How to combine Vietnam's East coast & Angkor Wat in one trip

7 days makes for a whirlwind tour, but if you only have a short time, it's possible to squeeze a little of Vietnam and Cambodia into your busy south east Asia itinerary...
When I was offered an opportunity to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, I thought I’d be going to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, the two most popular and well-known cities in Vietnam. To my delight I discovered I would be heading off to Vietnam’s Central Coast, followed by a trip to Siem Reap in Cambodia before a quick stop in Ho Chi Minh City - here's how I did it.

Getting to Vietnam's central coast

The Central Coast of Vietnam consists of Lang Co, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. It is becoming an extremely popular destination in Southeast Asia and it’s becoming a lot more accessible due to recent new flight routes.
The flight from London to Ho Chi Minh takes about 12 hours, then it’s a short one hour flight from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang – you can make it to the hotel in time for breakfast! Here's an idea for an itinerary:
London - Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang (East Coast Vietnam) - Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) - Hanoi - Doha - London Flights from £959 pp including taxes

Da Nang

Da Nang is a traditional fishing village and having not travelled in Southeast Asia for about 3 years, it was exactly how I remembered. After five minutes of driving, you get your first glimpse of the beach, which is lined with the archetypal basket boats of Central Vietnam.

Where to stay?

If you stay along the new road that links Da Nang to Hoi An, all the hotels along this stretch offer a beautiful beachfront location. We've picked some of our favourite Vietnam beach hotels including places to stay in Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Qoc, Phan Thiet - all are recommended..
The drive from Da Nang to Hoi An is only about 20 minutes, so when it comes to choosing where to stay on the central coast, Da Nang is a good choice as it offers great access to the beautiful sandy beach, and it is very easy to spend time in neighbouring Hoi An.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a fascinating ancient town where you can spend hours getting lost in the winding streets and alleyways, exploring the tiny shops and market stalls. It’s popular for textiles and tailoring, so for the more refined traveller, this is the perfect opportunity to throw away your threadbare tee shirts and design your own three-piece suit ever so cheaply!

I'd highly recommend spending some time in both Da Nang and Hoi An as they both offer a lovely insight into local life and culture. Combining the two towns works really well as you get to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Da Nang, experience a fishing village, and then soak up the culture and unique atmosphere of Hoi An, and come away with a few local crafts as well.

Getting from Vietnam to Siem Reap

The Central Coast is easy to reach and is an obvious stop if you’re travelling between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.  You can fly into Da Nang from Ho Chi Minh as I did, or from Siem Reap, Cambodia.
This is a new route recently launched by Vietnam Airlines - the flight takes just under two and a half hours and is an easy and quick way to combine Vietnam and Cambodia in one trip.

Siem Reap & Angkor Wat, Cambodia

This was my second trip to Siem Reap, but the first time I visited I was definitely on a shoestring. I'd recommend you experience Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples with a guide – it's extremely informative and something I would never have justified previously, but will always consider in future.

I thought having a guide would restrict my freedom to explore, but in reality it allows you to get the most of where you are and understand what you’re looking at – as well as ensuring you don’t spend half the day haggling over a few pence with a tuk tuk driver!
Spending a couple of days exploring Angkor Wat is great - the temples are awe inspiring and actually quite baffling, something you can’t appreciate until you are standing at the foot of one of them. Jackie recently did a cycle trip round Angkor Wat – I love cycling too but didn’t have time to do it on this trip!

Combining Vietnam & Siem Reap if you’re short on time

The beauty of the new Vietnam Airways Da Nang – Siem Reap flight is that it opens up this incredible place to travellers who are tight with time, and to people who are in Southeast Asia to explore Vietnam, but are looking for that extra something. To make this side trip even better, you could also fly from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh in one hour. So you can get right back on track in Vietnam and explore the South.

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is a vibrant and historic city, and if you're short on time, consider using a guide like we did – he was lovely and informative and took us on a walking tour so we got to see more of the city - I'm really glad we did as it allows you to soak up the atmosphere and see the little details that make places unique.
Whilst you’re in Ho Chi Minh, I’d recommend a visit to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War and its effects; the Saigon Central Post Office (for its architecture), and if you have more time, definitely head out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a massive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Interested?

The new Vietnam airlines flight from Da Nang to Siem Reap really opens up your options for exploring Vietnam and Siem Reap in the same trip. If you’re looking for a diverse trip and want to break up Vietnam, heading to Central Coast Vietnam is priceless, and why not throw in the awe inspiring Angkor Wat temples while you’re at it!

Stopping over in Auckland

Auckland, home to almost a third of New Zealand’s population is by far this country’s biggest city. There is plenty to keep you occupied in the ‘city of sails’ which is surrounded by water and greenery in a relaxed urban environment full of trendy restaurants and cafes and a bustling downtown area. This gateway to the rest of New Zealand has plenty to offer before you set off on your exploration of this incredible country, so spend a few days stopping over in Auckland and settle into the laid back lifestyle of the kiwi culture.

When to go

Temperatures are mild to warm throughout the year, with plenty of rain in winter and hot humid summers. The summer months November – March are the best time to visit.

Getting around

Auckland Airport is located approximately 13 miles (21km) south of the city’s centre, and transport options are well connected making getting into and out of the city easy and accessible. We can arrange your airport transfers for you; an Airbus service connects the airport to the city centre, as well as buses, taxi cabs and shared shuttle buses which offer a reliable door- to- door service. Traffic congestion and complexity can be an issue in Auckland so avoid hiring a car and used fixed-rate taxi rides booked through your hotel where possible - or explore on foot. Visit www.maxx.co.nz for helpful transport tips.

Where to stay

Auckland is surrounded by picturesque bays, happening harbours and suburbs that vary from the quaint to the quirky. The central downtown area is compact and easily explored on foot. Traffic in and around the surrounding areas can be manic, so it’s best to book a stay as central as possible, unless you are looking to be close to a particular site. There is no shortage of accommodation options in Auckland whether you’re looking for cheap backpackers, self-catering apartment or a luxury hotel and we can always find something to suit your own style and budget!

What to see and do – our favourite picks

Set yourself up for the day with brunch on Ponsonby

Start your day by enjoying brunch in one of the cool pavement cafes on hip and trendy Ponsonby Street. Located to the west of the city centre, Ponsonby is one of the most happening thoroughfares in Auckland, with more than 100 cafes, restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by, and there are also plenty of upmarket clothes stores and art galleries to browse.

Enjoy jaw-dropping views from the Sky Tower

Head into the city centre and Auckland’s most famous (not to mention visible) landmark, the Sky Tower. At 328 metres, its New Zealand’s tallest man made structure and you can see it from almost everywhere in the city. Striking as it is, it’s the view from the top that is the real attraction. Travel up to one of three spectacular viewing platforms in the glass-fronted lifts for views which, on a clear day, stretch as far as 80 kilometres in every direction.

To jump or not to jump?

If leaping off tall buildings sounds like your kind of thing, then you’ll definitely want to give the Skyjump a go. This is an unforgettable experience for any self-respecting adrenaline junky or daredevil. It’s a base-jump by wire and it’s 192 metres straight down from the top of the Sky Tower If you prefer something a little more sedate, enjoy lunch in the revolving restaurant and watch the crazy people jump!

Explore bohemian Devonport

From the Sky Tower, stroll down to the ferry port and hop on a ferry to bohemian Devonport, just 10-15 minutes across the bay from downtown Auckland. It’s full of second hand bookshops, interesting architecture and cool little cafes and bars...the perfect place for a long lunch in the sunshine. To walk your lunch off, climb Mount Victoria, a rather grandly named hill just behind the town. It’s a steep but fairly short climb and your reward is panoramic, 360 degree views over the city skyline, harbour and Waiheke Island.

Climb a dormant volcano

If that view whets your appetite, get the ferry back across to the city centre and jump on the Explorer Bus to Mount Eden, probably Auckland’s most famous natural viewpoint. Several walking trails lead you to the top of this dormant volcano, with its magnificent bowl like crater. The view from the top, almost 200 metres above sea level, is simply sensational and well worth the effort.

Help crew an America’s Cup yacht

Alternatively, why not try your hand at helping to sail an Americas Cup sailing boat around the harbour? Definitely something you won’t get to try every day and a very appropriate activity to do in the city of sails. No sailing experience is necessary and trips last 2 hours.

Enjoy sundowners at the Viaduct Harbour

Keeping with the nautical theme, as sunset approaches wander down to the Viaduct Harbour which is home to superyachts of the rich and famous. The clutch of harbour side bars and restaurants are the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy a drink or meal as you watch the sunset over the harbour.

Exploring further afield

Waiheke Island is 35 minutes from Auckland by ferry and is a haven of beautiful beaches, olive groves and vineyards set in a subtropical microclimate with plenty of cafes and boutiques. Spend the day cycling around the vineyards, a great way to see the island and sample the vino. Make sure you stop in at Mudbrick Vineyard and their amazing restaurant.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours are available as a day trip from Auckland. This full day excursion will take you on a journey through Auckland and Cambridge before reaching Hobbiton Shire for a guided tour of the movie set.
Coromandel Peninsula is a 90 minute drive South-East of Auckland and is renowned for its spectacular rainforest with the magnificent native Kauri tree and beautiful beaches. Take a trip to see this unique natural wonder full of sheltered bays and hidden coves steeped in history and see why this is a favourite destination for many New Zealanders.

Bay of Islands is a 3 hour drive or 35 minute flight north of Auckland and encompasses an adventure playground of islands, townships and marine life including dolphins, penguins, whales and seabirds. Beautiful rivers, seaside walking tracks and subtropical rainforests make this area a top attraction. Travel through the famous Cape Brett (Hole in the Rock) by catamaran or cruise.

Interested? How to include Auckland as a stopover

Auckland is a popular stop on round the world tickets, and a common jumping off points for flights into the South Pacific islands of Fiji and the Cook Islands. If you’d like to include Auckland in your itinerary, we can build any itinerary to suit, including accommodation, tours, campervan or car hire and bus passes. Give us a call on 01273 320 580 for more info or request a quote.

Example round the world tickets including New Zealand

London - San Francisco - Auckland - Sydney - Hong Kong - London Flights from £1,195 pp including taxes
London - Dubai - Nairobi // Johannesburg - Singapore - Sydney - Auckland - Rarotonga - Los Angeles - London Flights from £1,619 pp including taxes