Visas: Your First Step
For Indian passport holders, securing visas for both Vietnam and Cambodia is a straightforward online process. You must apply for each country's visa separately. The recommended option for Vietnam is the e-visa, which allows for a stay of up to 90 days.
The application is made through the official government portal, and the fee is typically around $25 for a single entry. Processing usually takes 3-5 working days, but it's wise to apply at least two weeks before your departure. For Cambodia, Indian citizens can also obtain an e-visa, which is processed in about three business days. Alternatively, a visa-on-arrival is available at major checkpoints like the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and at land borders like Moc Bai.
Flights From Chennai
There are no direct flights from Chennai to either Vietnam or Cambodia, but several airlines offer convenient one-stop options. Popular carriers like Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines connect Chennai to Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Vietnam, as well as Phnom Penh (PNH) and Siem Reap (REP) in Cambodia. Flights usually transit through hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. The average flight time, including layovers, can range from 9 to 11 hours. Booking a few months in advance, especially outside of peak seasons, can help secure better fares. A round-trip ticket can range from approximately ₹25,000 to ₹40,000, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.
Crafting the Perfect Itinerary
A typical two-week trip allows you to experience the highlights of both countries without feeling too rushed. A popular route is to fly into Hanoi in North Vietnam, explore attractions like the Old Quarter and take an overnight cruise in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. From there, you can fly south to Ho Chi Minh City to see the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the Mekong Delta. The most common way to get from Vietnam to Cambodia is by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, a journey of about six hours. After exploring Cambodia's capital, travel to Siem Reap to witness the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. Finally, you can fly back to Chennai from Siem Reap.
Budgeting Your Adventure
Vietnam and Cambodia are known for being budget-friendly destinations. For a mid-range trip, you can budget around ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per person per day. This would cover comfortable 3-star hotels, a mix of street food and restaurant meals, and entry fees for attractions. A 10-day trip for a couple could cost between ₹90,000 and ₹1,20,000, excluding international flights. Accommodation in major cities offers great value, with clean and comfortable guesthouses available for as low as ₹1,500 per night. Street food is a highlight and very affordable, with a delicious bowl of pho or a banh mi sandwich costing less than ₹200.
Money and Currency Matters
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and it's best to use Dong for most transactions, from street food to shopping. While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, cash is essential for smaller vendors and local markets. In Cambodia, the US Dollar is the de facto currency for almost everything. You will receive change in the local currency, the Cambodian Riel (KHR), for amounts less than a dollar. ATMs in Vietnam dispense Dong, while in Cambodia, they dispense US Dollars. It is advisable to carry some US dollars in small denominations, especially for Cambodia.
Getting Around Locally
Within Vietnam, domestic flights are the quickest way to travel between the north and south. For shorter distances, overnight trains and buses are comfortable and cost-effective. In Cambodia, buses are the primary mode of transport between cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. For travel between Vietnam and Cambodia, taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is a popular and scenic option. The journey takes approximately six to seven hours and includes the border crossing process, which is generally smooth. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available in major cities in both countries and offer a convenient and affordable way to get around.
