Overview
Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam form one of Southeast Asia's most-traveled circuits, offering a layered mix of archaeological wonders, living religious traditions, diverse cuisines, and rapidly evolving cities. Each country has a distinct character: Cambodia carries the weight of the Khmer Empire's grandeur and a more recent painful history; Thailand balances modernity with deeply rooted royal and Buddhist customs; Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km of coastline and encompasses a striking range of landscapes, peoples, and urban energy.
The region is accessible to travelers of many budgets and interests. Backpackers, families, culinary explorers, and heritage enthusiasts all find meaningful itineraries here. Infrastructure has improved markedly over the past decade, with international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, plus overland and river crossing options between countries.
This guide focuses on the most-visited cities and entry points: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Bangkok (Thailand), and Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi (Vietnam). Travelers doing a full circuit typically fly into Bangkok or Hanoi and exit from a different city to minimize backtracking.
Before You Go
Visas
Visa rules for Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam differ by nationality and change periodically. Do not rely on secondhand information. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for current summaries, and always verify requirements with the official immigration authority of each country before you travel.
- Cambodia: Official resource is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (www.mfaic.gov.kh) and the e-visa portal (evisa.gov.kh).
- Thailand: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand (mfa.go.th) and the Immigration Bureau (immigration.go.th) publish current entry rules.
- Vietnam: The Vietnam Immigration Department (immigration.gov.vn) handles e-visas and arrival procedures.
Health and Vaccinations
Consult a travel health clinic or your GP at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Commonly discussed vaccines for this region include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and rabies (especially for longer stays or rural travel). Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for certain rural areas in Cambodia and border zones — seek medical advice specific to your itinerary. Mosquito repellent containing DEET is widely recommended. Travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly advised.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, trip disruption, and theft is considered essential by most experienced travelers to this region. Verify your policy covers activities you plan to do — motorcycle rentals, trekking, and water sports are sometimes excluded.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing; a light layer for air-conditioned buses and restaurants
- Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) for temple visits
- A quality reusable water bottle; tap water is not safe to drink in any of the three countries
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a basic first-aid kit
- Copies of all important documents stored separately from originals
Getting There
By Air
All three countries are well connected internationally. Major international airports include:
- Cambodia: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI — partially operational as of late 2023; verify current status)
- Thailand: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK), both serving Bangkok
- Vietnam: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN, Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN, Ho Chi Minh City)
Regional carriers including AirAsia, VietJet, Bangkok Airways, and Cambodia Angkor Air operate frequent intra-regional routes, often making flying between cities cheaper and faster than overland options.
Overland and River
Overland border crossings exist between all three countries and are used regularly by budget travelers. Conditions, hours, and required documentation at crossings can change; verify current status before relying on a specific crossing. The slow boat from Chiang Rai (Thailand) to Luang Prabang (Laos) is a separate popular route. River crossings between Cambodia and Vietnam (notably along the Mekong) are available and can be a scenic alternative to flying.
Getting Around
Within Cities
- Bangkok: BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are clean, affordable, and cover most tourist areas. Tuk-tuks and metered taxis are plentiful; use the meter or agree a fare in advance. Grab (rideshare app) is widely available and recommended for transparent pricing.
- Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi: Grab is the most reliable way to get a metered ride. Walking is practical in central districts. Motorbike taxis (xe om) remain common but negotiate the fare before riding.
- Phnom Penh / Siem Reap: Tuk-tuks are the primary local transport for tourists; Grab operates in Phnom Penh. Siem Reap is compact enough to cycle across.
Between Cities
Budget airlines make inter-city travel fast. Sleeper trains in Vietnam (operated by Vietnam Railways) are a popular and scenic option on routes such as Hanoi–Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City; book through the official Vietnam Railways site (dsvn.vn) or a verified agent. Long-distance buses are plentiful and cheap but comfort and safety standards vary widely by operator.
Renting Vehicles
Motorbike rental is popular in Vietnam and Cambodia. Ensure you hold the appropriate license category for your home country and that your insurance covers this activity. Road conditions vary significantly outside major cities; exercise caution.
Things to See & Do
Cambodia
- Angkor Archaeological Park (Siem Reap): The primary reason most travelers visit Cambodia. The park encompasses Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and hundreds of other temples across a large forested area. Admission is managed through official ticketing; purchase only through official channels to avoid inflated prices.
- Phnom Penh: The capital combines important historical sites — including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum — with a riverside café culture and growing arts scene. The Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) sites are sobering but historically significant; approach them with appropriate respect.
- Tonlé Sap Lake: Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, accessible from Siem Reap. The floating villages give context to traditional fishing communities, though the tourist experience varies in quality — choose reputable operators.
Thailand (Bangkok)
- Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): Two of Bangkok's most visited temple complexes, located near the Grand Palace.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world's largest weekend markets, covering clothing, homewares, food, and plants. Go early to beat the heat.
- Chao Phraya River: Boat travel along the river and its canals (klongs) offers a view of the city unavailable from street level. Public express boats are practical and inexpensive.
- Jim Thompson House and National Museum: Accessible cultural history sites that provide context beyond temple-hopping.
Vietnam
- Hanoi Old Quarter: A dense grid of streets historically organized by trade specialization, now a mix of shops, street food stalls, and colonial-era architecture. Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple are within easy walking distance.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Ben Thanh Market area, the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and the French Quarter district (Dong Khoi Street) are among the most-visited areas. The pace is faster and more commercial than Hanoi.
- Day trips: Cu Chi Tunnels (from HCMC) and the Mekong Delta are commonly visited on guided day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
Food & Drink
Cambodia
Khmer cuisine is less internationally familiar than Vietnamese or Thai food but is worth seeking out. Dishes often feature fish paste (prahok), freshwater fish from the Tonlé Sap, coconut-based curries, and fresh herbs. Amok (a steamed fish or chicken curry in coconut milk) and lok lak (stir-fried beef with lime-pepper dipping sauce) are widely available. Street food in Phnom Penh's markets and riverside areas is generally good value.
Thailand (Bangkok)
Bangkok has one of the world's most dynamic food scenes, spanning humble street stalls to Michelin-recognized restaurants. Pad Thai, boat noodles, som tum (green papaya salad), and various Thai curries are found everywhere. Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) is particularly strong for evening street food. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled or filtered water is universal.
Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine varies noticeably by region. Pho (noodle soup) is ubiquitous but the broth style differs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Bánh mì sandwiches, fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and broken rice (com tam) are staples. Coffee culture is strong; Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is a highlight. Sidewalk plastic-stool restaurants and market food courts are where locals eat and represent good value.
Alcohol and Drinking Culture
Beer (Beer Laos, Bia Hoi fresh draft beer in Vietnam, Chang or Singha in Thailand) is widely available and inexpensive. Bia Hoi corners in Hanoi are a social institution. Drinking on the street is common and generally legal in tourist areas. Exercise the usual caution around accepting open drinks from strangers.
Shopping
What to Look For
- Cambodia: Silk scarves and textiles, hand-carved wooden items, silverwork, and Khmer artwork. The Artisans Angkor workshops in Siem Reap sell certified fair-trade crafts and provide transparent information about their artisans.
- Thailand: Silk fabrics, hand-painted ceramics, traditional Thai massage products, street fashion, and electronics. Be cautious of counterfeit goods — purchasing counterfeits is illegal.
- Vietnam: Lacquerware, conical hats (nón lá), hand-embroidered items, bespoke tailoring (Hoi An is particularly well-known for this), and locally grown coffee and tea.
Bargaining
Haggling is expected at markets throughout all three countries but is not appropriate in shops with fixed prices. Remain polite and good-humored; walking away is a legitimate negotiating tactic. In tourist-heavy areas, initial asking prices for foreigners are often significantly above local rates.
What Not to Buy
Avoid purchasing items made from protected wildlife or plants, antiques of unclear provenance (exporting genuine antiques is regulated or prohibited), or coral and shell products. Such purchases may be illegal and contribute to environmental harm.
Practical Information
Money
- Cambodia uses both Cambodian Riel and US dollars; USD is widely accepted. Small riel notes are used for change on dollar transactions.
- Thailand uses Thai Baht only; ATMs are plentiful in cities. International ATM fees can add up; check with your bank before traveling.
- Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong; carry local currency for most purchases as USD acceptance is limited outside tourist venues.
- Notify your bank before departure to avoid card blocks.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards offering generous data packages are inexpensive and available at airports and convenience stores in all three countries. Bring an unlocked phone. Wi-Fi is available in virtually all cafés, guesthouses, and hotels.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency numbers differ by country and service type. Research and save local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire) before arrival. Contact information for your country's embassy or consulate in each capital should also be saved.
Tipping
Tipping is not deeply embedded in local culture but has become expected in tourist-facing businesses. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving small change is common; a 10% tip at sit-down restaurants is appreciated. Tipping tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff is at your discretion but welcomed.
Electricity
All three countries use 220V/50Hz electricity. Plug types vary (Types A, B, C, and G are all encountered); a universal travel adapter is advisable.
Safety
General Safety
All three countries are visited by millions of travelers annually without serious incident. Standard urban awareness applies: keep valuables out of sight, use secure bags, and be alert in crowded markets and tourist areas where bag-snatching (sometimes from motorbikes) is periodically reported.
Traffic
Road traffic in all three countries — particularly in Vietnam and Cambodia — can be intense and follows patterns unfamiliar to visitors from countries with stricter traffic enforcement. Cross streets slowly and steadily; traffic tends to flow around pedestrians. Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of tourist injuries in the region. Wear a helmet if riding.
Scams
Common tourist scams include tuk-tuk drivers directing you to closed attractions and suggesting alternative gem shops, overpriced taxi fares, and unofficial ticket sellers. Book through official channels where possible, use metered or app-based transport, and be politely skeptical of unsolicited assistance.
Political and Social Context
All three countries have governments that restrict certain political speech and activities. Travelers should be aware of local laws regarding photography of government buildings, military installations, and sensitive sites. Penalties for drug offenses are severe in all three countries — in Thailand they can be extreme.
Health Risks
Heat and dehydration are genuine risks, especially for those unaccustomed to tropical climates. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan strenuous outdoor activities for early morning. Seek shade during peak afternoon hours.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religion and Temples
Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in Cambodia and Thailand; Vietnam has a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and other traditions. Temples and pagodas are active places of worship, not merely tourist sites. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) when visiting. Remove shoes when indicated, speak quietly, and follow signage or staff guidance.
Greetings and Etiquette
- In Thailand, the traditional greeting is the wai (palms pressed together with a slight bow); returning the gesture to locals who initiate it is respectful.
- In Cambodia, a similar gesture called the sampeah is used.
- In Vietnam, a slight bow or nod is common. Handshakes are acceptable in urban business contexts.
- The head is considered sacred in Thai and Cambodian culture; avoid touching people's heads.
- The feet are considered the lowest and least clean part of the body; avoid pointing feet toward people, shrines, or images of the Buddha.
The Monarchy (Thailand)
Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws protecting the monarchy. Public criticism of the royal family is a criminal offense. Travelers should be aware of this and exercise appropriate discretion in conversations and on social media.
Festivals and Public Holidays
The region has numerous significant festivals — Songkran (Thai New Year, April), Khmer New Year (April), and Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, January/February) are the largest. Traveling during these periods means encountering celebrations but also crowded transport and closed businesses; plan accordingly.
