (I didn’t see any) but the villagers do fish there, according to our tour guide. 🙂
November 7, 2014 @ 11:27 am
Hi thank you for the very detailed travel infos you got here, it’s very helpful, do you also recommend this travel route to female single/solo traveler? Isnt it scary in vietnam? is the place safe? Sorry for series of questions. Im curious, please feed my curiosity. Thank you again.
November 7, 2014 @ 1:54 pm
Hi, Girlie! Yeah, it’s possible for a solo traveler to do this! The Filipino we met was a solo traveler and he’s been to so many places already. It actually gives you a chance to make new friends from different countries/cultures. 🙂 It’s a little scary in Vietnam during the evening, but I don’t think there’s anything to be worried about really.
November 7, 2014 @ 8:08 pm
Hi! Thanks for this. This is really helpful!
Would you happen to have an idea or an estimate if we do vietnam, cambodia, thailand, and laos? 🙂
That would also be great to know.
November 8, 2014 @ 9:58 am
Hey there! 🙂 You’re welcome! If you’re not going to be shopping or buying pasalubong, I think all four countries are do-able with 30k to 35k.
February 26, 2015 @ 11:57 pm
hi 🙂 magtratravel kami ng hubby ko at ng 3y/o kng anak
February 27, 2015 @ 8:22 am
Have fun! 🙂
November 7, 2014 @ 11:49 pm
Hi,
Nice blog! It really inspires young traveler like myself. I have a question, though. The 20K budget is per head right?
Thanks and more power!
Keep traveling!
November 8, 2014 @ 10:00 am
Hi, Danica! 🙂 Yes, the 20k was per head. But it’s possible to further lower the total spend if you stay in a cheaper hotel. There are hotels in Vietnam that offer $5 a night.
March 1, 2015 @ 4:19 pm
Hindi pala natuloy ung ibang question 🙂
hehehe, first time kami magtratravel hindi po ba mahigpit sa immigration? 🙂
March 2, 2015 @ 9:17 am
Hi, Coco! No naman. 🙂 Just have your round-trip ticket ready so you can present it just in case.
November 8, 2014 @ 12:57 am
Hello,
We spent four nights and three days in Vietnam ( it should be five days in Vietnam, right?), and two nights and three days in Cambodia.
Sorry! probably I’m wrong.
November 8, 2014 @ 10:03 am
Hi, Lotlot! We arrived in Vietnam at 11:30pm on Wednesday hence why we stayed four nights and three days. We left for Cambodia early morning on Sunday, and went back to Manila on Tuesday night at 11:59pm. 🙂 So it was four nights and three days in Vietnam and two nights and three days in Cambodia. Hope that clears it up!
November 8, 2014 @ 10:29 am
Hi Greta.
I would like to ask if it is necessary to book a package tour in Vietnam and Cambodia? Or a do-it-yourself tour will do? Is it so hard to roam around? Thank you for your help
November 8, 2014 @ 11:11 am
Hi, Tala! Not really, but it makes everything so much simpler and easier. It saves you time as well. 🙂
November 8, 2014 @ 2:17 pm
Thank You.;-)
November 8, 2014 @ 1:02 pm
Good day Gretchen… am just wondering why you paid $1 for visa fee… i believe Filipino passport holder are free to enter to any ASEAN countries..?
November 8, 2014 @ 1:55 pm
Hi, Mark! Yeah, I was told. I think the $1 ended up more as a tip for our tour guide.
November 8, 2014 @ 4:06 pm
Hi Gretchen,
Do you have the contacr details of De Tham? and when did you avail a visa? Because I’ve been to Saigon and we didn’t apply for a visa 🙂
November 10, 2014 @ 10:19 am
Hi, Aika! You mean Delta Tours? 🙂 You can check out their website here: http://www.deltaadventuretours.com/english/default.aspx
And we didn’t really avail a Visa prior to the trip. When we got to the border and paid the $1, I think it was more of a tip for our tour guide since he helped us cross and we didn’t need to do anything. 🙂
November 9, 2014 @ 7:54 am
Hi! I would just like to ask if this is for 2 people already. My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Vietnam when he comes here from the states. Thank you for your reply! 🙂 Cheers!
November 10, 2014 @ 10:26 am
Hi, Migs! This is per head. 🙂 But it’s possible to lower the costs if you stay in cheaper hotels. 🙂
November 11, 2014 @ 2:25 pm
Hi Gretchen! Great post! I wanna ask though, did you book your Cambodia tour prior to leaving for Vietnam? Cuz you bought your airline tickets like a few months before your travel date, right? So did you plan on going to Cambodia without booking a tour here in the Philippines and just by chance look for an agency in Vietnam?
November 11, 2014 @ 6:05 pm
Hi, Zyne! Thank you! 🙂 Yes, we bought our tickets (both Manila-Vietnam and Cambodia-Manila) months before our travel date. But we booked the package to Cambodia once we got to Vietnam. 🙂 There are a lot of travel agencies in De Tham so it’s not a problem.
November 12, 2014 @ 4:43 pm
Hi Gretchen.
I just wanna ask po kung saan kau nag book nang mekong river?and how much per person?
thank you so much
Angela
November 12, 2014 @ 6:26 pm
Hi, Gelai! We booked our Mekong River tour with The Sinh Tourist also. You can check out my article here: https://gretasjunkyard.com/11-things-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh-vietnam/
November 13, 2014 @ 9:08 am
Hi,
This is very informative.
The price is Php 20,000 per person, right?
Our trip is MNL-Vietnam-MNL, a 6 day trip. Do you think it is more expensive? We are planning to go to Cambodia, too.
November 13, 2014 @ 12:38 pm
Hey, Aileen! 🙂 Yup, it’s per person. I think you can still spend 20k if you stay in cheaper hotels. Sinh Tourist offers round trip packages from Vietnam to Cambodia, then back to Vietnam. 🙂
November 13, 2014 @ 10:43 pm
Hi,
Do u happen to know if there is package from Vietnam-Cambodia then back to Vietnam? Our flight is MNL-Vietnam-MNL.
November 14, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
Hi, Aileen! Yes, The Sinh Tourist offers round trip packages from Vietnam to Cambodia and back to Vietnam. 🙂
November 15, 2014 @ 6:57 am
Hi Gretchen,
Thank you for sharing this.Very informative. We already booked our trip to vietnam and cambodia.. we might as well visit the travel agencies you visted to arrange our tours.. I have 1 question though.. is the 130 trip to cambodia good for 1 or 2 already?
November 16, 2014 @ 9:22 pm
Hey, Mikey! The $130 is good for one person. 🙂
November 16, 2014 @ 12:43 pm
Hi Gretchen, good afternoon! 🙂
I just want to ask, this is a per person rate right? 🙂 Like 20k per person? 🙂 I’ve really been planning and looking forward to having my parents travel. I’ve been saving up some budget.. It’s really costly, the ones I saw on the internet by browsing. I really hope to be able to push through with this goal of having them travel. Thank you! This is very informative, I already saved it! 🙂 ^-^
November 16, 2014 @ 9:23 pm
Hi, Kirstie! Yes, the 20k is per person. Though if you get cheaper hotels in Vietnam, it’s possible to lower the costs. 🙂 Thanks for following the blog! I think it’s really sweet—what you’re doing for your parents. There should be more generous people like you!
November 18, 2014 @ 12:53 pm
Hi,
Thanks for this informative post! I’m just wondering how is the availability of booking a tour with them there? Or should we book online ahead of time? Also, were there any non-Filipinos on your tour and do you know if they were able to apply for a Cambodian visa on arrival? Or do you know the name of the border crossing the bus tour went though? Thanks!!
November 18, 2014 @ 10:03 pm
Hi, Iggy! You’re welcome! 🙂 To answer your questions:
1. No need to worry about the availability of booking a tour with Sinh Tourist. Just make sure when you get to Vietnam, it’s the first thing you take care of so from there, it’s easier to plan your itinerary for the rest of the trip. I’m not sure if the rates are the same when you book online. I think it comes out a little more expensive.
2. There were non-Filipinos during our trip to Cambodia (French and Koreans). They had to apply for a Visa when we got to the border, unlike us who just needed to present our passport. The $1 we paid was more of a processing fee for our tour guide, I think.
3. Sorry, I don’t know the exact name of the border.
Hope that helps! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by the blog!
November 26, 2014 @ 3:15 pm
Thank you for posting, very informative!! 🙂 This really will be of help to me and my husband, since we booked a trip to Vietnam on January. Just want to ask if Blue River Hotel allows early check in? like we will arrive past midnight. Also, we don’t have credit cards, if we book at Agoda, and if it says there, “pay later” and we use someone else card, how are we going to pay? 🙂 thank you!
November 27, 2014 @ 7:55 am
You’re welcome, Noemi! 🙂 Yes, Blue River Hotel allows early/late check-in. Our flight arrived around 11:30pm (Vietnam time). But before that, we informed them that we would be arriving late and they still accommodated us. We even availed their airport transfer service. 🙂 Not sure of Agoda’s “Pay Later” option because we booked using our own credit card. Best to ask them or your hotel of choice. 🙂 Hope that helps!
December 9, 2014 @ 1:57 pm
Hi Gretchen, first of all, thank you for posting this, me and my girlfriend do have an idea where to go for our Anniversary next year. 🙂
anyways, we’re visiting vietnam and cambodio from September 16 – September 23. We’ll be arriving vietnam around Sept 17 @ 12:20am and leaving cambodia around 10:30pm on September 22.
technically, we have 6days and 6nights on this trip. My question is, what day do you prefer we go to cambodia? how many days will we stay in vietnam? I’m just basing my plans on your itinerary on your trip. hehe. Thanks! 🙂
December 11, 2014 @ 10:56 pm
Hi, Kevin! Awww. Thank you! It’s a special place to spend your anniversary!
Since you’ll arrive in Vietnam at 12:20am on September 17, you can do what we did. We woke up early (around 7am) and booked our Cu Chi Tunnels Tour (through our hotel). If you choose to book directly through a travel agency (in De Tham Street), you can do so as well. The Cu Chi Tunnels Tour takes only half a day anyway, and there’s usually a tour that starts at 12pm. Then September 18, you can do the Mekong River Day Tour. September 19, I really recommend you visit the museums and other landmarks like the Opera House (we didn’t get to do this anymore because we were pressed for time). You can also do your shopping on the 19th then leave for Cambodia on the 20th, so that you have more than enough time to visit the temples, go shopping in the Night Market, and you can even squeeze in a trip to the Killing Fields (something we weren’t able to do anymore either). 🙂 Hope that helps you plan your itinerary! Enjoy!!!
December 12, 2014 @ 11:00 am
do you recommend to just book our tour to cambodia(including bus trip, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc.) when we get there at vietnam? just like what you did? thanks for your proposed itinerary. 🙂
December 13, 2014 @ 11:20 pm
Yes, I recommend that. I think it comes out cheaper. 🙂 You’re welcome!!!
December 12, 2014 @ 8:33 pm
Hi this is a great itinerary. May I ask what currency did you bring to Vietnam and Cambodia?
December 13, 2014 @ 11:20 pm
Thank you, Clarence! 🙂 We brought USD.
December 27, 2014 @ 9:55 am
Hi! Thanks for these very helpful info’s! I’ll be traveling Vietnam & Cambodia from last week of Jan to1st week of feb. Is it safe to travel alone especially if you’re a female?
December 27, 2014 @ 2:25 pm
Hi, Sai! Yes, it’s pretty safe. We met a fellow Filipino who was traveling on his own. 🙂 Solo travelers are pretty common in both countries.
June 18, 2015 @ 2:16 pm
Is the Cambodia package already for 2?
June 18, 2015 @ 6:29 pm
No, it’s for one lang. 🙂
December 27, 2014 @ 10:20 am
& oh,is it possible to do the cu chi tunnels & mekong river at the same day? How many hours does it take to do each tour?
December 27, 2014 @ 2:26 pm
No, I don’t think this is possible given the distance of both. Cu Chi takes at least half a day to finish, and you’ll need one whole day for the Mekong River if you really want to appreciate it.
January 26, 2015 @ 3:29 pm
Hi, this Vietnam-Cambodia trip, is it doable in five days? I’m afraid I can’t take long vacation leave from my work. Thanks for your help 🙂 I like your article, it is very informative 🙂
January 26, 2015 @ 6:44 pm
Hi, Angela! I think it’s still doable depending on what time your flights are. If you arrive in Vietnam early morning, you can do the half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels right away, then the whole day tour of Mekong River on your second day. On your third day, you can either choose to go shopping or leave for Cambodia already because this takes at least 12 hours. But definitely, the tour of the temples in Cambodia are doable in just one day. 🙂 Maybe you can just skip shopping in Vietnam to really appreciate Cambodia.
January 29, 2015 @ 11:39 am
Can I just say, I’m so inspired by your post. I’m studying it closely trying to figure out how we can replicate your itinerary with the same savings. Amazed at how much money you saved 🙂 I think the biggest challenge for us though is to nab the elusive piso fare (everyone does the midnight trick nowadays).
January 30, 2015 @ 8:30 am
Awww. Thanks, Julienne! 🙂 I really wrote it to encourage young people to travel! 🙂 Yeah, I agree. But Cebu Pacific offers piso fares often, so I’m sure you’ll be able to book tickets!
February 8, 2015 @ 8:49 am
Hi Ms. Gretchen. Your article made me less anxious about traveling alone. I’ll be leaving for HCMC next month for a six day visit. I want to visit Siem Reap as well but the problem is i booked a roundtrip ticket so i would still be exiting from Vietnam. Is it advisable to book the Cambodia tour online? And also I dont know how many days to book for the hotel, again because of the siem reap tour. This is just my second time to travel outside PH and 1st time to travel alone and i’m worried about our immigration officers denying me entry. During my last trip they asked for a copy of the hotel booking. Any advice? Thank you! 🙂
February 8, 2015 @ 4:53 pm
Hi, Shei! Don’t worry about it. Sinh Tourist offers round trip packages (Ho Chi Minh-Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh). You can easily book it when you get to Vietnam. I think it comes out cheaper, too. I heard if you book online, it’s more expensive. The travel agency will also take care of processing everything when you cross the border, so no need to be scared. 🙂 If they ask for a copy of your hotel booking, just always make sure you have a printed copy (make it two copies) as proof together with your passport and other important documents. We had two copies of everything just to be sure. 🙂 Hope that helps!
February 9, 2015 @ 2:47 pm
Thank you so much! That was helpful. But, will they question me if i only booked for 1 or 2 days pero 6days yung stay ko? That’s what i’m worried about. Plan ko kasi on my 2nd day to travel to siem reap. Then find a cheaper hotel when i get back to vietnam nalang. would that be a problem? Sorry for asking too many questions.
February 11, 2015 @ 1:27 pm
No, they won’t. You can just show your ticket na you have a return flight home. 🙂 If you want a more detailed itinerary, you can check out my other two articles here: https://gretasjunkyard.com/12-things-to-do-in-siem-reap-cambodia/ and https://gretasjunkyard.com/11-things-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh-vietnam/
February 19, 2015 @ 7:46 pm
Hi! Is it better to booked ho chi minh-cambodia rather than hanoi-cambodia?
February 20, 2015 @ 9:16 am
Hi, Mark! I’ve never been to Hanoi so I can’t really say. But I think Sinh Tourist also offers packages from Hanoi to Cambodia. 🙂
February 23, 2015 @ 10:01 am
Hi, Ms. Gretchen! First off, let me join the chorus of profuse thanks people have been pouring onto this post. It is inspiring in its simplicity; reading it really makes travel feel not just possible but a necessity (for 20,000 why am I NOT doing this?!)
Second, I am so happy to see how you’ve been replying to the countless comments here. The comments thread have also been quite helpful to me.
Now, may I also post some questions?
I’m scheduled to backpack with a friend from april 14 to 24, but I’m going the opposite route of Bangkok-Cambodia-Vietnam. I’m just a little afraid now since no one seems to have mentioned any similar itinerary with ours, only the other way around! Am I missing something here, anything I haven’t caught on about having to start from Vietnam onward to Bangkok? (Sorry if it’s silly. But I’m getting paranoid).
Also, would you know if Sinh Tours would have a base of operations from Bangkok? Or at least from Siem Reap? I like what you did, of not arriving at HCM with a fixed itinerary but finalizing everything only there at the agency in HCM. I hope to do that as well at least for the Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh leg of the trip (we fly out from HCM to MNL april 24).
Again, my heartfelt thanks for this post (and for reading this comment through). God bless!
February 23, 2015 @ 12:28 pm
Hi, Albert! Awwww. Thank you so much for that! 🙂
Anyway, we met a guy who did the same thing but I think he started with Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh-Cambodia-Laos-Bangkok. I remember seeing the packages of Sinh Tourist also, and they offered various packages from different ways. I’m sure they have one that’s the other way around (Bangkok-Cambodia-Vietnam). Yes, they do have a base in Siem Reap (it was right across our hotel) and also in Bangkok. 🙂
Hope I was able to help you, and feel free to comment should you have any more questions!
February 23, 2015 @ 3:58 pm
A reply within hours! Your dedication to helping out fellow travelers is just amazing. 🙂
I will probably be asking a few more questions in the coming weeks leading up to my trip. But for now, a huge thank you for your reply. God bless!
February 23, 2015 @ 4:13 pm
Awww. Thank you again, and you’re very welcome! 🙂
February 28, 2015 @ 11:53 pm
hi
March 7, 2015 @ 1:39 pm
I’d been reading this article for a week now and very informative to, we’re planning for a tricity trip this coming May (Vietnam-Cambodia-thailand) wat would be the best way para malibot namin ung tatlo? Ho Chi Minh – Bangkok – Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap – Bangkok?me promo fare ung Cebu pac till March 8 papuntang Ho chi minh, halos 2500+ lang one way ticket at gusto ko ng igrab, so I’ m thinking kung anung way pabalik ang ibobook q?from bangkok or from Siem Reap? At kung mas mura bang magpabook kami ng package sa Sinh Tourist habang nandito pa kami sa Pinas or Pagdating na lang namin dun sa Vietnam?
March 7, 2015 @ 4:52 pm
Hi, Cas! Better to do it Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand. So maybe book a one way trip from Manila to Ho Chi Minh then from Bangkok to Manila. 🙂 And I suggest booking your package with Sinh Tourist in Vietnam na. 🙂
March 22, 2015 @ 12:29 am
Mahal po ba magcab? No Im not alone, Im w/ my friend but where both first timers So mas better po ba na we do the same na lang at magbook sa hotel na pinagstayan nio and avail their airport transfer as well?or try it on our own na magcab and stay on a cheaper hotel?wala po bang night bus ride paCambodia? Sayang po kasi ung day kung macoconsume lang ng 14hrs bus ride.
March 22, 2015 @ 5:18 pm
I think it’s still cheaper to take a cab than book an airport transfer. If you’re on a tight budget, I suggest to just book a cheaper hotel and ride a cab going there. 🙂 District 1 is small, so a cab ride from the airport to the hotel will probably just take 30 minutes. And based on experience, I didn’t see any night bus rides to Cambodia. If there is, it’s probably more expensive. We really sacrificed one day to go to Cambodia via bus, but the experience was one to remember.
March 29, 2015 @ 11:02 am
We found a cheaper hotel in Pham Ngu Lao, still in District 1, sabi its 4km away from city center, yung pinagstayan nio po is 0.7km, do you think it will be much costly kahit na mas mura ung hotel na un eh baka magbyahe din kami para makarating sa Ben Thanh para makapagbook ng tours or kaya naman pong lakarin mga streets dun? Sayang walang night ride pero its ok, iaayos na lang po namin ung itinerary namin para magkasya ung days. Thanks again!
March 30, 2015 @ 9:25 am
Hey, Cass! Oh, I’m not sure lang. Even though ours was 0.7km away from the city center, I remember walking 10-15 minutes all the time just to get to De Tham Street.
March 7, 2015 @ 6:27 pm
Hi Ms. Gretchen, I’d been reading some blog these days and I saw one of your blog. How long does it take from vietnam to cambodia?do you suggest if I book the tours in a travel agency in vietnam? or can we do it on our own? your advice and tips would be really helpful 🙂 thanks a lot!
March 8, 2015 @ 8:20 pm
Hi, Jona! Via bus, it takes about 12-14 hours. I suggest booking yours tours through a travel agency when you get to Vietnam. 🙂
March 14, 2015 @ 5:48 pm
Thanks! Yun nga po ginawa namin..one way to Ho chi minh tapos the other way from Bangkok.. 6700+ ang airfare na nakuha namin pero ok na rin..thanks sa seat sale ng CebuPac hehe any idea how much ang inooffer na tour ng Sinh Tourist pag Cambodia and Thailand? And san magandang magpapalit ng Dong para sa pantour namin sa Vietnam?
March 14, 2015 @ 10:16 pm
Hi, Cass! Not sure how much the package of Sinh Tourist is from Cambodia to Thailand. Maybe it’s around the same price? 🙂 And we would exchange our US Dollars to Dong in their banks, just because the rates were fair enough. But when you do, make sure to bring your passport because they need it for verification. 🙂
March 21, 2015 @ 3:14 pm
Thanks! Another question, how do you book the air transfer from airport to your hotel? Sa agoda din po ba? 12Midnight din po kase dating namin sa Ho Chi Minh kaya nagaalangan kaming magtaxi,and mahigpit po ba yung dalawang countries sa pananamit lalo na sa mga temples na pupuntahan? I mean dapat pants not shorts or something like that.
March 21, 2015 @ 7:00 pm
Oh, we arrived late also! Like 12 midnight rin. 🙂 We booked our hotel via Agoda, but the air transfer, we contacted the hotel straight mismo since we had their e-mail address. And if you want to go up the highest tower of Angkor Wat, you have to be in dress code. 🙂 So bawal shorts, sleeveless tops, etc. 🙂
March 21, 2015 @ 10:11 pm
Naku, madami po kasing ibang mura lang na hotel kesa dun sa pinagstayan niyo kaso ang prob po eh yung transfer papunta dun from airport, safe po ba magtaxi ng ganung time?ok noted po, dress code
March 21, 2015 @ 10:43 pm
Yeah, that’s true. There are so many other cheaper hotels, but most don’t offer airport transfer I think. 🙁 If you’re gonna ride a cab, just make sure you’re with a group and not alone. I think it’s safe naman as long as it’s a known cab line like Vinasun.
March 12, 2015 @ 5:13 am
Hi Gretchen. Tanong lang. Anong site po pwede makakuha ng mga packages ?
March 12, 2015 @ 10:30 am
Hi, Paul! I recommend booking the packages when you get to Vietnam, as it comes out cheaper. 🙂
March 12, 2015 @ 6:50 am
Hi, i would like to ask about the baggage allowance. Manila to vietnam and cambodia to manila. Thank you !!!
March 12, 2015 @ 10:31 am
Hi, Angelie! It depends on how much baggage allowance you decide to get. Of course, the higher the baggage allowance, the more expensive it is. We just got the usual which was 20 or 25 kilos, I think. 🙂
March 13, 2015 @ 1:04 am
Hi Ms Gretchen,
Thanks for this, we’re planning to go to vietnam next year
March 13, 2015 @ 9:27 am
Have fun!!! 🙂
March 13, 2015 @ 1:22 am
This article is very informative and very timing since me and my friends are planning to visit Siem Reap (only) this June 2015 with budget of 20K each, but based on your blog, God, we can even travel to Vietnam! Thank you very much Ms. Gretchen. From now on, I’ll be checking your blogs from time to time especially on tips on travelling. We love travelling too!
Now, I’m here in Mombasa, Kenya. Will look for best place to see aside from the Safaris! 🙂
March 13, 2015 @ 9:27 am
Oh, wow! Enjoy your trip! 🙂 You’re very welcome! Wow, Kenya must be sooo exciting!
March 13, 2015 @ 3:34 pm
Hi, did you book the cu chi tour on the same day of the tour? thanks!
March 14, 2015 @ 10:11 pm
Hi, Cee! 🙂 No, we booked it the night before.
March 14, 2015 @ 3:30 am
Hi Gretchen,
This is fantastic and just the right article I was looking for!
By the way, if we are only choosing to go to one country (Vietnam or Cambodia), which one would you recommend?
I’m traveling with my girlfriend and I’m not sure we have that much time to go to both. 🙁
March 14, 2015 @ 10:12 pm
Hi, Carlo! 🙂 Thank you so much! I would recommend Cambodia more, just because I enjoyed the temples, culture, and history. The people were very, very warm and friendly, too.
March 14, 2015 @ 1:26 pm
Hi Greta,
would you recommend for me to take ride an aiplane rather than take a bus from siem reap to ho chi minh? I’m just not sure if I have enough time to tour those 2 countries. I will leave at thursday night from MNL -Siem reap and will get back to MNL from Ho chi minh at 1:30 am Tuesday.please adviSe. Thank you.
March 14, 2015 @ 10:14 pm
Hi, Mimah! If you’re pressed for time, I suggest to just take a plane instead. You’ll get to Cambodia in an hour. 🙂 But this will definitely cost more as compared to riding a bus.
March 16, 2015 @ 8:45 am
Hi. First of all I want to thank you for posting your Trip to Vietnam-Cambodia in such a budgeted amount. It really gives inspiration to some of us to travel abroad to really enjoy other countries cultures and people. To give us a breather from the Hoola-Baloogas that is happening in our country.
With your post, it made me really want to go to Vietnam-Cambodia. Your such an inspiration, for a budgeted traveler (A smart one indeed!)
Just a question: Does your every tour required/Optional to give a tip/gratuities to the Tour guide? if so how much?
Please do post some more of your travels.
Thank you and God Bless you for more Safe and Adventurous travel to come.
March 16, 2015 @ 6:18 pm
Hi, Jervis! Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙂 No, our tours didn’t require it but we gave anyway. I’m not sure how much we gave but around a dollar or two I think? 🙂
You’re very welcome! Yes, I plan to visit Osaka soon and will definitely write about that!
March 24, 2015 @ 11:03 am
Hi, thanks for this very informative blog. Would like to ask kung anong meals ang included sa Cambodia package niyo? The only ones I took note were lunch at Phnom Penh, your first night dinner and your Eat-all-you-can dinner and Aspara show at Angkor Mondial Resto. How about the breakfast and lunch for 2 days (2nd and 3rd day)? Are they not included in the package? Also yung entrance fees for the temples were not yet included din sa package? Thank you so much 🙂
March 24, 2015 @ 4:23 pm
Hi, Ana. Breakfast was included in the package as well, and we had an option of free lunch, which we availed once. The other time, we decided to eat in Pub Street. 🙂 And entrance fees for the temples were not included in the tour package. It was paid separately. 🙂
March 25, 2015 @ 4:50 pm
Hi Ms. Greta,
The first time I read this entry was last November pa with very few comments pa. and now it’s hundreds! and you’ve been generously answering each.. 🙂 very useful and informative.. 🙂 Naka bookmark talaga ang page mo ma’am cause i’ll be needing this though end of the year pa ang plan… 🙂 thanks, and more thanks..
March 26, 2015 @ 9:26 am
Awww. Thank you so much, Clarisse! Enjoy your trip! 🙂
April 3, 2015 @ 3:01 pm
this article made me book my flight to Vietnam & Cambodia.. 🙂 hindi na ako nag dalawang isip.. i will be celebrating my birthday in Vietnam..yahoooo. 🙂 thanks for this.. anlaking tulong nito sa mga budget travelers..
April 3, 2015 @ 8:18 pm
Oh wow! 🙂 That’s so exciting! Have fun!
April 4, 2015 @ 5:59 am
thanks 🙂
April 5, 2015 @ 8:39 pm
Oh, thank you for this very helpful post! 🙂 I am planning the same route.
April 5, 2015 @ 8:45 pm
You’re very welcome, and have fun! 🙂
April 6, 2015 @ 8:11 am
Hi Ms. Gretchen,
Thanks for making an article regarding this trip! It’s a great help for all who wants to travel with a tight budget. I just want to ask why didn’t you visit the Halong Bay in Vietnam. Is is too far from Mekong river and cu chi tunnels? And is it recommended to stay in Ho Chi Minh or in Hanoi? Thank you for answering our queries! 🙂
April 6, 2015 @ 9:25 am
Hi, Lester! I think it’s a little far already from District 1 where we stayed, and we were pressed for time. Also, it depends. I’ve never been to Hanoi but I heard it shows more of the authentic Vietnamese culture. I had a friend who visited Hanoi and he said it was very rich in culture, but there’s nothing much you can do as compared to Ho Chi Minh. So it depends on what you feel like doing—if you really want to get to know Vietnamese culture, I guess better to stay in Hanoi.
April 6, 2015 @ 10:30 am
Woah! Thanks for the quick reply. Looking forward to your future trips! 🙂
April 6, 2015 @ 7:16 pm
You’re very welcome, Lester! 🙂
April 7, 2015 @ 6:13 pm
Hello Gretchen. Just passed by your blog because we’re planning for a Cambodia-Vietnam trip this November. May I ask, we’ll be needing visa in Cambodia? Where can we get it? Sorry for the question, did not read all the comments -:)
April 7, 2015 @ 7:45 pm
Hi, Nanzy! Cambodia issues their Visa upon entry, and this will be handled/processed by your travel agency. Just be prepared with your passport. 🙂 That’s all you need.
April 11, 2015 @ 12:13 am
Hi Gretchen! Ask ko lang if possible we’ll leave for Manila in the evening of Day 5? Thanks!
April 12, 2015 @ 2:45 pm
Hi, Anya! Yes, I think it’s possible. You just need to adjust your schedule and maybe have less time for shopping?
May 6, 2015 @ 9:18 pm
Hi! We’re planning on the same trip so thank you so much for this very helpful post! However, I could not find the Cambodia package that you availed from Sinh tourist. Can you help me find this same tour on their website?
May 8, 2015 @ 7:15 am
Hi, Claum! I’m not sure if their website is updated. But we literally just walked in their shop in Ho Chi Minh two days before leaving for Cambodia. 🙂
May 9, 2015 @ 9:49 am
We booked our tickets Manila-Ho Chi Minh-Manila. July 17-22. Can we just visit Siem Reap for a day just for the Ankor Wat? We are planning to visit Siem Reap upon arrival to Vietnam. The reason why we did not book a flight like yours is that the airfare from Cambodia is quite expensive. That is why we booked MNL-Viet-MNL. We are planning to cross Cambodia then back to Vietnam for the rest of the days. Can I ask for a better siggestion?
May 9, 2015 @ 5:00 pm
Hi, Kenneth! The agency we got offers a 3D2N stay in Cambodia inclusive of a round trip (Ho Chi Minh-Siem Reap and Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh). Crossing from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap (and back) takes about 12 to 14 hours, so it will consume two whole days of your schedule since you plan to head back to Siem Reap. Assuming you leave for Cambodia on the 17th, you’ll be there until the 20th. Then you just have the 21st and 22nd to go around Ho Chi Minh, if I’m not mistaken. Not sure if the agency offers a shorter trip, like a 2D stay in Cambodia. Best case scenario is to take a plane from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap and back. Hope I was able to help.
May 17, 2015 @ 12:07 am
My Girlfriend and I booked our flights to Vietnam and Cambodia because of your blog, we just want to know the amenities of the bus ride from vietnam to cambodia, like does it have a charging port for gadgets, how was your land trip? how about wifi connections in the hotels that you stayed in? Thanks!!!
May 18, 2015 @ 5:08 pm
Hi, Marc! Wow, have fun! 🙂 Unfortunately, it’s just a regular bus. No WiFi, charging port, or toilet. Hehe. It was a really long trip, so we just slept most of the time. The hotels we stayed in had WiFi. 🙂
May 19, 2015 @ 7:49 pm
Hi Grethen! plan ko po this July 2015 is Vietnam-Cambodia-Bangkok-Malaysia-Singapore, 3 days kada country. Air Ticket ko po MANILA-HO CHI MINH CITY..tpos pabalik na ticket ko po SINGAPORE-MANILA na. ok lng po ba sa immigration officer ko un ticket ko MLN-HCMC tpos pbalik SIN-MNL? marami po ba sila itatanong bakit ang layo ng ticket ko…salamat po in advance!
May 19, 2015 @ 10:13 pm
Hi, Gen! Yeah, that’s fine. I don’t think they’ll question you much. Just make sure to be ready to present your tickets for proof. 🙂
August 27, 2015 @ 12:47 am
Quite curious if you were bombarded with questions by your IO. I’ll be doing the same, and I have recently resigned so… haha
August 29, 2015 @ 1:29 pm
Sorry, what do you mean by IO? 🙂
May 20, 2015 @ 10:54 am
Hi Ms. Gretchen,
Hello!
Where did you booked your Mekong River Tour? Was it with TheSinhTourist?
Thank you in advance!!!
May 20, 2015 @ 3:55 pm
Hi, Mimah! Yes, it was also with Sinh Tourist. 🙂
May 28, 2015 @ 9:12 am
Hi Ms. Greta,
Just wanted to ask about your trip in Vietnam-Cambodia. I understand you booked your tour with http://sinhtourist.vn. for the Cambodia part of your trip. Were there any hidden charges that they imposed? Like “tip” that will be given after the tour or was the quoted price given also the one you paid and any tip was voluntary on the part of clients/tourists? I asked for a quotation from the said travel agency and they actually responded promptly (got a response from a Mr. Lee). My problem is, my companion in this trip seems to doubt the authenticity of the said travel agency and says that they might charge as additional fees like some sort of “tip”. Appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you.
May 28, 2015 @ 5:00 pm
Hi, Nef! We didn’t encounter any problems or hidden charges at all. 🙂 I would have written that down and warned my readers if we did. And I’m going to have to argue with your friend regarding the travel agency’s authenticity, because it’s actually one of the biggest and most popular (if not the biggest and most popular) travel agency in Vietnam/Cambodia. I hope that helps you guys in planning your trip!
May 30, 2015 @ 4:45 am
Hello Ms. Greta!
Just wanted you to know that your post has been one of my most favorite Vietnam-Cambodia blogs! It actually inspired me to go and book the flight in the last Cebu Pacific sale (though not as low as your very lucky booking!).
Hoping for a smooth trip this November. We are a group of at least 4, and I am positive that we can spend even less once we divide the shared costs. Para mas madaming pang-shopping! 🙂
Again, thank you so much for this entry. You gave us all the positivity and courage to move out of our comfort zones – to realize that the world is a much bigger playground to experience and explore.
Praying for your safe trips in the future. Keep blogging! Keep inspiring!
Love,
Mira V. ♥
May 30, 2015 @ 5:05 pm
Hi, Mira! Awww. Thank you so much for the sweet message! 🙂 How exciting for you and your friends! Hope you have a safe and incredibly fun trip! 🙂 I’m sure you’ll experience so much just like we did.
June 16, 2015 @ 6:29 pm
hi Gretchen, thanks for this blog. regarding your trip to mekong river, is it really a whole day tour? how far is this from cai be floating market? or can we explore cu chi in the morning and after lunch in mekong river or vice versa? thanks in advance 🙂
karyl 🙂
June 17, 2015 @ 4:54 pm
Hi, Karyl! Mekong River Tour really takes all day, because the trip going there is long. I’m not sure how far it is from the Floating Market. Cu Chi Tunnels takes half a day, so I don’t think you can do both Mekong and Cu Chi in one day. 🙂
July 8, 2015 @ 3:03 pm
Hello… your article is so helpful para sa mga malilikot ang paa. hahhaahha. thanks a bunch. 🙂
July 9, 2015 @ 9:14 am
Hahaha! Glad to hear that! 🙂 You’re welcome!
July 15, 2015 @ 3:58 pm
Hi gretchen! Thank you for sharing your itinerary and budget, very helpful. Just wondering if you also had to pay tax in Cambodia airport. Or terminalfee when you returned to Manila..?
July 15, 2015 @ 4:24 pm
Hey, Lia! You’re welcome! 🙂 I don’t remember paying any terminal fee anymore in Cambodia. I think it was covered by the agency already. 🙂 No terminal fee when we returned to Manila either.
July 19, 2015 @ 4:40 pm
Hi! Thank you for posting this 🙂 Very, very helpful 🙂 I appreciate it.
Just wondering if your flight was one way MNL-Vietnam and then one way Cambodia-MNL? I think it’s quite difficult to get a flight from Cambodia 🙂
Thank you!
July 19, 2015 @ 7:07 pm
Hi, Lianne! You’re welcome! 🙂 Yup. It was a one way flight to Vietnam and a one way flight to Cambodia. We actually didn’t encounter any problems booking out flight from Cambodia to Manila.
July 19, 2015 @ 10:35 pm
Hi, I’m planning to book a flight with my wife for Manila to Cambodia to Vietnam then back to Manila.. But we will not avail service of tour agency here in Manila for our iterinary in Cambo & Vietnam. Is it easy to find local travel tour in Cambodia for tour sites? Then travel going to Vietnam? How about in Vietnam, I believe hotel staff can help us book day tours there? Pls advice. Tha k you again
July 20, 2015 @ 9:41 am
Hi, Eli. You can read my other articles (Things to Do in Vietnam, and Things to Do in Cambodia). I believe those will answer your questions. 🙂 The Sinh Tourist has branches both in Cambodia and Vietnam, so I highly recommend them. If you want the hotel staff to help you instead, it’s also possible. But they get a cut from the tour agency, so you might be paying more than we did.
July 21, 2015 @ 2:50 pm
thanks so much sa overflowing informations, I’m planning to travel by October or December, hopefully I can make it alone as a backpacker.
July 22, 2015 @ 9:44 am
You’re welcome, and good luck! 🙂
July 22, 2015 @ 11:04 am
Hi,
Is there a visa for filipinos? 1$? I thought we dont need that since its open for ph passport holder thanks!
July 22, 2015 @ 11:19 am
Hi, Mariann! No need for visa. The $1 was more of a processing fee for our travel agent.
July 25, 2015 @ 11:47 pm
Hi im planning my trip for Ho chi minh- Cambodia-Bangkok this coming Oct.
my outbound flight is from CEB-SGN and my return flight. is it true that in order for me to get from Saigon to Cambodia to Bangkok is buy bus? yung budget koh kasi is aroud 30k for 6 days.
July 27, 2015 @ 9:26 am
If your budget is 30k, yes best transportation is via bus because it’s the cheapest. We were there for 6 days also. Spent 3 days in Ho Chi Minh, 1 day in the bus going to Siem Reap, and 2 days in Siem Reap. 🙂
July 25, 2015 @ 11:49 pm
my retun flight koh pala is from Bangkok to Cebu din
August 14, 2015 @ 9:29 pm
Hi Greta thank you so much for sharing this trip, its very interesting and helpful sa mga future travellers to Indochina. =D My husband and will be be visitng Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap on Nov 23-28, 2015 via Cebu Pac and we decided to copy some part of this itinerary.
Anyway i have couple of questions, hope you can help me. Thank you in advance!
1. upon checking the site of sinhtourist, nakita ko un mga tours na na purchase nyo. do you think mas makakamura kami if we book directly sa site nila using our credit card? Natatakot kasi ako na baka hindi kami maacomodate if on the same day kami mg book for chu chi tunnel/half day city tour, pede ko na rin cguro sabay bayaran un ibang tour na kunin namin.
2. i was told na mura daw dun northface bags sa ho chi minh. san namin pede makita un? sa ben tham market ba?
3. on siem reap, we would like to stay on royal crown hotel and spa (St. 7 Makara, Old Market, Siem Reap Central Area) . after angkor wat we want to go to Angkor Night Market, then sa last day namin Old Market and/or Central Market. Do you think from that hotel walking distance lang un mga market or do we have to ride a tuk tuk/cab?
August 20, 2015 @ 7:28 pm
Hi, Mitch! So sorry for the late reply. I was out of the country these past few days. Anyway, you’re very welcome! And to answer your questions:
1. Better to book there na. We booked our tours on the day itself, and the agency was still able to accommodate us. I’m sure it’ll be easy for you, too.
2. Yup! We got to buy them in Saigon Square. 🙂
3. Oh, I’m not familiar with the hotel. But from our hotel to the market, it was a 15-minute ride. 🙂 If your hotel is in the same area, I suggest taking a tuk tuk instead.
August 16, 2015 @ 3:11 pm
Good day ms. Gretchen it is possible po ba na makapunta kame ng Cambodia 3days 3night thank po 🙂
August 20, 2015 @ 7:21 pm
Hi, Cherry! Yeah, that’s super possible. You can do a lot of things in Cambodia in 3 days. Apart from visiting the temples, that’s more than enough time to visit Pub Street, get a really cheap massage, food trip, and explore the area. 🙂
August 19, 2015 @ 5:03 pm
Yay! Thanks for this! I believe this is a perfect gift for my parents who will be celebrating their anniversary! no second-thoughts about this one, very comprehensive and helpful! 🙂
August 20, 2015 @ 7:20 pm
Awww. You’re welcome! 🙂 That’s a really sweet gift.
August 24, 2015 @ 2:18 pm
Hi Ms. Gretchen,
August 24, 2015 @ 3:30 pm
Is this the Sinh Cafe you went for, http://sinhcafe.com/english_pro/south/Mekong%20Delta%20Tours.htm? Price seems to be so expensive. I might be wrong though.
August 24, 2015 @ 3:54 pm
Hi, Clarence! I think this is a different website. I’m not sure if their current website is updated, but best to book there na lang. That’s what we did. 🙂
August 24, 2015 @ 3:57 pm
Thanks. I was just shocked with the price. Anyway, I’ll just bring extra money in case the price already increased.
One more question though, where did you had your USD changed to Dong? Or do they accept USD’s in HCM?
August 24, 2015 @ 3:59 pm
We had it exchanged in banks, but bring your passport because they ask for your passport. 🙂
August 26, 2015 @ 3:09 pm
I’m really sorry to bug you. Is the travel agency you went to on De Tham street is Sinh Tourist? I can point which of those Sinhs are legit, they’re too many. Heard a lot of bad reviews though. Just to make sure that we are pointing on the same agency, is this the one with blue signage in front of the office? A contact number or email address would help.
August 26, 2015 @ 10:07 pm
Hi, Clarence! No worries! Yes, that’s the one! I think there are a lot of other “Sinh” Tourists that aren’t legit but the Sinh Tourist we went to looks like a bank/airport with a blue signage. Wasn’t able to get their contact details, unfortunately.
September 13, 2015 @ 8:22 pm
Hi, Gretchen. Just a follow up question on this. I can’t seem to find a bank in google maps near our location and I see a lot of ATMs only. In this regard, may I know exactly where were you able to have your money changed? I mean the exact bank and where, if you can remember. Thanks!
September 14, 2015 @ 11:05 pm
We’d have our money exchanged in DongA Bank. I remember there was one near De Tham Street. 🙂
August 28, 2015 @ 8:14 pm
Thanks. Great help. This was the picture of my reference, https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=Sinh+Tourist&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=963&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI6qD0oeDLxwIVFXKOCh1OYwPL&dpr=1#imgrc=nqNiTV6vQ3LgMM%3A
August 29, 2015 @ 1:29 pm
Yes! That’s the one! 🙂
September 1, 2015 @ 10:49 am
Hi Greta,
Is this itinerary still applicable as of today? (maybe some changes due to vietnam-cambodia rules or something).
Also, how about the expenses? any idea on the changes?
Thanks!
September 1, 2015 @ 11:19 am
Hi, Kevin! More or less, I think it’s still applicable. Including the expenses.
September 1, 2015 @ 11:25 am
do you have other recommendations on your previous itinerary? (if you can do more) 🙂
our days of stay on the 2 country is like the same in yours.
September 2, 2015 @ 9:33 am
Hi, Kevin! 🙂 You can also check out my two other articles: https://gretasjunkyard.com/11-things-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh-vietnam/ and https://gretasjunkyard.com/12-things-to-do-in-siem-reap-cambodia/
September 1, 2015 @ 9:25 pm
Is it possible to travel by land from Cambodia to Chiang Mai? Im planning to have my birthday trip this December. Planning to spend two nights in Ho Chi Minh then overnight or 2n 3d Cambodia and last leg would be in Chiang Mai dor two days. Enough na kaya yun?
September 2, 2015 @ 9:31 am
Hi! Sorry, I’m not so familiar with Chiang Mai because we didn’t go there. Best to ask your travel agency na lang. 🙂
September 3, 2015 @ 6:10 pm
What did you use to travel around HCM? I mean from your hotel to Ben Thanh Market, etc.
September 3, 2015 @ 7:01 pm
We would walk from our hotel. 🙂 If it was too far (like Saigon Square), we rode a cab.
September 3, 2015 @ 7:42 pm
Hi Gretchen,
This article is really helpful! I’m going backpacking around Vietnam next week and I’ve read a lot about offloading especially for first time solo travelers. I was wondering if you could give me any tips when I go through PH and VT Immigration?
Thanks a lot!
September 4, 2015 @ 10:09 am
Hi, Jing! They’re not so strict naman. Just make sure you have your itinerary, return ticket, and proof of accommodation just in case they ask for it. 🙂
September 8, 2015 @ 11:53 am
Hi Ms. Gretchen!
I got inspired reading your blog and decided to have a 7 day Vietnam-Cambodia tour for me and my mom. I copied your itinerary but opted to do a DIY trip to Cambodia because we would like to spend 1 night in Phnom Penh. I tried to book online via Sinh Tourist website but the travel agent quoted more or less 9 million dong per person (that’s way too expensive). I am hesistant to book for hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap because we are not familiar with the place and we might get lost. Based on your experience, do you think it’s safe to do a DIY trip to Cambodia or is it more convenient to book a tour with a trusted travel agency?
I was amazed with the temples of Angkor. I would really want to go there. Are the temples situated close to one another? Could we just walk around or should we book a tuk-tuk for the whole day?
For the Chu Chi Tunnels and Mekong River tour, do you think the travel agency can still accommodate us even if we book on the same day?
I checked Blue River 2 Hotel via agoda, and I have read negative feedbacks. The hotel is located in an old and unsafe compound and is difficult to locate. Is this true? (I’m afraid we might get lost)
Lastly, is it safe to shop at the Ben Tham Night Market even if it’s late in the evening? (Our plan is just to walk from hotel to the market since it’s just few blocks away)
Thank you for sharing your itinerary and I am hoping that you could answer my questions. God bless! 🙂
September 10, 2015 @ 11:31 am
Hi, Rica!
I think better to book there na instead of online, so it comes out cheaper. We booked our tours through a travel agency, and they made things a lot more convenient. It saves you time also, and you’re able to do more things in a day.
We also booked a tour of the temples, so we got to visit 3 in just a day. You’ll need to ride a tuk-tuk if you wanna temple hop. In our case, we had a private van who took us from one temple to the other.
Location-wise, it’s situated in a compound but I don’t think it’s unsafe. There’s a blue neon sign that says Blue River Hotel 2 so I don’t think it’s hard to find.
Yes, I think it’s safe naman. Just be sure to put your bag in front of you, similar to how you would go shopping in Greenhills Tiangge or 168.
Hope I got to answer your questions clearly! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!
September 17, 2015 @ 6:14 pm
Hi. Can we know how many hours the aspara show
September 17, 2015 @ 9:19 pm
I think the show was just an hour. 🙂 But the buffet dinner itself, we took our time.
September 19, 2015 @ 5:29 pm
hi, im planning to go on Vietnam-Cambodia and Bangkok this Oct. 16-22 departing from cebu and stop over to Singapore (cause im meeting my friends there) and i was wondering kung kasya lang ang 20k. i already booked a backpacker hostels kasi mas mura, anyway should i bring USD when im travelling or sa Vietnam nlng ako magpapa exchange?
gusto ko din malaman kung mkaka mura ba ako kung Peso nalang ang e papa exchange koh sa Bangkok kasi i notice that 1 USD is only 35 BAHT lang vs 1 USD is 47 PHP.
My trip would leave on 5pm Oct 16 from CEB and stop over in Singapore and i will arrived in Vietnam on Oct 17 early morning im planning on staying for one night and depart from Saigon to Siem Reap the next morning and stay for 2 nights and go to Bangkok the next morning and stay for 2 nights again and from there going back to Cebu.
So ang question koh eh kasya lang ba ang number og days para sa 3 Countries? kasi limitado lang kasi time koh dahil sa work.
may bus ba direct to Siem Reap? or kailangan dumaan pa sa Phnom Penh?
thank you.. so excited for my solo trip. 🙂
September 21, 2015 @ 11:01 pm
Hi! Sorry for the late reply. I’m not sure if the 20k will fit, because we only went to Vietnam and Cambodia. But if you’re backpacking, not staying in a pricey hotel, and you’re not gonna go shopping, I guess it’s possible.
We brought USD instead, because it was the better option for us. Ultimately, it’s up to you where you think you’ll get the most out of your peso/dollar. That time we went kasi, dollar rate was at 43 or 44?
Honestly, 6 days for three countries seems really tight. You have to really plot out your schedule and make sure everything is going according to your plan/itinerary. In our 6 days, we only visited Vietnam and Cambodia so we had more time to appreciate and take in the culture of each country. It might be harder for you given your tight schedule.
I think the bus really has to pass Phnom Penh to get to Siem Reap. 🙂
Good luck with your trip!
September 30, 2015 @ 3:40 pm
hello, ano po ba ang magandan unahin cambodia o vietnam? probably travel would be on feb 19-25. thank you.
September 30, 2015 @ 7:12 pm
Hi, Cindy! Personally, I enjoy the Vietnam-Cambodia way because Vietnam was a little more hustle-and-bustle while Cambodia was more peaceful and relaxing. 🙂
October 2, 2015 @ 7:33 pm
Hi!
I’ve booked a Vietnam-Cambodia trip this coming November 8-12. Given that 2D1N for each, and 1 day for the bus travel. My flight from Manila leaves at around 10 PM (Nov 7) and would arrive at Vietnam 12:20 AM (Nov 8) and I am planning to spend the night at the airport then go to the hotel when the sun is up. Do you think Delta Tours would accommodate tours to Cu Chi Tunnels at later time than 8 AM? I’ve read in your blog that you got to go at 12:30 PM but their site only shows departure for the 8 AM tour.
Also, would you happen to know if Singh Tours have just bus tours from HCM to SRP? I’m doing this tour on a tight budget, just to see how far my 15k would go. 🙂
Thank you so much!
October 5, 2015 @ 6:17 pm
Hi, Rom! There’s a morning tour but we took the afternoon one and it was booked through our hotel. 🙂
And not sure, but best to ask when you get there! A 15k budget is super doable. 🙂
October 8, 2015 @ 12:54 pm
How about your transportation allowance?
October 13, 2015 @ 8:07 am
Thank you for this. It really helps. I am a Muslim Filipino and want to visit in Southeast Asia countries such this, but I am not sure for the safety. Are Muslims safe in visiting Vietnam and Cambodia?
October 17, 2015 @ 12:16 am
Hi, Han! You’re welcome! I’m sure it’s safe as there were Muslims in both countries. 🙂
October 21, 2015 @ 4:02 am
I am planning a trip with 4 other friends.. How many people can a room accomodate. I understand you went from Manila to Vietnam.. then took a tour trip to Cambodia.. Where did you fly out back to Manila was it Vietnam or Cambodia..
October 21, 2015 @ 11:38 pm
Hi, Gloria! I think there are rooms that can accommodate 4 people and for sure it’ll come out cheaper for each one. We flew back to Manila from Cambodia. So we bought a one way ticket to Vietnam and a one way ticket from Cambodia. 🙂
October 27, 2015 @ 11:42 am
hi, can you give me the wesite of delta tours? im planning to avail the half day tour of cu chi tunnels just like what you did. thank you.
October 28, 2015 @ 10:29 am
Hi, Nechelle! Sorry, I can’t provide the link as we were just walk-ins and they didn’t give us a flyer. 🙁
October 30, 2015 @ 9:53 am
Thanks for the information can you share the name of the hotel you stayed and how many days did you stay in and how did you find the hotel..
November 1, 2015 @ 10:32 pm
Name of the hotel is Blue River II. We stayed there for three nights and four days.
November 7, 2015 @ 3:11 pm
Can you remember how much per night..
November 9, 2015 @ 6:27 pm
Hi, Gloria. I indicated it at the end of the article. 🙂
December 9, 2015 @ 2:32 pm
Hello Greta! Great article! Will be vietnam-cambodia this Feb because I was super inspired by your article, i immediately booked a flight going to Viet-Cam. Lol Question: did you book the airport transfer in Agoda too? Thanks!
December 10, 2015 @ 12:06 pm
We booked the airport transfer through our hotel. 🙂 I just e-mailed them. Have fun!
Jema Goes to South East Asia: Backpacking with a Maleta | cheapycheapy
January 4, 2016 @ 7:44 pm
[…] travel hacks, etc., I’ve read them. One day I stumbled upon a blog entry by a fellow Filipino who traveled to Cambodia and Vietnam with just 20,000php ($425) budget. 20,000php and I can go to […]
January 12, 2016 @ 10:16 am
Hi Greta,
Thank you so much for this guide. Very helpful po. I just want to know where exactly you booked for Mekong delta tour and chuchi tunnel tour. I emailed delta tours and they gave me $95 per pax for
Mekong tour and $75 per pax for chi chu tunnel your… Please help.. Thanks!:)
January 12, 2016 @ 5:39 pm
Hi, Maricar! We were walk-ins kasi. Best to walk in na lang so you get better rates like we did. 🙂
February 5, 2016 @ 4:33 am
Hi! How much for the cab fare?
February 5, 2016 @ 9:20 am
I don’t remember na eh.
February 14, 2016 @ 5:24 pm
Haigood day po. i am interested to visit Vietnam and Cambodia this year.. can you help. i m with my frnd..
thanks a lot. sana mahelp mu ako
February 15, 2016 @ 10:09 am
Hi! What do you need help in?
February 26, 2016 @ 3:17 pm
Great guide, good communication, good price, fantastic Experience with http://sinhcafetravel.com/mekong-delta-tours/
March 7, 2016 @ 8:59 am
where did you board on your way back to manila, Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport?
March 7, 2016 @ 9:40 am
Siem Reap 🙂
March 31, 2016 @ 10:40 pm
Hello Maam , This Budget is for one Person Only or For two? thank you
April 1, 2016 @ 9:29 am
This is for two! 🙂
April 13, 2016 @ 5:53 pm
Hi Gretchen,
I’m travelling alone. Is it safe there?
Is it ok to book tours when I get there? I want to avoid transfer fees in booking tours here in SG.
Thanks a lot.
April 14, 2016 @ 2:56 pm
Hi! Yeah, I think it is. I encountered a few solo backpackers. We even made friends with one, and he was super having fun. 🙂 Yeah, we booked our tourse there already.
May 26, 2016 @ 5:30 pm
Beautifully described post with beautiful information. Thanks for sharing this post.
Backpacking South East Asia | Cheapy Cheapy
June 18, 2016 @ 2:53 pm
[…] travel hacks, etc., I’ve read them. One day I stumbled upon a blog entry by a fellow Filipino who traveled to Cambodia and Vietnam with just 20,000php ($425) budget. 20,000php and I can go to […]
Backpacking South East Asia - Cheapy Cheapy
June 18, 2016 @ 2:59 pm
[…] travel hacks, etc., I’ve read them. One day I stumbled upon a blog entry by a fellow Filipino who traveled to Cambodia and Vietnam with just 20,000php ($425) budget. 20,000php and I can go to […]
June 23, 2016 @ 9:43 am
Hi, my friends and I are planning on doing this kind of trip next year on a budget too but we’ll prolly include bangkok and your blog is very helpful. Your Php 2400 RT airfare is MNL-HO CHI MIN and PHNOM PENH-MNL correct? Wow! Super cheap!! May I ask what month did you book your tickets and what were your travel dates? We are trying to look for cheap airfares too.
Thank you.
June 23, 2016 @ 5:36 pm
Hi, MK! The timing when I booked our tickets was super lucky because Cebu Pacific had a Seat Sale (Piso Fair). I think I booked around 5-6 months before the trip. 🙂 We were there October 2014.
July 2, 2016 @ 11:03 am
Hello! I’m planning to travel Vietnam- Cambodia with my sister this year! I want to try same itinerary sana except dun sa 14hrs na bus travel… Any other faster and cheaper way to Cambodia? Thanks!
July 4, 2016 @ 9:43 am
Hi, Teteth. You can try via plane—it’s definitely faster, but more expensive. 🙂
August 3, 2016 @ 7:37 pm
hi gretchen, thanks for sharing your experience and tips 🙂 it’s really helpful specially for us who plans to travel and do the same itinerary! Btw, may i know where exactly in saigon square can we find the store selling north face products? Are they really seloing legit / original items? Thanks!
August 4, 2016 @ 9:10 am
Yes! You’ll find some on the ground floor at the back. 🙂
August 14, 2016 @ 8:54 am
Hi Gretchen,
Nice article, very helpful for people who love to travel like me. 🙂
For Cambodia package, the free breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner, is this for the whole stay in Cambodia?
August 15, 2016 @ 7:28 am
Yes, it was included in our package. 🙂
September 14, 2016 @ 7:25 pm
thanks 🙂
October 11, 2016 @ 2:28 pm
Hi,
Is the bus trip from Vietnam to Siem Reap. Is it the kind of bus where you can lie down? or just sit for the whole 14 hours?
How much do you think is the cost if we travel similarly like what you guys did but we are a family of 3 (2 adults 1 child)?
October 13, 2016 @ 6:03 pm
Hi! The bus trip was just brief because when we reached the Cambodia border, we had to transfer and travel by van so that we could pass the smaller streets. I’m not so sure anymore, because the rates might have changed since I visited two years ago. You can use the chart I made as reference to get a rough estimate. 🙂
October 30, 2016 @ 3:15 pm
hi Gretchen,
I’m leaving tonight bound to Vietnam and I’m copying most of your itinerary (hope it’s ok to you) saw this blog last January when I was planning my trip. thank you much! hoping for a safe travel.
November 2, 2016 @ 9:14 am
Wow, have a safe and fun trip! 🙂
November 24, 2016 @ 6:30 pm
Hi, ask ko lang na yung tour niyo sa Cu-chi Tunnel and Mekong River is private? (kayo lang dalawa) or isinama kayo sa group? sobrang layo na kasi ng price difference. thank you
November 25, 2016 @ 4:43 pm
Oh, it was a group. We were with others. 🙂 You can follow me on Instagram @gretchengatan and check the hashtag #TeamCatch13. There was a group video of us after the Cu Chi Tunnel tour!
November 24, 2016 @ 8:01 pm
Hi there. My sister and I are planning a reverse trip: Cambodia to Vietnam. Could you kindly give us the details of the agencies you dealt with in your trip? Much thanks!
November 25, 2016 @ 4:45 pm
Hi! You can check out my other articles: Things to Do in Vietnam, and Things to Do in Cambodia. 🙂 From what I know, the agencies we dealt with have no websites. We just walked in during the day that we wanted to do the tour. 🙂
December 7, 2016 @ 7:54 pm
Hi just want to ask if Cambodia-Vietnam suitable for a 10yrs old kid to enjoy the trip?
December 10, 2016 @ 9:40 pm
Hi, Shery! There’s going to be a lot of walking, but if they’re up to that, I think it would be a very insightful trip for him/her. 🙂
January 17, 2017 @ 6:20 am
Hi Gretchen 🙂
Is vietnam-cambodia trip safe for women traveling solo?
Would it be a good idea to travel solo there? 🙂
Plan ko kasi magtravel mag isa this year. Im afraid baka puro group tours yung and ma OP ako hehe
Thank you,
Lisa
January 20, 2017 @ 1:41 pm
Hi, Lisa! We actually met a fellow Filipino who was traveling solo, and he was super enjoying his trip! He wasn’t OP at all. 🙂 I think it’s safe to travel alone, and you might enjoy it more if you toured with a group because you’ll get to meet people!
February 8, 2017 @ 6:42 pm
Hi. thanks for the info. would like to ask. how was the 14 hour bus ride?
February 11, 2017 @ 12:11 am
You’re welcome! 🙂 To be honest, I got a bit restless. It was challenging for me, but it was also a great learning experience. 🙂
February 17, 2017 @ 1:23 am
hi 50 k is enough for 2 person to visit Vietnam for 15 days. please be advice
February 17, 2017 @ 1:25 am
hi 50 k is enough for 2 person to visit Vietnam for 15 days. please be advice ? were plan to visit 15 days for tour and searching job
February 17, 2017 @ 9:38 pm
Hello! That might not be enough. We spent 20k per person for a week eh. 🙂
March 6, 2017 @ 11:07 am
Hi. I have some questions ☺
1. How did you go from Airport (Ho Chi Minh) to Blue River 2? Did you avail airport transfer offered my the hotel? Or did you use taxi? And etc. How much did it cost you?
2. Did you avail early/late-check in? If yes, did they give you additional fee?
March 6, 2017 @ 11:24 am
Thank you 🙂
March 7, 2017 @ 5:28 pm
Hi, Khyle!
1. We availed the hotel’s airport transfer. 🙂 I’m not sure anymore how much it was, but it wasn’t very expensive.
2. We did late check-in for no additional fees.
March 6, 2017 @ 8:27 pm
Hi miss gretchen! Ask ko lang po from vietnam ano po sasakyan bus or van?and pag 17 persons kami magkano kaya bayad per pax papunta sa cambodia.Kaya ba 4D3N kami sa vietnam and cambodia ,from manila po kami.Thanks!
March 7, 2017 @ 5:26 pm
Hi, Gene! From Ho Chi Minh to the Cambodia border, we were in a bus. Then we transferred to a van. I’m not sure lang, ‘coz the rates may have changed since I last went. I think bitin 4D3N ‘coz there’s so much to see in both. Sayang rin one day na you’re just traveling from one country to another because that’s 12-14 hours agad na you’re on the road lang. I suggest 2-3 days per country so you can really experience both to the fullest.
August 14, 2017 @ 3:04 am
Hi Ms. Gretchen,
*Did you extend your hotel accommodation since your flight going back to the Philippines was 11:59pm? Or you just stayed somewhere else?
*Is it possible to just roam around the city and visit museums without getting a tour?
Thanks,
Cristhine
August 22, 2017 @ 5:57 pm
We just killed time at our hotel and got a massage while waiting for our flight. I think it’s possible but it was much easier getting the tour so we could make the most of our stay. 🙂
August 25, 2017 @ 7:36 pm
Thank you for the amazing information posted on this blog. The tour of Vietnam and Cambodia is undoubtedly on everyone’s dream list. For Vietnam and Cambodia tour please visit us at Citrus Holidays.
September 13, 2017 @ 6:54 pm
Thank you for sharing this great information. Vietnam and Cambodia are breathtaking destinations of diverse delights. At Citrus Holidays we have a Vietnam and Cambodia tour Packages for you to choose from, all competitively priced.
January 25, 2019 @ 5:11 pm
Hi Ms. Gretchen,
Will be travelling to Vietnam-Cambodia this June and ask ko lang po your advice regarding what currency is best to use there and best country to convert.
Thank you!
January 28, 2019 @ 6:12 pm
What we did was we converted our money (in Philippine peso) to US dollars here in the Philippines, then converted our US Dollars to the local currency in Vietnam, and in Cambodia. 🙂