Vietnam & Cambodia Self-Launched Adventure

Fly into Noi Bai International Airport. Take the 86 public bus from the airport directly to Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter for around £0.50, or a Grab taxi for roughly £5–7. Check in to your hostel, grab a bowl of pho from a street stall, and get an early night. No rush — you've got 21 days ahead of you.

🚌86 public bus from Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter (~£0.50) or Grab taxi (~£5–7)

🛏Hostel in Hanoi Old Quarter (e.g. Hanoi Backpackers Hostel, Old Quarter Hotel) — expect £8–14/night for a dorm or ~£20 for a private room

• →Settle into the Old Quarter
• →Street food dinner near Hoan Kiem Lake
• →Pick up a local SIM card at the airport (Viettel or Vietnamobile, ~£5)

Spend the morning exploring Hanoi on foot or by cyclo (rickshaw). The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature are all walkable or a short Grab ride apart. Book a street food walking tour via GetYourGuide for a guided foodie experience including bia hoi (fresh draught beer from ~20p a glass!). End the evening on Ta Hien Street — Hanoi's famous 'Beer Street'.

🚌Walking and Grab taxi as needed (~£2–4)

🛏Hanoi Old Quarter hostel (same as Day 1)

• →Self-guided walk of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake
• →Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and One Pillar Pagoda (free–£1)
• →Book a Hanoi street food & bia hoi walking tour on GetYourGuide (~£18–22pp)
• →Evening on Ta Hien 'Beer Street'

Take an organised overnight Ha Long Bay cruise — this is the one item that's genuinely hard to beat on price by going it alone, as the cruise boat IS the accommodation and activity. Book direct with reputable budget operators like Indochina Junk, Halong Glory Cruises, or via GetYourGuide/Klook. A 2D/1N cruise including all meals, kayaking and cave visits typically costs £60–90pp when booked independently — far cheaper than the tour operator rate. Transfers from Hanoi are usually included.

🚌Cruise operator shuttle bus from Hanoi Old Quarter (usually included in cruise price)

🛏Onboard traditional junk boat cabin (included in cruise price ~£65–90pp all-in)

• →Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise (book via GetYourGuide/Klook or direct ~£65–90pp)
• →Sea kayaking between limestone karsts (usually included)
• →Caving visit — Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or Thien Cung Cave (usually included)
• →Sunset drinks and dinner on deck

The cruise returns to Tuan Chau Harbour by midday. From there, take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi (included with most cruises) and then hop on a direct bus or train to Ninh Binh — the journey takes about 2 hours. Book a riverside homestay in the Tam Coc or Van Long area for an atmospheric, local experience. Watch the sunset over the rice paddies with a cold Bia Hanoi.

🚌Cruise shuttle back to Hanoi, then Ninh Binh Sao Mai bus from My Dinh station or direct train (~£3–5, ~2hrs)

🛏Riverside homestay in Tam Coc or Van Long (e.g. Tam Coc Family Homestay) — ~£12–18/night

• →Scenic cruise back to harbour in the morning
• →Travel Hanoi → Ninh Binh by bus or train (~£3–5)
• →Check in to riverside homestay
• →Sunset views from your homestay terrace

Hire a bicycle from your homestay (£1–2/day) and pedal through the stunning countryside of Tam Coc and Trang An. Book a rowboat river trip through the caves at Tam Coc or Trang An directly at the gate (~£3–5). In the afternoon, climb the 500 steps of Hang Mua (Dragon Mountain) viewpoint for panoramic karst views — one of Vietnam's most photogenic spots. Entry is ~£2. In the evening, board your overnight train to Da Nang from Ninh Binh station.

🚌Overnight train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang — book via DSDStation.vn or Baolau.com, soft sleeper ~£18–25

🛏Overnight train sleeper berth (~£18–25 — book in advance)

• →Bicycle hire and countryside ride (~£1–2)
• →Rowboat cave tour at Tam Coc or Trang An (~£3–5, book at the gate)
• →Climb Hang Mua (Dragon Mountain) viewpoint (~£2 entry)
• →Dinner before boarding overnight train

Arrive into Da Nang in the morning. Take a local yellow bus (No. 1) or grab a Grab taxi (~£6–8) to Hoi An, about 30km away. Spend the afternoon wandering the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town — the ochre shophouses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Thu Bon River are all free to explore on foot. In the evening, take a lantern boat ride on the river — vendors sell small floating lanterns (~£1) and boat rides are ~£2–3.

🚌Grab taxi or local bus No. 1 from Da Nang to Hoi An (~£3–8, ~45min)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in or near Hoi An Ancient Town (e.g. Hoi An Backpackers Hostel) — ~£8–16/night

• →Arrive Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An by Grab or local bus (~£3–8)
• →Self-guided wander of Hoi An Ancient Town (entry ticket ~£5 for 5 heritage sites)
• →Browse tailor shops on Tran Phu Street — get clothes made!
• →Evening lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River (~£2–3)

Book a basket boat crab fishing tour through the coconut palm water forests of Bay Mau — easily booked directly at the waterfront or via GetYourGuide for ~£12–18pp. This local experience includes the iconic spinning basket boats and often a short cooking demo. In the afternoon, join a standalone Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An — there are dozens of excellent options from ~£20–28pp including a market visit, hands-on cooking and eating your creations.

🚌Walking and bicycle hire within Hoi An (~£1–2/day)

🛏Hoi An guesthouse/hostel (same area as Day 6)

• →Basket boat crab fishing tour, Bay Mau coconut forest (~£12–18pp, book via GetYourGuide or direct)
• →Vietnamese cooking class including market visit (~£20–28pp, book via GetYourGuide or direct with Morning Glory or Red Bridge Cooking School)

Join a floating lantern-making workshop — these are widely available in the Ancient Town for ~£8–12pp and make for a memorable souvenir. In the afternoon, rent a bicycle or take a Grab to An Bang or Cua Dai Beach (~10 minutes from town). An Bang in particular has several relaxed beach bars and clubs where you can spend the afternoon with a sun lounger and cocktail. Return to Hoi An for a final evening in the Old Town.

🚌Bicycle hire or Grab to beach (~£2–3 each way)

🛏Hoi An guesthouse/hostel (same as previous nights)

• →Lantern-making workshop in Ancient Town (~£8–12pp, book locally or via GetYourGuide)
• →Afternoon at An Bang or Cua Dai Beach — free entry, sun lounger hire ~£2
• →Beach bar drinks and sunset

Take a Grab from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport (~£8–10) for your short domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport). Budget airlines VietJet and Bamboo Airways operate this route for as little as £15–35 if booked in advance. Arrive in HCMC and make your way to the backpacker hub of Pham Ngu Lao by bus or Grab. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring District 1 — grab a banh mi, try a cà phê trứng (egg coffee), and explore the lively Bui Vien Walking Street.

🚌Grab from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport (~£8–10), domestic flight (~£15–35), Grab from airport to Pham Ngu Lao (~£5–7)

🛏Hostel in Pham Ngu Lao, HCMC (e.g. The Common Room Project, Saigon Backpackers) — ~£8–15/night

• →Fly Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City (book via VietJet/Bamboo ~£15–35)
• →Transfer to Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area by Grab (~£5–7)
• →Explore District 1: Ben Thanh Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office (free)
• →Evening on Bui Vien Walking Street

Book a Mekong Delta day trip or overnight homestay tour from HCMC — these are extremely well-developed and easy to arrange independently. GetYourGuide and Klook both list excellent small-group options from ~£25–40pp including boat rides, a local workshop (bracelet making, coconut candy making, or mud fishing), and an overnight homestay with dinner and breakfast. My Tho and Ben Tre are the classic bases.

🚌Included in Mekong Delta tour package (bus transfer from HCMC ~2hrs)

🛏Local Mekong Delta homestay (usually included in tour price ~£25–40 all-in)

• →Mekong Delta overnight tour including boat rides, local workshop and homestay (~£25–40pp via GetYourGuide/Klook or book direct with local operators in Pham Ngu Lao)

Return from the Mekong Delta to HCMC in the morning, then head out to the Cu Chi Tunnels — an unmissable piece of Vietnam War history. Book a half-day group tour via GetYourGuide or Klook from ~£12–18pp including transport, or take a local bus and pay entry independently (~£4). In the afternoon, explore the War Remnants Museum (~£2) in District 3. Spend your final HCMC evening on Bui Vien for a proper send-off.

🚌Mekong return included in tour; Grab to Cu Chi if going independently (~£8–10 each way) or join a shared tour

🛏Hostel in Pham Ngu Lao, HCMC (same as Day 9)

• →Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour (~£12–18pp via GetYourGuide/Klook, or independent entry ~£4 + transport)
• →Optional: War Remnants Museum (~£2)
• →Final night out in HCMC — Bui Vien Walking Street

Cross from Vietnam into Cambodia by bus — the most popular route is HCMC → Phnom Penh via the Moc Bai/Bavet border crossing. Several operators (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Phnom Penh Sorya) run comfortable direct buses from Pham Ngu Lao for ~£8–12pp and the journey takes 5–6 hours including the border crossing. Ensure your Cambodian e-Visa ($30 USD) is sorted at least 4 days in advance at evisa.gov.kh. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the afternoon, check in, and head out for dinner along the riverside Sisowath Quay.

🚌Direct bus HCMC → Phnom Penh with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express (~£8–12, ~5–6hrs including border crossing — book via giantibis.com or baolau.com)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse near Riverside/BKK1, Phnom Penh (e.g. Mad Monkey, Onederz Phnom Penh) — ~£8–15/night

• →Morning exploration of HCMC before bus departure
• →Border crossing into Cambodia (e-Visa required, ~£24/$30 — apply in advance at evisa.gov.kh)
• →Arrive Phnom Penh, check in
• →Dinner on Sisowath Quay riverside

Hire a tuk tuk driver for the day — agree a price upfront for a city tour (~£8–12 for a full day). Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (entry ~£8), stroll along the Sisowath Quay, and explore the Central Market. In the afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison, ~£6) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (~£5) — both deeply sobering but essential visits to understand Cambodia's recent history. Evening drinks and food along the riverside.

🚌Tuk tuk for the day (~£8–12 total)

🛏Hostel near Riverside/BKK1, Phnom Penh (same as Day 12)

• →Hire a tuk tuk driver for the day (~£8–12 agreed upfront)
• →Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (~£8)
• →Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum / S21 Prison (~£6)
• →Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (~£5)
• →Evening drinks on Sisowath Quay

Take a shared minibus or bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot (roughly 3–4 hours, ~£5–7 — book via Bookmebus.com or at your hostel). Kampot is a gorgeous riverside town of French colonial architecture, pepper farms and a laid-back vibe. Hire a kayak from your guesthouse or a local rental shop (~£4–6) and paddle the Praek Tuek Chhu River. Tubing is available through most guesthouses for ~£4–5. Kampot's sunsets over the Elephant Mountains are spectacular.

🚌Shared minibus or bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot (~£5–7)

🛏Guesthouse or hostel in Kampot (e.g. Mad Monkey Kampot, Bodhi Villa) — ~£8–16/night

• →Shared minibus Phnom Penh → Kampot (~£5–7, ~3–4hrs, book via Bookmebus or hostel)
• →River kayaking (~£4–6/half day, hire from guesthouse or local shop)
• →Tubing on the river (~£4–5)
• →Sunset drinks at a riverside bar (Naga Bar, Epic Arts Café)

Spend the morning exploring Kampot's old market (free) and join a tour of a famous Kampot pepper plantation — tuk tuks can take you there for ~£4–6 return and many farms offer free or low-cost tours. In the afternoon, book a Khmer cooking class in Kampot — several guesthouses and local schools offer these for ~£15–22pp including a market visit and full meal. Round off the day with a sunset boat cruise on the Kampot River — book via your guesthouse or direct for ~£8–12pp.

🚌Tuk tuk to pepper plantation and back (~£4–6)

🛏Guesthouse in Kampot (same as Day 14)

• →Kampot old market visit (free)
• →Pepper plantation tour by tuk tuk (~£4–6 including transport, free or low-cost farm entry)
• →Khmer cooking class (~£15–22pp, book via guesthouse or GetYourGuide)
• →Sunset boat cruise on Kampot River (~£8–12pp)

Head to Sihanoukville to catch the fast ferry to Koh Rong Sanloem. Take a shared taxi or bus from Kampot to Sihanoukville (~1 hour, ~£4–6), then a GTVC or Speed Ferry Cambodia fast ferry from Sihanoukville port to Koh Rong Sanloem (~45 min, ~£10–14 return). The island is genuinely paradise — white sand, palm trees, bioluminescent plankton at night. Book accommodation in advance at Saracen Bay or M'Pay Bay. Dance the night away at one of the beach bars.

🚌Shared taxi Kampot → Sihanoukville (~£4–6), fast ferry to island (~£10–14 return)

🛏Guesthouse or bungalow on Koh Rong Sanloem, Saracen Bay (e.g. Orchid Guesthouse, Sunset Bungalow) — ~£14–22/night

• →Shared taxi or bus Kampot → Sihanoukville (~£4–6)
• →Fast ferry to Koh Rong Sanloem (~£10–14 return, book via speedferrycambodia.com or gtvcferry.com)
• →Swim, explore the island, visit Lazy Beach
• →Beach bar night out — try the bioluminescence night swim!

Book a shared long-tail boat snorkelling and island-hopping trip for the day — these are run by local operators on Saracen Bay and typically visit the best snorkel spots, remote beaches and the Twin Lakes for ~£12–18pp. Alternatively, simply hire a snorkel set (~£3) and explore the reef directly from the beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand and get a beach massage (~£8–10/hr). Another night on the island.

🚌Local long-tail boat trip (included in activity cost)

🛏Guesthouse or bungalow on Koh Rong Sanloem (same as Day 16)

• →Shared snorkelling and island boat trip (~£12–18pp, book on the beach at Saracen Bay)
• →Beach snorkelling with hire set (~£3)
• →Beach massage (~£8–10/hr)
• →Sunset from the beach

Enjoy a final morning on the island before catching the fast ferry back to Sihanoukville. Grab dinner in Sihanoukville before boarding the overnight sleeper bus to Siem Reap. Virak Buntham and Giant Ibis both run overnight sleeper buses on this route for ~£12–18pp — these have flat or reclining seats so you can sleep en route. The journey takes approximately 9–10 hours, arriving in Siem Reap in the early morning.

🚌Fast ferry back to Sihanoukville (return already purchased), overnight sleeper bus Sihanoukville → Siem Reap (~£12–18pp with Virak Buntham or Giant Ibis — book via giantibis.com or bookmebus.com)

🛏Overnight bus sleeper (~£12–18pp — this is your accommodation for the night)

• →Final morning on Koh Rong Sanloem
• →Fast ferry back to Sihanoukville (~included in return ticket)
• →Dinner in Sihanoukville
• →Board overnight sleeper bus to Siem Reap

Arrive in Siem Reap in the morning. Check in to your hostel (most allow early check-in or luggage storage) and get some rest if needed — ideally nap by the pool! In the afternoon, visit the Tonlé Sap floating villages. Book a shared boat tour from the Chong Kneas or Kampong Phluk dock (~£8–15pp depending on season) — the views of stilted houses, flooded forests and lotus fields are extraordinary. Return to Siem Reap for dinner on Pub Street.

🚌Tuk tuk from bus station to hostel (~£2–3), tuk tuk to Tonlé Sap dock (~£4–6 return)

🛏Hostel in Siem Reap near Pub Street (e.g. Mad Monkey Siem Reap, Onederz Siem Reap) — ~£8–15/night

• →Arrive Siem Reap, check in, rest
• →Afternoon floating village boat tour from Chong Kneas or Kampong Phluk (~£8–15pp, book via GetYourGuide or arrange at the dock)
• →Dinner and evening on Pub Street

Set your alarm — this is the big one! Hire a tuk tuk driver for the full day (negotiate ~£18–25 upfront, they know the route well and will be your guide). Purchase a 1-day Angkor pass (~£34) at the main ticket office the evening before or first thing. Arrive at Angkor Wat before sunrise for the iconic reflection shot. Spend the morning touring Angkor Thom, the Bayon, and the vine-draped Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple). In the afternoon, visit the APOPO HeroRATs landmine detection project just outside Siem Reap — free entry, donations welcome, and genuinely one of the most moving experiences in Cambodia. Book via apopo.org. End with a final epic dinner and night out on Pub Street.

🚌Tuk tuk for the full day to Angkor and APOPO (~£18–25 agreed upfront)

🛏Hostel in Siem Reap (same as Day 19)

• →Angkor Wat sunrise and full day temple tour (1-day Angkor Pass ~£34, book at ticket office)
• →Hire a tuk tuk for the full day (~£18–25)
• →Angkor Thom, Bayon & Ta Prohm (included in Angkor Pass)
• →APOPO HeroRATs landmine detection project visit (free, donations welcome — book via apopo.org)
• →Final dinner and farewell night out on Pub Street

Check out of your accommodation and make your way to Siem Reap International Airport. A tuk tuk to the airport costs approximately £4–6 and takes about 30–40 minutes. If you have time before your flight, grab a final Khmer breakfast of bai sach chrouk (pork and rice) or a strong Cambodian coffee. Safe travels!

🚌Tuk tuk to Siem Reap Airport (~£4–6)

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Check out of accommodation
• →Final Khmer breakfast
• →Tuk tuk to Siem Reap Airport (~£4–6, ~30–40 min)