Vietnam and Cambodia sit side by side in Southeast Asia, yet each country delivers a completely different kind of wonder. Vietnam serves up steaming bowls of pho beside misty rice terraces, while Cambodia holds the ancient temple city of Angkor Wat and floating villages on the Tonle Sap. Together, they form one of the most rewarding two-country trips a Canadian traveller can take.
Explore Approach Tours’ all-inclusive Vietnam & Cambodia tour and see what 20 days of hassle-free discovery looks like.
This guide covers everything you need to plan the trip from a Canadian perspective: visa requirements for your Canadian passport, flights from Toronto and Vancouver, budgets in Canadian dollars, the best months to go and a practical itinerary framework. Whether you are travelling solo, with a partner or in a small group, you will finish this page with a clear picture of what to expect and how to prepare.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia
Choosing the right season can make or break a Southeast Asia trip. Both countries have tropical climates, but their weather patterns overlap in useful ways for Canadian travellers who want to combine them in a single journey.
Vietnam’s climate runs in three zones. The north (Hanoi, Halong Bay) is coolest from November through February, with daytime highs around 18-22 C. Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An) is driest from February through August. The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) stays warm year-round, with the dry season running from December to April.
Cambodia is more straightforward. The dry season from November to April brings clear skies and comfortable temperatures around 25-32 C. The wet season from May to October delivers afternoon showers that are short but intense. Angkor Wat looks spectacular in both seasons, though the moats are fuller and the jungle greener after the rains.
The sweet spot for a combined trip? November through March gives you dry weather in Cambodia, pleasant temperatures in northern Vietnam and warm, sunny days in the south. December through February is peak season, meaning higher hotel prices and larger crowds at Angkor Wat. If you prefer fewer tourists and slightly lower costs, November and March are excellent shoulder months.
According to the Government of Canada’s travel advisory site, both countries are generally safe for Canadian tourists during the dry season, with standard precautions for tropical travel.
Visa Requirements for Canadian Passport Holders
Canadian citizens need a visa for both Vietnam and Cambodia, but the process is simpler than you might expect.
Vietnam E-Visa
Canada is on Vietnam’s e-visa eligible list. You can apply online through the Vietnamese immigration portal for a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. The application takes about 15 minutes, requires a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Processing typically takes three business days, and the fee is approximately $25 USD (about $35 CAD). Print the approval letter before departure and present it at immigration on arrival.
Cambodia Visa on Arrival
Cambodia offers visa-on-arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. Bring one passport photo, your completed application form and $30 USD in cash (about $42 CAD). The entire process usually takes 10-20 minutes at the airport counter. An e-visa option is also available through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website if you prefer to skip the line.
Passport validity: Both countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Check your expiry date before booking anything.
How Many Days Do You Need for Vietnam and Cambodia?
The ideal trip length depends on how deeply you want to explore. Here are three practical itinerary frameworks:
| Trip Length | Vietnam Days | Cambodia Days | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-12 days | 7-8 | 3-4 | Highlights only: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Siem Reap |
| 14-16 days | 10-11 | 4-5 | Adding Hoi An or the Mekong Delta |
| 18-21 days | 14-15 | 4-6 | The full experience: north to south Vietnam plus Cambodia |
A 20-day trip lets you move at a comfortable pace, which matters when you are crossing time zones and adjusting to tropical heat. You get time to wander through Hanoi’s Old Quarter without rushing, spend a full night aboard a Halong Bay cruise, drift along the Mekong Delta by boat and still have three or four days to explore the temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm at a relaxed tempo.
Approach Tours’ 20-day Vietnam & Cambodia journey covers Hanoi, Halong Bay, Saigon, the Mekong Delta and Angkor Wat with all 57 meals, flights and excursions included.
What to See and Do in Vietnam
Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south, so each region feels like a different country. Here are the highlights that belong on every Canadian traveller’s shortlist.
Hanoi and the North
Hanoi hums with energy. The Old Quarter’s narrow streets are layered with French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples and sidewalk coffee shops where locals sit on tiny plastic stools sipping ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee). The city’s food scene alone could fill a week, from bun cha noodles to egg coffee at Giang Cafe.
Just outside the city, the Red River Delta’s rice paddies turn emerald green in growing season. Many travellers spend a day in Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” where limestone karsts rise straight out of flooded rice fields.
Halong Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 2,000 limestone islands scattered across turquoise water, Halong Bay is the kind of place that looks photoshopped. An overnight cruise is the best way to experience it: you wake up to mist rolling through the karsts, kayak into hidden caves and watch the sunset paint the water copper and gold. According to UNESCO, the bay covers approximately 1,553 square kilometres and shelters a rich biodiversity of marine life.
Hoi An
This lantern-lit ancient town on the central coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photogenic towns in all of Asia. Hoi An is famous for its tailors (you can have a custom suit made in 24 hours), its Japanese covered bridge and its cooking classes. The Thu Bon River glows with floating lanterns on full moon nights.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
Saigon, as locals still call it, moves at a different speed than Hanoi. The War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels provide sobering history lessons, while Ben Thanh Market buzzes with colour and commerce. From the city, day trips to the Mekong Delta reveal a watery world of floating markets, fruit orchards and stilted houses where life revolves around the river.
Exploring Cambodia: Angkor Wat and Beyond
Most travellers arrive in Cambodia for one reason: Angkor Wat. They stay because the country has much more to offer than its most famous temple.
Siem Reap and the Angkor Complex
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument, built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu and later converted to Buddhism. Watching sunrise over its five lotus-shaped towers, reflected in the surrounding moat, is one of those travel moments that stays with you for decades.
The Angkor Archaeological Park contains hundreds of temples spread across 400 square kilometres. Beyond Angkor Wat itself, do not miss Angkor Thom (with its giant stone faces at the Bayon temple), Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple where silk-cotton trees swallow the ruins) and Banteay Srei (known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings).
Tonle Sap Lake
Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake supports floating villages where homes, schools and even basketball courts sit on water. A boat tour through the stilt communities of Kampong Khleang offers a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital city combines colonial French architecture with golden-spired pagodas. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are the city’s crown jewels, while the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek provide essential, if heartbreaking, historical context about the Khmer Rouge era.
Budget and Costs for Canadians (in CAD)
Southeast Asia remains one of the world’s most affordable travel regions, but costs vary depending on your travel style. Here is a realistic breakdown for Canadian travellers in 2026.
| Expense Category | Budget (CAD/day) | Mid-Range (CAD/day) | Comfort (CAD/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20-40 | $60-120 | $150-300 |
| Meals | $10-20 | $25-50 | $50-100 |
| Local Transport | $5-15 | $15-30 | $30-60 |
| Activities & Entrance Fees | $10-20 | $20-40 | $40-80 |
| Daily Total | $45-95 | $120-240 | $270-540 |
Flights from Canada: Return flights from Toronto (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR) to Hanoi typically range from $1,200 to $2,200 CAD depending on season and advance booking. Vancouver departures are often cheaper due to shorter routing through East Asian hubs like Seoul, Tokyo or Hong Kong. Montreal (YUL) and Calgary (YYC) departures generally add $100-300 CAD due to additional connections.
Major cost items to plan for:
- Angkor Wat pass: 1-day ($37 USD / ~$52 CAD), 3-day ($62 USD / ~$87 CAD), 7-day ($72 USD / ~$101 CAD)
- Halong Bay overnight cruise: $150-500 CAD depending on boat quality
- Vietnam e-visa: ~$35 CAD
- Cambodia visa on arrival: ~$42 CAD
- Travel insurance: $80-200 CAD for a 3-week policy
An all-inclusive guided tour simplifies the math. Vietnam tour package prices vary by operator, but Approach Tours’ 20-day all-inclusive Vietnam & Cambodia tour starts at $10,595 CAD per person, covering every flight, all 57 meals, 4-star hotels, excursions, tips, door-to-door car service and $5 million in Manulife emergency medical insurance. That works out to roughly $530 CAD per day with nothing left to budget for except personal souvenirs.
Getting There from Canada: Flights and Routes
No direct flights connect Canada and Vietnam or Cambodia, but several excellent one-stop routing options exist.
| Canadian City | Common Layover Cities | Approximate Travel Time | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto (YYZ) | Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei | 18-24 hours | Korean Air, ANA, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air |
| Vancouver (YVR) | Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Manila | 15-20 hours | Korean Air, ANA, EVA Air, China Airlines |
| Montreal (YUL) | Paris, Seoul, Tokyo | 20-26 hours | Air France, Korean Air, ANA |
| Calgary (YYC) | Tokyo, Seoul (via Vancouver) | 18-24 hours | WestJet + partner, Air Canada |
Most travellers fly into Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) and out of Siem Reap (Angkor International Airport) or Phnom Penh. This open-jaw routing avoids backtracking and usually costs only slightly more than a round trip into a single city.
Booking tip: International flight prices tend to drop 2-4 months before departure for Southeast Asia routes. Set a fare alert on Google Flights for your preferred dates and gateway city.
What Should Canadians Know Before Travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia?
A few practical details make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
Health and Vaccinations
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers to Vietnam and Cambodia be up to date on routine vaccinations and consider Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines. A visit to a travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure gives you time for any multi-dose vaccines. Antimalarial medication may be recommended for rural areas, though it is generally not needed in major cities and tourist centres.
Currency and Payments
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND) and Cambodia uses the riel (KHR), though US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia. ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist areas. Canadian bank cards with Visa or Mastercard work at most ATMs, but check with your bank about foreign transaction fees before you go. Carry small US dollar bills for Cambodia and Vietnamese dong for Vietnam.
Travel Insurance
Standard provincial health coverage from OHIP, MSP or RAMQ does not cover medical expenses abroad. A good travel insurance policy covering emergency medical evacuation is not optional for Southeast Asia. Policies for a 3-week trip typically cost $80-200 CAD from Canadian providers.
Time Zone and Jet Lag
Vietnam and Cambodia are 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 15 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. The time difference is significant, so plan to arrive a day early and give yourself a recovery day before any major sightseeing. Most travellers adjust within 2-3 days.
Pace of Travel
The tropical heat (30-35 C in many areas) and humidity call for a gentler pace than you might keep at home. Build rest days into your itinerary, drink plenty of water and schedule outdoor activities for mornings and late afternoons. This is especially important for senior travellers who want to enjoy every moment without exhaustion.
Tour vs. Independent Travel: Which Is Right for You?
Both options work well in Vietnam and Cambodia, but they suit different types of travellers.
| Factor | Independent Travel | Guided All-Inclusive Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Complete control over schedule | Set itinerary with free time built in |
| Planning effort | High: book flights, hotels, transport, guides separately | Minimal: everything arranged for you |
| Cost transparency | Costs add up unpredictably | One price covers everything |
| Local expertise | Self-guided or hire individual guides | Professional guides at every destination |
| Language barrier | Can be challenging in rural areas | Guides handle all communication |
| Safety net | You handle emergencies yourself | 24/7 support team on call |
| Social connection | Solo or small group | Travel with a group of like-minded Canadians |
For Canadian retirees and travellers looking for all-inclusive senior tours from Canada, a guided tour removes the logistical headaches of navigating unfamiliar transit systems, negotiating prices in a foreign language and dealing with unexpected changes. When your flights, meals, hotels, excursions and insurance are already sorted, you can focus entirely on the experience.
See the full itinerary for Approach Tours’ 20-day Vietnam & Cambodia experience, including an overnight Halong Bay cruise, Mekong Delta boat trip and three days at Angkor Wat.
Sample 20-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary
This framework covers the major highlights at a comfortable pace. Adjust based on your interests and fitness level.
Days 1-4: Hanoi and surroundings. Arrive, recover from jet lag, explore the Old Quarter, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Take a day trip to Ninh Binh or the Perfume Pagoda.
Days 5-6: Halong Bay. Board an overnight cruise through the limestone karsts. Kayak through caves, visit fishing villages and watch sunset from the upper deck. An overnight stay gives you two days on the water instead of a rushed day trip.
Days 7-9: Central Vietnam. Fly to Hue, explore the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs. Travel the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An for lantern-lit streets, tailoring and cooking classes.
Days 10-13: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Discover Saigon’s markets, museums and street food scene. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend a day drifting through the Mekong Delta’s floating markets and fruit orchards.
Days 14-16: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Fly to Siem Reap. Dedicate three full days to the Angkor temples: sunrise at Angkor Wat, the stone faces of the Bayon, the jungle-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm and the pink carvings of Banteay Srei.
Days 17-18: Tonle Sap and Phnom Penh. Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Travel to Phnom Penh for the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the sobering Tuol Sleng Museum.
Days 19-20: Final day and departure. Last morning in Phnom Penh for shopping or a riverside walk. Depart for Canada with 57 meals’ worth of food memories and a camera full of limestone sunsets.
For a complete version of this itinerary with all logistics handled, check what is included with an Approach Tours package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year is best to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
November through March is the best window for a combined Vietnam and Cambodia trip. This period offers dry weather in Cambodia, cool temperatures in northern Vietnam and warm sunny days in southern Vietnam. December through February is peak season with higher prices, while November and March offer similar weather with fewer crowds.
How many days do you need for Vietnam and Cambodia?
Plan for 14-21 days to see both countries comfortably. A 10-day trip covers the highlights of Hanoi, Halong Bay and Angkor Wat. A 20-day trip lets you add central Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, Tonle Sap and Phnom Penh at a relaxed pace that allows for rest days and spontaneous exploration.
How much does a Vietnam and Cambodia trip cost from Canada?
Return flights from Canadian cities run $1,200-2,200 CAD. Daily expenses range from $45-95 CAD (budget) to $120-240 CAD (mid-range). A three-week independent trip typically costs $4,000-8,000 CAD total. An all-inclusive guided tour like Approach Tours’ 20-day package starts at $10,595 CAD with every expense covered, from door-to-door car service to all 57 meals.
Do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam and Cambodia?
Yes. Canadians can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online (approximately $35 CAD, processed in 3 business days). Cambodia offers visa-on-arrival at airports for about $42 CAD. Both countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond arrival.
Is Vietnam and Cambodia safe for Canadian seniors?
Both countries are generally safe for tourists, including seniors. The main considerations are tropical heat (stay hydrated and pace yourself), traffic in major cities (pedestrian crossings work differently than in Canada) and standard food/water precautions. Travelling with an organized group tour provides an added safety net with 24/7 support and professional local guides. Review the latest advisories at travel.gc.ca before booking.
What vaccinations do I need for Vietnam and Cambodia?
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends being up to date on routine vaccinations and considering Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines. Visit a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for personalized advice. Antimalarial medication may be suggested for rural areas.
Planning a trip like this takes research, but the payoff is extraordinary. From the misty karsts of Halong Bay to the ancient stone faces of the Bayon, Vietnam and Cambodia deliver a combination of natural beauty, deep history and warm hospitality that stays with travellers long after they return home to Canada.
Ready to start planning? Explore Approach Tours’ all-inclusive Vietnam & Cambodia experience and discover what 20 days of worry-free adventure looks like.
