Beaches, Temples, Culture and More Beaches

A 2-Week Itinerary Across Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand - three countries that deliver so much in just two weeks. This particular route was designed for January, when the weather in Northern Vietnam is cooler, which is why we’ve focused on the south. If you’re visiting in warmer months, I’d always recommend exploring Hanoi and the bays around it, like Halong or Lan Ha Bay.

Of the three, Vietnam has always been a personal favourite. There’s something about the people — warm, proud, and always quick with a smile - that makes it so easy to love. But each country brings something special to the table, from Cambodia’s ancient temples to the energy and food scene of Bangkok. This itinerary captures some of the best of the region: cities, islands, temples, beaches and plenty of moments to just switch off.

Stop 1: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2 Nights)

The journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. It’s busy, loud, a little chaotic, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find French colonial architecture alongside modern skyscrapers, buzzing markets, and some of the best street food in Asia.

We base ourselves at the Park Hyatt Saigon, right in the heart of District 1 overlooking the Opera House. It’s an elegant, comfortable hotel with a great pool and one of the best breakfasts in the city. From here, you can explore the landmarks on foot, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the atmospheric Ben Thanh Market.

If time allows, I’d recommend a guided Vespa street food tour by night or a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam’s war history in a more immersive way.

Stop 2: Con Dao, Vietnam (4 Nights)

From the city, it’s a short flight to Con Dao, a tiny archipelago off Vietnam’s southern coast that still feels wonderfully off the radar. The islands are rugged and beautiful, with dense jungle, quiet beaches, and coral reefs teeming with marine life.

We stay at Six Senses Con Dao, a secluded resort set within a protected national and marine park. The villas here are all ocean-facing, with private pools and plenty of space to properly switch off. Days can be as relaxed or as active as you like. Spend time snorkelling, diving, hiking, kayaking, or simply unwinding on the beach.

If you’re lucky and travelling in the right season, you can witness turtle hatchlings being released at the resort’s conservation project. It’s also a great place for wellness, with a lovely spa, daily yoga, and healthy dining options alongside excellent Vietnamese cuisine.

Stop 3: Siem Reap, Cambodia (2 Nights)

Next stop is Siem Reap, home to the magnificent temples of Angkor. It’s a short flight via Ho Chi Minh City, and well worth the journey. The sheer scale of Angkor is hard to grasp until you see it in person. Exploring at sunrise is a must, when the light hits the towers of Angkor Wat and the crowds are still thin.

We stay at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, a beautiful and historic property with an old-world feel. The hotel is close to the temple complex and has a great pool to retreat to when the heat kicks in. Beyond the temples, it’s worth exploring the town’s lively markets, restaurants, and the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake.

Two nights gives you enough time to see the major sights without feeling rushed, though I’d happily spend longer here to soak up the history and atmosphere.

Stop 4: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia (4 Nights)

After the temples, it’s time to slow the pace with four nights at Song Saa Private Island, located in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago. This is barefoot luxury at its best. The island is small, private, and surrounded by crystal-clear water and coral reefs.

Life here is wonderfully simple. Spend the days paddleboarding, snorkelling, kayaking through mangroves, or just lazing by the pool. In the evenings, catch the sunset with a cocktail in hand and, if you’re lucky, watch the water glow with bioluminescent plankton after dark.

For those who want to explore beyond the resort, there are conservation initiatives and local village tours, but it’s just as easy to do nothing at all. This is the kind of place where switching off feels effortless.

Stop 5: Bangkok, Thailand (2 Nights)

The final stop is Bangkok, a city that’s as intense as it is exciting. After the calm of Song Saa, arriving into the buzz of the Thai capital feels like a complete gear shift, but in the best way.

We check in at Capella Bangkok, a sleek riverside hotel with incredible views over the Chao Phraya. Voted the Worlds Best Hotel in 2024. The service here is excellent, and their in-house Capella Culturists can organise everything from street food tours to private meditation sessions with a local monk.

With two nights, you can fit in some of the city’s iconic sights like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the flower markets, alongside a long lunch or dinner at one of Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s a great place to round off your trip, or you could easily continue your travels through Thailand with time in Chiang Mai, the islands down south, or finish up at one of the world’s best wellness retreats, Chiva-Som in Hua Hin.

This itinerary, as outlined, comes in at around $18,000 for two people including all accommodation, transfers, and regional flights. Pricing is always dependent on the time of enquiry, availability, and seasonality.

If you’d like help planning your own adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, or anywhere else in the world, get in touch and I’ll help you design a journey that’s tailored to how you love to travel.