Bangkok, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City make a popular first loop through mainland Southeast Asia. This guide is compiled from official government, tourism and operator pages. It is not a first-hand account, and every figure can change, so check the linked source before you book.
Plan the route
A typical order is Bangkok, Siem Reap, then Ho Chi Minh City. Siem Reap is the middle stop because it sits between the other two and the Angkor temples need at least a full day.
Entry rules for a short trip
Rules differ by passport, so confirm yours on each official page. The UK government’s advice for Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam asks for a passport valid for at least six months on arrival.
Thailand. Visa-exempt tourist stays are 30 days from 15 September 2026, and eligible passport holders may use the exemption only twice a calendar year (Royal Thai Embassy, London). Complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival. Officers may ask for onward travel and proof of 10,000 baht per person.
Cambodia. A single-entry tourist visa is US$30 and lasts one month (Ministry of Tourism). Apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.kh or get one on arrival at airports and land crossings, with a photo and US dollars. Air arrivals also submit a free electronic Arrival Card in the 7 days before arrival. The Ministry says visas become fully digital, with no stickers, from 3 October 2026.
Vietnam. Some nationalities are exempt for a set period; the UK government lists 45 days for British passports. Otherwise apply through the Immigration Department: US$25 single entry or US$50 multiple entry, processed in 3 working days, valid up to 90 days (portal). Fees are not refunded if an application is refused.
Getting between the cities
Check this before booking. The UK government’s Cambodia advice, marked current on 29 October 2026, says land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remain suspended after fighting in 2025, and advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the border. Its Thailand regional risks page says overland crossing is not currently possible. That rules out the bus-to-border route older guides describe, so plan to fly Bangkok to Siem Reap.
The Siem Reap airport flight page has listed Bangkok services from Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia, and Ho Chi Minh City services from Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines. It is undated, so confirm timetables with the airlines. Vietnam Airlines was selling Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap fares for late November 2026 when checked. Compare fares with baggage included.
Bangkok: the Grand Palace
The foreigner ticket is 500 baht and also covers Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Tickets are sold from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the gate or on the official site, which lists inconsistent closing times, so arrive early. Sleeveless tops, shorts, miniskirts and torn, tight or bike pants are banned.
Siem Reap: Angkor passes
Buy from Angkor Enterprise, the official seller. Angkor passes cover 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
| Pass | Price | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| Angkor 1-day | US$37 | 1 day |
| Angkor 3-day | US$62 | 7 days from first use |
| Angkor 7-day | US$72 | 30 days from first use |
| Koh Ker | US$15 | 1 day |
| Beng Mealea | US$10 | 1 day |
| Kbal Spean | US$5 | 1 day |
Per the FAQ, the 1-day pass needs no photo, while 3-day and 7-day passes do. The 1-day pass covers the Small Circuit (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Srah Srang); longer passes add the Grand Circuit. A ticket bought after 4:45 PM for the next day also admits you that evening for sunset. Unmarked landmines exist in rural Cambodia, so stay on main routes around temples.
Building a budget
Bed and food prices change often and were not available from official sources, so this guide gives no per-day figure. Start from the fixed costs, then add a daily allowance from current listings.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Grand Palace | 500 baht |
| Cambodia tourist visa | US$30 |
| Angkor 1-day / 3-day / 7-day | US$37 / US$62 / US$72 |
| Vietnam e-visa | US$25 single / US$50 multiple |
Add two flights, insurance, accommodation and food. Visa fees apply only if your passport needs them. Buy tickets and visas from official sites, since resellers add their own markup.
Safety and health basics
Thailand. The UK government lists bag snatching from motorbikes, drink spiking, ATM skimming and methanol-contaminated alcohol. Vaping is illegal, with fines typically 5,000 to 30,000 baht. Dial 191 for emergencies or 1669 for an ambulance (safety advice).
Cambodia. Watch for motorbike bag snatchers and fake US dollar notes given as change. Cambodia has a high road accident rate and night travel raises the risk. Dial 119 for an ambulance.
Vietnam. Use licensed taxis or apps such as Grab or XanhSM, book the full journey in the app, and change money only at official counters (advice).
Everywhere. Never hand over your passport as a scooter deposit, and skip rentals unless you are experienced. Dengue is a risk in Thailand and Cambodia, and malaria in Cambodia (health advice). Check vaccines at least 8 weeks ahead and buy insurance covering local treatment and medical evacuation.
What to book ahead
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card and Cambodia e-Arrival Card.
- Cambodia and Vietnam visas, if your passport needs them.
- Flights, after rechecking border status.
- Angkor passes from the official site.
- Travel insurance and vaccine appointments.
Last updated 2026-10-29.