Self-Launched Vietnam & Angkor Adventure
14 days · Vietnam & Cambodia
Exodus charges £3,200
No-markup version: ~£825 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Experience the very best of Vietnam and Cambodia's Angkor temple complex independently — at a fraction of the premium tour price. This self-launched itinerary follows the same iconic route from Hanoi to Siem Reap: cruising Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts, wandering Hoi An's lantern-lit old town, exploring Ho Chi Minh City's history, drifting through the Mekong Delta, and waking before dawn at Angkor Wat. Swap premium hotels for quality boutique guesthouses and budget hotels, replace private minibuses with local buses and trains, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide and Klook. All estimates are approximate and per person.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Hanoi — Welcome dinner in the Old Quarter
Hanoi, Vietnam
Fly into Noi Bai International Airport and take the airport bus (86 Express, ~£1) or a Grab taxi (~£6) into the city. Check into a well-rated hostel or guesthouse in the Old Quarter. In the evening, head to KOTO restaurant on Van Mieu Street — you can book directly, just as the tour does — for a meaningful welcome dinner supporting disadvantaged youth.
🚌Airport bus (86 Express) ~£1, or Grab taxi ~£6
🛏Hanoi Backpacker's Hostel or La Siesta Classic Ma May — ~£12–18/night
- →Self-arrange airport transfer via 86 Express bus or Grab app (~£1–6)
- →Check in to Old Quarter hostel or guesthouse
- →Dinner at KOTO (Know One, Teach One) restaurant — book directly at koto.com.au (~£8–12pp)
Hanoi City Tour — Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison & Old Quarter
Hanoi, Vietnam
Spend the morning on a self-led or booked walking tour taking in the Temple of Literature (entry ~£1.50), Hoa Lo Prison Museum (entry ~£1.50), and the buzzing Old Quarter streets. Grab a cheap lunch at a local pho or bun cha stall. In the afternoon, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and sip Vietnamese egg coffee at a lakeside café. Book a group walking tour via GetYourGuide for a guided option (~£10).
🚌Walking and Grab taxis as needed (~£2–5)
🛏Hanoi Backpacker's Hostel or La Siesta Classic Ma May — ~£12–18/night
- →Visit the Temple of Literature (~£1.50 entry)
- →Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum (~£1.50 entry)
- →Walk the Old Quarter streets and street food hunt
- →Stroll Hoan Kiem Lake and try Vietnamese egg coffee
Ha Long Bay Cruise — Karst Scenery, Kayaking & Sundowners
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Take an organised overnight Ha Long Bay cruise — easily booked independently via GetYourGuide, Klook or directly with operators like Indochina Junk or Bhaya Cruises. A quality mid-range 2-day/1-night cruise departs Hanoi early (~4hrs by private shuttle included), covers kayaking, swimming, a seafood lunch, cave exploration, and sunset drinks on deck. This is one area where booking a package cruise is the same process whether you're on a group tour or independent.
🚌Shuttle bus Hanoi–Ha Long Bay included in cruise package
🛏Shared twin-share cabin on mid-range cruise boat (included in cruise price ~£80–110)
- →Book a 2D/1N Ha Long Bay cruise via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£80–110pp including transport, meals, kayaking)
- →Kayak through limestone karsts (included in cruise)
- →Seafood lunch on board (included)
- →Sunset drinks on the top deck
Ha Long Bay Morning Cruise — Return to Hanoi
Ha Long Bay → Hanoi, Vietnam
Continue cruising Ha Long Bay before returning to port around midday. The cruise shuttle will drop you back in Hanoi. Spend your free evening exploring the Old Quarter night market, catching a water puppets show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (book directly, ~£5), or dining independently.
🚌Cruise shuttle return to Hanoi (included in cruise price)
🛏Hanoi Backpacker's Hostel or La Siesta Classic Ma May — ~£12–18/night
- →Morning cruise around Ha Long Bay karsts (included in Day 3 package)
- →Return shuttle to Hanoi (included in cruise package)
- →Optional: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (~£5, book directly)
- →Free evening exploring Hanoi's night market
Fly Hanoi to Da Nang — Marble Mountain — Transfer to Hoi An
Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam
Take a budget flight from Hanoi to Da Nang with VietJet Air or Bamboo Airways (~£25–40, book in advance). On arrival, hire a Grab or local taxi to Marble Mountain (~£5). Explore the war-era caves and climb to the summit for panoramic views (~£1.50 entry). Then take a local bus or Grab taxi (~£5) the 30km south to Hoi An. Check into a guesthouse in or near the ancient town and enjoy dinner by the Thu Bon River.
🚌Budget flight ~£25–40; Grab/taxi Da Nang–Marble Mountain–Hoi An ~£8–12
🛏An Bang Beach Hideaway or Vinh Hung Library Hotel, Hoi An — ~£15–20/night
- →Budget flight Hanoi–Da Nang with VietJet or Bamboo Airways (~£25–40)
- →Visit Marble Mountain — war-era caves and panoramic views (~£1.50 entry)
- →Transfer to Hoi An by local bus or Grab (~£3–5)
- →Dinner at a riverside restaurant in Hoi An (~£5–8)
Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour — Ancient Town & Free Afternoon
Hoi An, Vietnam
Explore Hoi An's UNESCO-listed Ancient Town on foot. Buy a combined Old Town ticket (~£3.50) granting entry to five heritage sites including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Book a group walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£10) or go independently with a map. After lunch at a local bánh mì or cao lầu stall, the afternoon is free — rent a bicycle (~£2/day) and explore the surrounding rice paddies or visit My Son Sanctuary (~£10 via Klook).
🚌Walking and bicycle rental (~£2/day)
🛏An Bang Beach Hideaway or Vinh Hung Library Hotel, Hoi An — ~£15–20/night
- →Purchase Hoi An Ancient Town combined ticket (~£3.50)
- →Self-led or guided walking tour of the Ancient Town
- →Lunch at a local cao lầu or bánh mì stall (~£2–4)
- →Optional: cycle to My Son Sanctuary (~£10 via Klook) or rent a bicycle and explore (~£2)
Hoi An Market Visit & Vietnamese Cooking Class
Hoi An, Vietnam
Head to the central market in the morning to shop for fresh local ingredients. Join a Vietnamese cooking class — Green Mango Cooking School (as featured in the original tour) is bookable directly or via GetYourGuide (~£25–30pp) and includes the market visit, hands-on cooking with a local chef, and eating your own creations. The afternoon is free: rent a bike and ride the 5km to Cua Dai Beach or simply explore Hoi An at your own pace.
🚌Walking and bicycle rental (~£2)
🛏An Bang Beach Hideaway or Vinh Hung Library Hotel, Hoi An — ~£15–20/night
- →Morning market visit at Hoi An Central Market
- →Vietnamese cooking class at Green Mango Cooking School or equivalent (~£25–30 via GetYourGuide)
- →Lunch: eat your own cooking class creations (included)
- →Optional afternoon bicycle ride to Cua Dai Beach (~£2 bike rental)
Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City — City Tour
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Take a Grab (~£5) from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City with VietJet or Bamboo Airways (~£20–35). Take a bus (109, ~£1) or Grab (~£5) to your guesthouse in District 1 — the backpacker hub. After checking in, grab a bowl of pho at Pho Hoa on Pasteur (a Saigon institution, ~£3), then head out for a self-led afternoon tour: Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace (~£1.50 entry), and War Remnants Museum (~£2 entry).
🚌Grab from Hoi An to Da Nang airport ~£5; budget flight ~£20–35; city bus or Grab ~£1–5
🛏The Common Room Project or Bui Vien hostel area guesthouse, District 1 — ~£12–18/night
- →Budget flight Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City (~£20–35)
- →Lunch at Pho Hoa on Pasteur, a 50-year-old Saigon institution (~£3)
- →Visit Notre Dame Cathedral (free)
- →Visit Reunification Palace (~£1.50 entry)
- →Visit War Remnants Museum (~£2 entry)
Cu Chi Tunnels — Free Afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Book a Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£12–15pp including transport) — these run daily from District 1 and are easily booked the day before. Explore the Viet Cong tunnel network, try crawling through the narrow passages (note: narrow spaces — not for claustrophobics!), and learn about the war from a local guide. Return to HCMC by early afternoon for independent exploration — Ben Thanh Market, rooftop bars on Bui Vien Street, or a sunset cruise on the Saigon River.
🚌Included in Cu Chi tour (~£12–15); Grab for evening (~£2–4)
🛏The Common Room Project or Bui Vien area guesthouse, District 1 — ~£12–18/night
- →Cu Chi Tunnels half-day group tour via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£12–15pp including transport)
- →Explore the tunnel network and war exhibits
- →Free afternoon: Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Street, or Saigon River
- →Dinner independently (~£4–7)
Mekong Delta Boat Tour — Four Sacred Islets
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Book a Mekong Delta day tour via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£20–30pp including transport from HCMC). Tours visit the Four Sacred Islets on the Tien River — Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise and Phoenix — with stops at a fruit farm for seasonal fruit and honey tea, a coconut candy workshop, and a traditional rowing boat through floating fish farms. Lunch is usually included. Return to HCMC in the evening and dine independently in the city.
🚌Included in Mekong Delta tour (~£20–30)
🛏The Common Room Project or Bui Vien area guesthouse, District 1 — ~£12–18/night
- →Mekong Delta full-day group tour via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£20–30pp including transport, some meals)
- →Boat cruise around the Four Sacred Islets of the Tien River
- →Visit coconut candy workshop and local orchard
- →Traditional rowing boat through floating fish farms
- →Dinner independently in HCMC (~£5–8, try a local com tam stall)
Fly Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport by Grab (~£4–6) for your flight to Siem Reap (~£40–70, book in advance with AirAsia or Cambodia Angkor Air). Arrange a Cambodia e-Visa in advance at evisa.gov.kh (~£30). On arrival, take a tuk-tuk from the airport to your guesthouse (~£5). In the evening, head out to Pub Street and the night market area for a farm-to-table or authentic Khmer meal — Mahob Restaurant or Cuisine Wat Damnak offer excellent local food (~£8–15pp).
🚌Grab to HCMC airport ~£4–6; flight ~£40–70; tuk-tuk from Siem Reap airport ~£5
🛏Onederz Hostel Siem Reap or Lub d Siem Reap — ~£12–18/night
- →Budget flight HCMC–Siem Reap with AirAsia or Cambodia Angkor Air (~£40–70)
- →Cambodia e-Visa arranged in advance (~£30)
- →Tuk-tuk from Siem Reap airport to guesthouse (~£5)
- →Welcome dinner at a Khmer restaurant — try Mahob or a local spot near Pub Street (~£8–15)
Sunrise at Angkor Wat — Angkor Thom, Bayon & Temple Ruins
Siem Reap / Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia
Wake before dawn and hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day (~£15–20) to take you to Angkor Wat for sunrise — one of the most iconic moments in Southeast Asia. After breakfast back in town, return to the park (3-day pass ~£52, highly recommended) to explore Angkor Thom, the Bayon temple with its 200 serene carved faces, and Angkor Wat in daylight. Ask your tuk-tuk driver about a home-cooked lunch stop in a local village — many drivers can arrange this for a small extra fee (~£4–6).
🚌Full-day tuk-tuk hire ~£15–20
🛏Onederz Hostel Siem Reap or Lub d Siem Reap — ~£12–18/night
- →Pre-dawn tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat for sunrise (~£15–20 for full-day tuk-tuk hire)
- →Purchase 3-day Angkor Archaeological Park pass (~£52)
- →Explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Bayon
- →Home-cooked village lunch arranged via tuk-tuk driver (~£4–6)
Angkor Archaeological Park — Lesser-Visited Temples
Siem Reap / Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia
Use your 3-day Angkor pass for a second full day exploring the wider archaeological park. Hire a tuk-tuk (~£15–20) to visit the lesser-visited gems: Ta Prohm (the 'Tomb Raider' temple consumed by jungle roots), Banteay Srei (the exquisite 10th-century pink sandstone temple), and Preah Khan. In the evening, head back to Siem Reap for dinner — try a Khmer BBQ at a local restaurant or street food around the Old Market area (~£5–8).
🚌Full-day tuk-tuk hire ~£15–20
🛏Onederz Hostel Siem Reap or Lub d Siem Reap — ~£12–18/night
- →Second day exploring Angkor with 3-day pass (included in Day 12 purchase)
- →Tuk-tuk hire to lesser-visited temples (~£15–20)
- →Visit Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei and Preah Khan
- →Evening dinner at Khmer BBQ or Old Market area (~£5–8)
Departure from Siem Reap
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Enjoy a final breakfast at a local café near your guesthouse. Tuk-tuk to Siem Reap International Airport (~£5) for your onward flight. If you have time before departure, visit the Angkor National Museum (~£10) or browse Artisans Angkor's workshop (free entry) for quality Cambodian handicrafts as souvenirs.
🚌Tuk-tuk to airport ~£5
- →Final breakfast at a local café (~£2–4)
- →Optional: Angkor National Museum (~£10) or Artisans Angkor workshop (free)
- →Tuk-tuk to Siem Reap International Airport (~£5)
Self-launched vs. Exodus
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Exodus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£825 | £3,200 |
| Duration | 14 days | 14 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £2,375 per person (74%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Exodus-style trips? Check them out here.~£825
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Vietnam & Angkor Adventure cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £825 per person for 14 days in Vietnam & Cambodia. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Exodus?+
Yes — Exodus charges around £3,200 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £825 — a saving of roughly £2,375 (74%) per person.
How long is the Vietnam & Cambodia trip?+
This itinerary runs 14 days, covering 14 day-by-day stops through Vietnam & Cambodia.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, backpacker, budget trip through Vietnam & Cambodia, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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