Vietnam and Cambodia offer Canadian travellers an extraordinary combination of ancient temples, bustling street markets, pristine coastline and some of the most flavourful cuisine on the planet. The best part? Your dollar stretches further here than almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia. But figuring out the real cost of a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia from Canada requires more than a quick Google search.
In this guide, we break down every major expense so you can plan with confidence, whether you choose to travel independently or join a fully guided group tour. All prices are in Canadian dollars unless noted otherwise.
What Does a Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia Cost Overall?
The total cost of a Vietnam and Cambodia trip from Canada typically falls between $5,500 and $14,000 CAD per person for a two- to three-week vacation. That wide range depends on your travel style, accommodation choices, dining preferences and how many activities you squeeze into your itinerary.
Here is a quick snapshot of what different travel styles look like:
| Travel Style | Duration | Estimated Total (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget backpacker | 14-20 days | $5,500-$7,000 |
| Mid-range independent | 14-20 days | $7,000-$10,000 |
| All-inclusive group tour | 20 days | $10,595 |
| Luxury independent | 14-20 days | $12,000-$14,000+ |
The all-inclusive group tour figure comes directly from Approach Tours’ Vietnam and Angkor Wat itinerary, which covers flights, 57 meals, 4-star hotels, excursions, tips and even door-to-door car service from your home to the airport.
How Much Are Flights from Canada to Vietnam?
Flights are usually the single biggest line item on your budget. Return airfare from major Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary) to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi typically costs between $1,200 and $2,200 CAD during shoulder season. Peak season flights (December through February) can push closer to $2,500 or more.
Most routes involve one or two connections through hubs such as Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong or Taipei. Total travel time ranges from 18 to 26 hours depending on layovers. Booking three to four months ahead generally secures the best fares.
If you plan to visit both countries, you will also need a short-haul flight between Vietnam and Cambodia. A one-way ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh runs $80 to $180 CAD, and the flight takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, some travellers take a scenic bus or boat through the Mekong Delta, which costs far less but adds a full travel day.
Accommodation Costs in Vietnam and Cambodia
Accommodation across both countries is remarkably affordable compared to Canada. Here is what you can expect per night:
| Category | Vietnam (CAD/night) | Cambodia (CAD/night) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel / guesthouse | $10-$25 | $8-$20 |
| Mid-range hotel (3-star) | $40-$80 | $35-$70 |
| 4-star hotel | $80-$160 | $70-$140 |
| Luxury resort | $160-$400+ | $140-$350+ |
Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 are popular bases with dozens of excellent mid-range hotels in the $50 to $80 range per night. In Siem Reap, you can find charming boutique hotels near the temples for under $60 a night. Phnom Penh’s riverside area offers similar value.
Over a 20-day trip staying in comfortable mid-range hotels, expect to spend roughly $1,000 to $1,600 CAD on accommodation.
Wondering whether to book everything yourself or go all-inclusive? Compare the two approaches here.
How Much Does Food Cost in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Few destinations in the world reward food lovers as generously as Vietnam and Cambodia. Street food is not just cheap, it is genuinely some of the best cooking you will ever taste. A steaming bowl of pho in Hanoi costs as little as $2 to $4 CAD. A plate of fish amok in Siem Reap might set you back $3 to $5.
Here is a rough daily food budget by dining style:
| Dining Style | Daily Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Street food and local eateries | $15-$25 |
| Mid-range restaurants | $25-$50 |
| Fine dining / resort restaurants | $50-$100+ |
Travellers who mix street food with the occasional sit-down restaurant typically spend $25 to $40 per day. Over 20 days, that works out to $500 to $800 CAD for meals.
One of the real highlights of both countries is the market culture. In Hoi An, you can join a cooking class at the central market for under $30 CAD and learn to roll your own fresh spring rolls. In Cambodia, the Phsar Thmei market in Phnom Penh is a feast for the senses (and the stomach).
What Are the Must-See Attractions and Their Costs?
Vietnam and Cambodia are packed with world-class experiences, many of which are surprisingly affordable. Here are the top attractions and what they cost:
| Attraction | Entry Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Angkor Wat (3-day pass, Cambodia) | $90 |
| Angkor Wat (1-day pass) | $50 |
| Halong Bay overnight cruise (Vietnam) | $150-$350 |
| Cu Chi Tunnels tour (Vietnam) | $15-$30 |
| Mekong Delta day trip (Vietnam) | $20-$50 |
| Royal Palace, Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | $15 |
| Hue Imperial Citadel (Vietnam) | $10 |
| Hoi An Ancient Town ticket (Vietnam) | $12 |
Angkor Wat deserves special mention. The sprawling temple complex near Siem Reap is one of the most magnificent archaeological sites on earth. A three-day pass gives you time to explore the main temples, catch sunrise over the iconic towers and discover quieter outlying temples like Banteay Srei. Budget at least two full days here.
In Vietnam, a Halong Bay overnight cruise is practically a rite of passage. Drifting among thousands of limestone karsts while sipping Vietnamese coffee from the deck of a wooden junk boat is the kind of memory that stays with you forever.
Getting Around: Transportation Costs Within Vietnam and Cambodia
Local transportation in both countries is affordable and adds up to a relatively small portion of your overall budget.
| Transport Type | Typical Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Grab (ride-hailing) in cities | $2-$8 per ride |
| Domestic flight (Vietnam, one-way) | $50-$120 |
| Sleeper train Hanoi to Hue | $30-$50 |
| Tourist bus between cities | $10-$25 |
| Tuk-tuk in Siem Reap (per day) | $15-$25 |
| Motorbike rental (per day) | $8-$15 |
Vietnam’s north-to-south geography means you will likely take at least one domestic flight or overnight train. The Reunification Express train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is a legendary rail journey, though most travellers cover the route in segments rather than the full 30-hour ride. Sleeper trains between Hanoi and Hue or Da Nang are comfortable and save you a night of accommodation.
For a 20-day trip covering multiple cities in both countries, plan for $300 to $600 CAD in local transportation, including the cross-border flight.
Do Canadians Need a Visa for Vietnam and Cambodia?
Yes, Canadian passport holders need visas for both countries. The good news is that the process is straightforward and inexpensive.
- Vietnam: Canadians can apply for an e-visa online (approximately $35 CAD) valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes about three business days. A visa on arrival is also available for roughly $50 to $70 CAD including the approval letter.
- Cambodia: An e-visa costs about $50 CAD and covers a 30-day stay. You can also get a visa on arrival at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh airports for the same fee.
Budget roughly $85 to $120 CAD total for both visas.
Travel Insurance: What Should Canadians Expect to Pay?
Travel insurance is essential for any trip to Southeast Asia. A comprehensive policy for a Canadian traveller covering two to three weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia typically costs $100 to $250 CAD, depending on your age, coverage level and provider.
Look for a policy that includes emergency medical coverage of at least $1 million, trip cancellation protection, baggage loss and emergency evacuation. Travellers over 60 should pay special attention to pre-existing condition coverage and policy limits.
If you join an all-inclusive group tour, emergency medical insurance may already be included. Approach Tours, for example, bundles $5 million in emergency medical insurance through Manulife with every booking.
How Does an All-Inclusive Tour Compare to Independent Travel?
When you add up flights, hotels, meals, activities, transportation, visas and insurance for an independent mid-range trip, the total typically lands between $7,000 and $10,000 CAD per person. And that estimate assumes you are doing all the research, booking and logistics yourself.
Approach Tours’ 20-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat all-inclusive tour starts at $10,595 CAD per person. That single price covers:
- Return international flights from Canadian gateways (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa)
- Private door-to-door car service between your home and the airport (within 100 km)
- 20 nights in 4-star hotels
- All 57 meals, including beverages
- Every excursion, entrance fee and cultural experience (Angkor Wat, Halong Bay cruise, Mekong Delta and more)
- Tips for all service providers
- $5 million emergency medical insurance through Manulife
- A dedicated Group Guru with you for the entire trip
- All taxes and fees
The PERKS value of everything included beyond the base tour is $3,615 CAD. When you factor in the time saved on planning and the peace of mind that comes with knowing every detail is handled, the all-inclusive route offers exceptional value, especially for travellers who prefer to spend their energy exploring rather than troubleshooting logistics.
See the full Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary and check available departure dates.
Tips to Stretch Your Budget in Vietnam and Cambodia
No matter how you choose to travel, these tips will help your Canadian dollars go further:
- Travel during shoulder season. March through May and September through November offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Peak season (December to February) brings higher prices across the board.
- Eat where the locals eat. The best pho in Hanoi is not in a hotel restaurant. Follow the plastic stools to roadside stalls and you will eat better for less.
- Use Grab for city transport. This ride-hailing app works like Uber in both countries and is consistently cheaper than taxis.
- Negotiate at markets. Polite bargaining is expected at most markets. Start at about half the asking price and settle somewhere in the middle.
- Carry small bills in local currency. ATMs are widely available, but having small denominations saves you from overpaying when vendors cannot make change.
- Book Angkor Wat tickets online. You can purchase your temple pass ahead of time and skip the queue at the ticket office.
Sample 20-Day Budget Breakdown
Here is what a comfortable mid-range independent trip for one person might look like:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Return flights from Canada | $1,500-$2,200 |
| Vietnam-Cambodia cross-border flight | $80-$180 |
| Accommodation (20 nights, mid-range) | $1,000-$1,600 |
| Meals (20 days, mixed dining) | $500-$800 |
| Attractions and excursions | $300-$500 |
| Local transportation | $300-$600 |
| Visas (Vietnam + Cambodia) | $85-$120 |
| Travel insurance | $100-$250 |
| Miscellaneous (SIM card, souvenirs, tips) | $200-$400 |
| Total | $4,065-$6,650 |
Keep in mind this does not include the time you will spend researching, booking and coordinating every element. For many Canadian retirees who value ease over penny-pinching, that hidden cost of time is the deciding factor in choosing an all-inclusive group tour instead.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
Both countries can be visited year-round, but timing affects both your experience and your budget.
- October to April is generally the dry season across most of Vietnam and Cambodia, making it the most popular window for travellers. Temperatures hover around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, perfect for temple visits and coastal exploration.
- May to September brings the wet season with afternoon downpours. However, rain rarely lasts all day, prices drop significantly and tourist sites are less crowded. Halong Bay and northern Vietnam are lush and green during this period.
- December to February is peak season with the highest prices and biggest crowds, particularly around Angkor Wat and Hanoi.
For the best balance of weather, value and manageable crowds, consider travelling in October, November, March or April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $5,000 CAD enough for a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia?
A budget-conscious traveller can cover a 14-day trip for around $5,000 to $5,500 CAD, including flights, basic accommodation, street food and major attractions. However, this requires careful planning and leaves little room for splurges like overnight Halong Bay cruises or luxury hotels.
How much spending money should I bring per day?
For a comfortable mid-range experience, budget $60 to $100 CAD per day for meals, activities and local transport (on top of pre-booked flights and hotels). Budget travellers can get by on $30 to $50 per day.
Is Vietnam or Cambodia cheaper?
Cambodia is slightly cheaper for accommodation and dining, particularly in areas outside Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Vietnam offers better value for domestic transportation and has a wider range of mid-range hotel options. Overall, costs are comparable.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Major hotels, upscale restaurants and tourist shops accept credit cards in both countries. However, street vendors, local restaurants and smaller businesses operate on cash. Carry Vietnamese dong and Cambodian riel (US dollars are also widely used in Cambodia).
What currency should I bring from Canada?
Bring US dollars or Canadian dollars to exchange on arrival. ATMs dispense local currency and are plentiful in cities. Notify your bank before departure to avoid card blocks. Exchange rates are better in-country than at Canadian airports.
How far in advance should I book?
Book flights three to four months ahead for the best fares. Hotel reservations during peak season (December to February) should be made at least two months in advance. For an all-inclusive group tour with Approach Tours, popular departure dates sell out well ahead, so booking early secures your preferred date and room type.
