Discover the ultimate backpacker guide for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand! Explore budget tips, must-see stops, cultural etiquette, and book eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, and Thailand Tours with Legend Travel Group. Start your adventure today!
Wake up to emerald waters on your Vietnam adventure (Source: Internet)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, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.
Savor pad thai under neon lights in Bangkok (Source: Internet)Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand form the golden triangle of Southeast Asia for backpackers—offering stunning landscapes, ancient temples, vibrant street food, and warm hospitality at wallet-friendly prices. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to the majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the golden beaches of Thailand, this multi-country route is perfect for independent travelers seeking authentic experiences. Whether planning your own route or joining curated Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, or Thailand Tours, this guide equips you with essential tips, itineraries, and insider knowledge to travel smart and sustainably.
Legend Travel Group specializes in crafting seamless backpacker-friendly journeys across these three countries. With flexible itineraries, expert local guides, and a 10% deposit policy (balance due just 30 days before departure), you can book with peace of mind and focus on the adventure ahead.
No prior visa is needed for many nationalities entering Vietnam (up to 45 days), Cambodia (e-Visa or visa on arrival), or Thailand (60-day exemption). Budget $25–$50 per day per country for food, transport, and lodging. Local SIM cards cost $3–$5. Book your multi-country adventure via legendtravelgroup.com for hassle-free planning.
Vietnam: 45-day visa exemption for many countries (including UK, Germany, France). E-Visa ($25) for others via official portal. Extendable with Vietnam Travel support.
Cambodia: E-Visa ($36) or visa on arrival ($30) at major borders/airports. Valid 30 days.
Thailand: 60-day visa exemption for Swiss, EU, US, and many others. Extendable 30 days (1,900 THB).
Tip: Use Legend Travel Group’s visa assistance service when booking Cambodia Tours to avoid queues.
Currency: Carry USD (widely accepted) + local currency (VND, KHR, THB) in small notes.
ATMs: Use fee-free banks (MB Bank in Vietnam, Canadia in Cambodia, Krungsri in Thailand).
Bargaining: Polite haggling is expected in markets—smile and start at 50% of quoted price.
Tip: Book multi-country packages via legendtravelgroup.com to lock in group discounts.
Vietnam: Overnight sleeper buses (Hanoi → Hue: $15), Grab motorbikes ($1–$2/ride).
Cambodia: Giant Ibis buses (Phnom Penh → Siem Reap: $15), tuk-tuks ($2–$5).
Thailand: 3rd-class trains (Bangkok → Chiang Mai: $20), Songthaews ($0.50).
Tip: Let Legend Travel Group handle inter-country transfers when joining Thailand Travel.
Vietnam: Hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter ($5–$8/night), homestays in Sapa ($10).
Cambodia: Guesthouses near Pub Street, Siem Reap ($6–$10), riverside dorms in Phnom Penh ($5).
Thailand: Khao San Road hostels in Bangkok ($6–$9), beach bungalows in Koh Tao ($10).
Tip: Legend Travel Group partners with verified budget accommodations—book via legendtravelgroup.com.
Vietnam: Pho ($1), banh mi ($0.80), ca phe sua da ($0.50).
Cambodia: Amok ($2), lok lak ($2.50), fresh coconut ($0.50).
Thailand: Pad thai ($1.50), mango sticky rice ($1), som tam ($1).
Tip: Join Vietnam Tours food walks to taste safely with a guide.
Float wishes down the river in magical Hoi An (Source: Internet)Day 1–3: Hanoi – Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food tour
Day 4–5: Ha Long Bay – overnight cruise on a budget boat ($50)
Day 6–8: Hue & Hoi An – imperial citadel, lantern-lit streets
Day 9–11: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market
Border Crossing: Fly HCMC → Siem Reap ($50–$80)
Day 12–15: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat sunrise, local villages
Day 16–18: Phnom Penh – Royal Palace, Killing Fields (respectful visit)
Border Crossing: Giant Ibis bus to Bangkok ($25)
Day 19–21: Bangkok – Grand Palace, Chatuchak Market, rooftop bars
Day 22–24: Chiang Mai – Doi Suthep, night bazaar, ethical elephant sanctuary
Day 25–28: Southern Islands – Koh Phi Phi or Railay (ferry from Krabi: $15)
Total Estimated Budget (excluding flights): $600–$800
Book the full route with Legend Travel Group and pay only 10% deposit—balance 30 days before departure.
Greetings: “Xin chào” (Vietnam), “Soksabai” (Cambodia), “Sawasdee” (Thailand) + smile.
Dress: Cover shoulders/knees at temples; remove shoes indoors.
Behaviour: No touching monks (women), no feet pointing at Buddha, no loud haggling in temples.
Tip: Legend Travel Group briefs all guests on etiquette before Cambodia Travel begins.
General Tips:
Language: Download Google Translate offline packs.
Respect: Ask before photographing locals, especially in rural areas.
Eco-Tip: Refill water at stations (bring a reusable bottle).
Cruise past rice fields in authentic style (Source: Internet)Hanoi → Ha Long → Hoi An
$299/person (dorm beds, local transport, guides)
Book via legendtravelgroup.com
Siem Reap → Angkor → Phnom Penh
$249/person
Book via legendtravelgroup.com
Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Phuket
$349/person
Book via legendtravelgroup.com
All three countries, border crossings included
$999/person (10% deposit = $99.90)
Book via legendtravelgroup.com
10% Deposit Only – Pay balance 30 days before departure.
Local Experts – English-speaking guides born in each region.
Sustainable Travel – Carbon-offset transport, community homestays.
24/7 Support – WhatsApp hotline during your trip.
Flexible Changes – Free date changes up to 45 days prior.
Ethical wildlife encounters in Chiang Mai (Source: Internet)Lightweight 40L backpack
Modest temple clothes + swimwear
Reusable water bottle & straw
Power bank + universal adapter
First aid + DEET repellent
Photocopies of passport + e-visas
Tip: Pack light—laundry is $1/kg everywhere.
Daily Breakdown (Per Person)
Accommodation: $5–$10
Food: $5–$8
Transport: $3–$7
Activities: $5–$15
Total 3 Weeks: $600–$800 (DIY) or $999 (Legend Travel Group all-inclusive)
Safety: Use hotel safes, avoid night buses on minor routes.
Health: Drink bottled/refilled water, use repellent at dusk.
Connectivity: Buy local SIMs on arrival ($3–$5 unlimited data).
Booking: Secure spots for Ha Long cruises & Angkor sunrise early via legendtravelgroup.com.
Hanoi Hostel - Make friends from around the world every night (Source: Internet)How long to backpack all three? 3–4 weeks ideal.
Cheapest transport between countries? Bus (Cambodia–Thailand: $25), flight (Vietnam–Cambodia: $50).
Do I need vaccines? Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended.
Can I extend my trip? Yes—Legend Travel Group offers flexible add-ons.
Vietnam Eco-Backpacker ($299): Homestays, train travel
Cambodia Community Trail ($249): Village stays, bike tours
Thailand Green Islands ($349): Eco-bungalows, snorkeling
Full Triangle ($999): 10% deposit, all eco-certified
Book now at legendtravelgroup.com — pay only 10% today, balance 30 days before departure.
The Backpacker Guide Vietnam Cambodia Thailand unlocks the ultimate Southeast Asian adventure—affordable, authentic, and unforgettable. Whether self-planning or booking with Legend Travel Group, enjoy peace of mind with flexible payments and expert support. From Hanoi’s chaos to Angkor’s serenity and Thailand’s beaches, this journey awaits.
Book your Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, or Thailand Tours today — only 10% deposit required!
By Legend Travel Group
legendtravelgroup.com | WhatsApp: +84825862222
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
