It’s been a while since I’ve been to Vietnam, but my mom had a special request for her 60th birthday. A planned itinerary for her – going somewhere exciting, solo. So this journey was one for the heart — a birthday trip for my mom through Vietnam and Cambodia, hopefully filled with laughter, good food, and unforgettable sights. From the vibrant chaos of Saigon to the peaceful lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, I wanted every stop to feel like a celebration of life, colour, and connection.
This is her complete itinerary for her upcoming trip in January 2026, and I will get back to you after she comes back, but until then I will write about my experience in this land of a million motorbikes.
*Some links in this post are affiliate links (to no extra cost to you!). They are not sponsored, but are genuinely the thing we did/will do and loved it. Thank you for supporting my content!
🌆 Saigon – The Heartbeat of Vietnam (4 days/3 nights)
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and checking into the charming Anima Saigon Boutique Hotel, a peaceful little hideaway in the middle of the city’s buzz. After a long journey, spend the first evening relaxing — a quiet dinner nearby, warm air, and the excitement of finally being in Vietnam.
Day 2: The next day is all about soaking in Saigon’s rhythm. Wander through the streets, browse colourful stalls at the Ben Thanh Market, and snack your way through the local street food. I remember haggling like hell at this market! I think they get offended if you don’t. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs. I know it’s early on the trip but there’s a lot of things to choose from :).
In the evening, go see a traditional Water Puppet Show — a magical way to experience Vietnamese folklore brought to life on water. This is a great thing to do for adults and children alike, something typical Vietnamese.
Photo: Courtesy of GetYour Guide
Day 3: The following day is dedicated to history and discovery: a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you learn about Vietnam’s wartime resilience, followed by a visit to the War Remnants Museum and a peaceful boat ride through the Mekong Delta.
They have enlarged a short portion of the tunnels for tourists so you can go through. I don’t recommend this if you’re claustrophobic (I am not, but experienced quite some anxiety!). The War museum is a must. It’s horrible and scary but I think everyone should see it to reflect upon the horrors that happened in Vietnam. These images really stuck with me.
Photo: Courtesy of GetYour Guide
Day 4: A day for all the foodies, no trip is complete with a (Vietnamese) cooking class – a great way to enjoy ‘strangers’ company if you’re a solo traveler. Cooking classes have quickly became one of our favourite memories so I tend to go on one every time I travel to a new country. Rolling spring rolls, laughing over your slightly uneven attempts, and tasting everything fresh from the pan – I think it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Saigon. Alternatively you can join in on a food tour (no cooking required!).
🛕 Short Cambodia Trip – Ancient Wonders (3 days/2 nights)
Day 5: Next, hop on a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and check into The Jungle, a cozy retreat surrounded by greenery. In the late afternoon, be prepared for magic – float up into the sky on a sunset balloon ride over Angkor Wat — watching the golden light spill over the ancient temples. I haven’t done that myself (I did it in Bagan, Burma) but would gladly try it out the next time I’m there! It’s a lifetime experience!
Photo: Courtesy of GetYour Guide
Day 6: The following day is dedicated entirely to exploring Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples — each one with its own story, roots climbing up stone walls, and faces carved in silence. It’s a place that humbles you; time seems to pause here.
I’ve been to Angkor Wat two times (a decade in between) and it has changed tremendously – for the worse. I could walk around the temples and touch stones before and now some temples are collapsing and have restricted access. Hopefully, restorations and tourist restrictions might save this majestic site. Nonetheless, it is an unbelievable sight – especially at sunrise and sunset!
Day 7: After breakfast, enjoy the last stroll trough the city of Siem Reap (we had a great laugh trying out the garra rufa fish tanks for your feet) and head back to Ho Chi Minh City. Pamper yourself with a whole body massage and try a new cocktail in the evening.
🌴 Mui Ne – Sand, Sea & Stillness (4 days/3 nights)
Day 8: After check-out, grab a sleeper bus to Mui Ne, a coastal town that feels like an exhale. A sleeper bus is exactly what it seems like – you get your own ‘bed’ and even a TV! It takes around 3.5 hours to get to Mui Ne – take a nap, watch TV or write your journal. After your arrival to Mui Ne, relax and unwind at the beautiful Sailing Club Resort, right on the beach — palm trees, white sand, and let the sound of the waves become your soundtrack.
Day 9: Spend the day relaxing and lounging by the pool, swim in the sea, and in the evening, watch the sky turn pink over the horizon.
Day 10: Let the slow morning routine wake you and read a good book under a palm tree. In the afternoon, go visit the famous sand dunes of Mui Ne, where the landscape feels more like a desert than the tropics. I still cherish the memories from Mui Ne; walking in the small canyons of the dunes and sleighing on the sand with the local children.
Day 11: Take a sleeper bus or a private transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, directly to the airport and fly to Da Nang. From there travel to one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns : Hoi An and settle in your hotel – Little Riverside Hoi An – with the perfect blend of charm and comfort, with views of the river and easy walks to the old town.
🏮 Hoi An – Lanterns and Laughter (3 days/2 nights)
Day 12: Hoi An feels like stepping into a dream. Wander the ancient streets, ride bicycles past yellow-painted houses, and browse the bustling local market filled with spices and silk. Take an opportunity to visit one of the best tailors in the country and let them make a dress, blazer or a shirt (linen!) extremely cheap and high quality. In the evening, join a lantern-making workshop, and create your own glowing memories to take home.
Photo: Courtesy of GetYour Guide
Day 13: The next day take a day trip to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital — full of temples, palaces, and history. On the way stop at the famous Golden Bridge, supported by two giant hands, and enjoy the view (time for some selfies).
Exploring Hue is a beautiful day trip that connects the dots between the country’s ancient and modern spirit. It is a place with rich historical heritage.
🏙️ Hanoi & Halong Bay – The Grand Finale (4 days/3 nights)
Day 14: Let your last leg take you north to Hanoi, where the pace of life feels different — more old-world charm, yet buzzing with scooters and life. After flying form Da Nang to Hanoi, unpack at Le Passion Premium Hotel, a stylish boutique stay in the city centre. In the afternoon, wander through Train Street, where cafés hug the narrow tracks, and join a street food tour that to seek out the best meals of the entire trip.
Photo: Courtesy of GetYour Guide
Day 15: It’s time for the big finale — a cruise through Halong Bay. Spend the night on a traditional boat surrounded by limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Pick your favourite activity – kayaking, exploring hidden caves, sunbathing or simply watching the mist roll over the bay. Or do all of them if you wish!
Photo: Courtesy of GetYour Guide
Day 16: Back on land, return to Hanoi for one last night — time to stroll the markets, pick up souvenirs, and savour your final bowl of pho before heading home.
Day 17: Good Bye, Vietnam. Your memories will be with us forever!
💛 Final Thoughts
This trip is more than a birthday gift — it is a reminder of what travel really is: moments shared with strangers, new flavours discovered, and countless “wow”s whispered in between. Vietnam and Cambodia will gift you with warmth, colour, and memories that will stay long after the suitcase is unpacked.
Because sometimes, the best way to celebrate life… is to live it fully, one beautiful adventure at a time.
🛎️ Tips & Bookings
🏨 Hotels I Loved
Saigon – Anima Saigon Boutique Hotel
A small urban sanctuary in the heart of the city. Comfortable, beautifully designed, and within walking distance of many attractions. Perfect for relaxing after a long flight.
👉 View on Booking.com
Siem Reap – The Jungle
Lush greenery, open-air lounge, and a feeling of being wrapped in nature while still being close to Angkor Wat. The pool was our favorite spot after long temple walks.
👉 View on Booking.com
Mui Ne – Sailing Club Resort
Beachfront perfection. Palm trees, gentle waves, and elegant yet cozy design. The breakfast spread is unforgettable, and the sunsets… even more so.
👉 View on Booking.com
Hoi An – Little Riverside Hoi An
A riverside retreat with elegant rooms and a pool overlooking the water. Only a short stroll from the old town. Ideal for those golden Hoi An sunsets.
👉 View on Booking.com
Hanoi – Le Passion Premium Hotel & Spa
Charming boutique hotel right in the old quarter — stylish, quiet, and close to Train Street and the weekend markets.
👉 View on Booking.com
✈️ Flights & Transfers
- International flights: Find your most convenient flight HERE.
- Domestic flights: Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air operate frequent and affordable flights between major cities like Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, and Hanoi.
- Cross-border: From Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, a short flight saves hours compared to overland travel.
- Transfers: Arrange hotel pick-ups or use trusted car services for intercity transfers. Sleeper buses are great for shorter routes such as Saigon – Mui Ne.
🍜 Food & Experiences
- Try Pho and Banh Mi in every city — each region has its own twist.
- Join at least one cooking class — it’s the most delicious souvenir you can take home.
- In Hoi An, a lantern-making workshop is a must.
- In Saigon, catch a Water Puppet Show — it’s playful, cultural, and deeply Vietnamese.
- For a once-in-a-lifetime view, book a sunset balloon ride over Angkor Wat.
- A little luxury never hurt nobody – splurge on a 2-day Halong Bay Cruise.
💡 Smart Tips
- Vietnam and Cambodia are warm year-round — light, breathable clothing is essential.
- Carry cash (USD & local currency), especially for markets and smaller restaurants.
- Most hotels provide airport transfers, but always double-check before arrival.
- Download Grab (the local ride-hailing app) — reliable, affordable, and widely used.
- Always carry bug spray and sunscreen, especially around Mekong and Halong Bay.
- For smooth travel, keep e-visas printed or saved on your phone.
🌏 Final Thought
Traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia feels like reading a story — each place is a new chapter, filled with colours, textures, and flavours you’ll never forget. Whether it’s floating through Halong Bay, learning to cook in Saigon, or watching lanterns glow in Hoi An, you’ll come home changed in the best possible way.
For more travel related content go through my Blog (Laos, Japan); alternatively you can visit my Pinterest for inspirations.