1. What is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to April.
This is because temperatures and humidity fall across central and northern Vietnam and rainfall becomes less frequent in both Vietnam and Cambodia.
Cambodia and Vietnam are often visited together because of their proximity to one another, and both countries have similar wet and dry seasons.
And while Vietnam does have three separate climate systems from north to south, the optimum period to travel there is still in the typical dry season.
However, if you are planning a trip and are not fond of crowds in the locations you plan to visit, the shoulder seasons, October/November and April/May are good options for travel.
2. What are the COVID-19 travel restrictions for traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia?
The restrictions on travel under the COVID-19 guidelines are lower now in both countries, with a push to restart the tourism industries in Vietnam and Cambodia to help their economies to recover. Both countries still have face-mask requirements in public.
In Vietnam, there is no longer any requirement for pre-travel testing, although the COVID pandemic does mean that, for now, all visitors are required to have a visa, including those previously given visa exemption. You will also need travel insurance with full COVID cover, and are required to download and use the “PC-Covid Viet Nam” Mobile app in order to enter the country.
Similar to Vietnam, Cambodia also no longer has testing requirements before traveling. However, if unvaccinated, you will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on arrival in Cambodia, at your own expense. Fully vaccinated travelers only need to show their vaccination certificates for entry. All visa options, including visa on arrival and the Cambodia E-Visa are available once again for travelers.
3. How many days to spend in Cambodia and Vietnam?
While it is possible to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia in a week, you will likely be rushed trying to see the best of both countries, so it is recommended to spend at least 2-4 weeks travel.
For Vietnam, you should consider spending at least 1-2 days in each location, to give you chance to see the basic sights of the main tourist destinations of Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon. But it is possible to tour the main highlights within one week if you are lacking in time.
The same can be said of Cambodia, and Angkor Temple Complex really needs 2 days to explore. With just a week, you can spend time in Siem Reap while at Angkor, as well as visiting Tonle Sap Lake for a day, and spending time touring the sights of Phnom Penh.
4. How to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Cambodia can be reached from Vietnam by flight, overland travel, or even by boat.
Flights run daily from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the capital, Phnom Penh, as well as to Siem Reap for those planning to hit Angor Wat first.
There are four overland routes from Vietnam to Cambodia, and it is advisable to plan well for these trips to ensure you can make your connections on both sides of the border. The four crossing points are at Bavet / Moc Bai, Phnom Den / Tinh Bien, Prek Chak / Xa Xia, and Le Thanh / O Yadao.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the boat from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital. There are two types of boats to choose from, the faster speedboat trip which takes just two hours, or the cheaper and slower ferry which takes 5-6 hours to reach the capital.
5. What is the best way to travel Vietnam and Cambodia?
How you travel on your Vietnam and Cambodia tour is entirely up to you, and you do have options for your trip.
For some, the best trips are those they manage themselves, booking their own hotels and travel arrangements from one destination to another. This is best for an experienced traveler, as it can be quite confusing if you are not used to traveling in Asia.
The other main option is to book a tour with a travel company, which takes the hassle out of traveling in two different countries. You can book a tour with a pre-arranged travel group, where you can join in and travel with a group of other travelers, or you can book your own personal tour, where you and your group/friends/family are the only members of the party.
6. Can I use US dollars in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Vietnam’s official currency is the “dong”, while Cambodia’s is the riel, and for the most part, they are the currencies you will use while in Vietnam and Cambodia.
However, both countries do accept payment in dollars, though normally only for higher-priced payments, such as hotel bills or expensive jewelry.
That said, while you can use dollars in both Cambodia and Vietnam, it is not advisable if you are hoping to make the most of your money.
Payments in dong or riel actually give you better value for money than paying in dollars, because the vendors will give you a lower rate of exchange against the item compared to banks or even moneychangers.
7. Know more travel information about Vietnam and Cambodia
1. How to travel from Cambodia to Vietnam?
2. Best time to visit Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand
3. Are the best beaches in Cambodia or Vietnam?
4. Is Cambodia tour cheaper than Vietnam tour?
5. Cambodia VS Vietnam: are Cambodia and Vietnam the same? Which tovisit?
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