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    1. Home
    2. Asia
    3. Vietnam
    4. Backpacker Guide to Vietnam and Cambodia: Affordable Adventures & Insider Tips

    Backpacker Guide to Vietnam and Cambodia: Affordable Adventures & Insider Tips

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    Contents
    1. Author Bio:
    2. Why Backpack Vietnam and Cambodia?
    3. Backpacker Essentials: Visa, Budget & Packing
    4. The Perfect 3-Week Backpacker Itinerary
    5. Backpacker Hacks: Save Money, Travel Smarter
    6. Cultural Do’s and Don’ts
    7. Sustainable Backpacker Tips
    8. Why Book with Legend Travel Group?
    9. FAQ: Backpacker Guide to Vietnam and Cambodia
    10. Sustainable Tours with Legend Travel Group
    11. Conclusion

    Overview

    Discover the ultimate backpacker adventure across Vietnam and Cambodia! Explore hidden gems, local eats, budget stays, and book flexible Vietnam Tours or Cambodia Tours with Legend Travel Group—only 10% deposit until 30 days before departure. Start planning your Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel today!

    $1 meals, million-dollar memories$1 meals, million-dollar memories (Source: Internet)

    Author Bio:

    Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

    Why Backpack Vietnam and Cambodia?

    The Ultimate Southeast Asia Adventure on a Budget

    Vietnam and Cambodia are backpacker heaven—vibrant street food, ancient temples, turquoise beaches, and welcoming locals, all connected by affordable buses, trains, and ferries. From the chaotic charm of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Angkor Wat, this route offers cultural depth and natural wonders without breaking the bank. Whether you're craving adventure in Ha Long Bay, history in Phnom Penh, or island hopping in Sihanoukville, Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel deliver unforgettable experiences at backpacker prices.

    With Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours by Legend Travel Group, you can explore independently or join small-group adventures. Best part? Only a 10% deposit is required—pay the rest up to 30 days before departure for total peace of mind.

    Backpacker Essentials: Visa, Budget & Packing

    Pedal past postcards—Hoi An’s countryside awaitsPedal past postcards—Hoi An’s countryside awaits (Source: Internet)

    Visa Made Simple

    • Vietnam: 45-day visa exemption for most European nationalities; e-visa ($25) for others via official portal.

    • Cambodia: 30-day e-visa ($36) or visa on arrival at major borders and airports.

    • Tip: Apply online in advance to skip queues. Legend Travel Group assists with visa support for all Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours.

    Daily Budget (Per Person)

    Category

    Vietnam (VND)

    Cambodia (USD)

    Street Food

    50,000–100,000

    $2–$5

    Hostel Dorm

    150,000–300,000

    $5–$10

    Local Bus

    20,000–50,000

    $1–$3

    Beer (Bia Hoi / Angkor)

    10,000

    $1

    Total Daily

    $8–$15

    $10–$18

    Must-Pack for Backpackers

    • Lightweight daypack (20–30L)

    • Quick-dry towel & flip-flops

    • Reusable water bottle (refill stations everywhere)

    • Power bank & universal adapter

    • Rain jacket (monsoon season June–October)

    • Modest clothing for temples (shoulders & knees covered)

    The Perfect 3-Week Backpacker Itinerary

    Week 1: Northern Vietnam – Culture & Nature

    1. Hanoi (3 days)

      • Old Quarter street food crawl

      • Train Street coffee

      • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (free)

      • Night market & bia hoi

    2. Ha Long Bay (2 days)

      • Budget boat tour with kayaking ($50–$80)

      • Sleep on a junk boat under the stars

    3. Ninh Binh (2 days)

      • Cycle through rice fields

      • Boat ride in Tam Coc (“Halong on land”)

    Week 2: Central Vietnam – History & Beaches

    1. Hue (2 days)

      • Imperial Citadel & Perfume River

      • Royal tombs by motorbike

    2. Hoi An (3 days)

      • Lantern-lit ancient town

      • Tailor-made clothes ($20–$50)

      • An Bang Beach sunset

    3. Da Nang (1 day)

      • Marble Mountains & Dragon Bridge

    Week 3: Cambodia – Temples & Islands

    1. Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh (bus, 6 hrs)

      • Tuol Sleng & Killing Fields (essential history)

      • Riverside nightlife

    2. Siem Reap (4 days)

      • Angkor Wat sunrise ($37 pass)

      • Pub Street & $1 drafts

      • Floating villages on Tonle Sap

    3. Sihanoukville → Koh Rong (ferry, 45 mins)

      • White-sand beaches

      • Bioluminescent plankton night swim

      • Beach bungalows from $10/night

    Pro Tip: Book Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours with Legend Travel Group for seamless border crossings and insider access.

    Backpacker Hacks: Save Money, Travel Smarter

    Light up the night—Hoi An’s lantern traditionLight up the night—Hoi An’s lantern tradition (Source: Internet)

    Transport

    • Vietnam: Sleeper buses (Hanoi → Hue: $15), trains (scenic reunification line), Grab motorbike ($1–$2/ride)

    • Cambodia: Giant Ibis or Mekong Express buses ($10–$15), tuk-tuks ($2–$5/day)

    Food

    • Eat where locals eat: pho, banh mi, amok, lok lak

    • Night markets = cheapest meals + people-watching

    Accommodation

    • Hostels: Mad Monkey (Phnom Penh), Vietnam Backpacker Hostels (Hanoi)

    • Homestays in rural areas: $8–$12/night

    Free Activities

    • Temple-hopping at Angkor (sunrise outside main entrance)

    • Cycling Hoi An countryside

    • People-watching at Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi)

    Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

    Do

    • Remove shoes before entering homes/temples

    • Use both hands when giving/receiving

    • Try saying “xin chào” (Vietnam) and “soksabai” (Cambodia)

    Don’t

    • Touch anyone’s head (sacred)

    • Point feet at Buddha statues

    • Raise voice in public (lose face)

    Sustainable Backpacker Tips

    The world’s largest religious monument—worth the 4 AM alarmThe world’s largest religious monument—worth the 4 AM alarm (Source: Internet)
    • Refill water at stations (save 1,000+ plastic bottles)

    • Support local: eat at family-run warungs, buy from artisans

    • Choose eco-friendly Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours with Legend Travel Group

    Why Book with Legend Travel Group?

    • Only 10% deposit – pay balance 30 days before departure

    • Small groups (max 12) for authentic experiences

    • Local guides who know every hidden alley and night market

    • 24/7 support – from visa help to emergency assistance

    • Eco-conscious – carbon-offset programs and community support

    Explore flexible Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours at https://www.legendtravelgroup.com

    FAQ: Backpacker Guide to Vietnam and Cambodia

    Ride like a local—tuk-tuks are your chariotRide like a local—tuk-tuks are your chariot (Source: Internet)
    • How much money do I need for 3 weeks?
      $600–$900 (excluding flights) for budget travelers.

    • Is it safe to travel solo?
      Yes—both countries are backpacker-friendly with low violent crime.

    • Can I cross the border by land?
      Yes—popular routes: HCMC → Phnom Penh, Siem Reap → Hanoi (via Laos).

    • Do I need vaccinations?
      Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus.

    • Best time to go?
      November–April (dry season); avoid June–October (monsoon).

    Sustainable Tours with Legend Travel Group

    Ready to turn your backpacker dream into reality? Choose from:

    • Vietnam Backpacking Adventure ($699/person, 12 days)
      Hanoi → Ha Long → Hoi An → HCMC

    • Cambodia Temple & Island Hop ($599/person, 10 days)
      Phnom Penh → Siem Reap → Koh Rong

    • Vietnam & Cambodia Combo ($1,199/person, 18 days)
      Full loop with border crossings included

    Book now with just 10% deposit — pay later, travel sooner.
    Visit: https://www.legendtravelgroup.com

    Conclusion

    Backpacking Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel is more than a trip—it's a collection of raw, real, life-changing moments. From sunrise over Angkor Wat to midnight pho in Hanoi, every dollar stretches further, every smile lingers longer.

    Whether you go solo or join Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours with Legend Travel Group, one thing is certain: you’ll leave with a heavier heart and a lighter wallet—in the best way possible.

    Start planning today — your Southeast Asian adventure awaits.

    By Legend Travel Group © All rights reserved.

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