Backpacking is becoming a trend in the Philippines. So many people fell in love to travelling and you can see their fun experiences all over the online world. I am about to share you a solo backpacking trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The full itinerary and expenses below were made possible by Jhoem Dollete, a Licensed Engineer (ECE) working for an IT company. He started traveling since 2013 and he’s been to 6 countries, all solo.
*Please note that all currencies are in Php.
1 Backpack. 3 Countries. 4 Cities. 7 Days
??Vietnam ??Cambodia ??Thailand
Route: Manila ✈️Ho Chi Minh ?Phnom Penh ?Siem Reap ?Bangkok ✈️Manila
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Here’s the full itinerary:
| Country | Day | Time | Activity |
| VIETNAM | Day 0 | 10:00 PM | Departure from Manila to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
| Day 1 | 12:30 AM | Arrival at Tan Son Nat Airport | |
| 1:30 AM | Check-in at Townhouse 23 | ||
| 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Mekong Delta Tour | ||
| 6:00 PM onwards | Dinner Ben Thanh Street Food Ben Thanh Market Pham Ngu Lao Street Thanh Binh Store | ||
| 9:00 PM | Lights off | ||
| Day 2 | 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM | Saigon Walking Tour -War Remnants Museum -Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) -Notre-Dame Cathedral -Saigon Central Post Office -Opera House | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch around Pham Ngu Lao St. | ||
| CAMBODIA | 1:00 PM | Departure from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh | |
| 7:00 PM | Arrival, Check-in at Aura Thematic Hostel | ||
| 8:00 PM onwards | Dinner Leisure Walk around Royal Palace | ||
| 10:00 PM | Lights off | ||
| Day 3 | 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM | Phnom Penh Half-day City Tour -Royal Palace -Seaside walk | |
| 11:30 AM | Pick-up to bus station | ||
| 12:00 PM | Departure from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | ||
| 6:00 PM | Arrival, Check-in at Luxury Concept Hostel | ||
| 7:00 PM onwards | Dinner Pub Street Angkor Night Market | ||
| 9:00 PM | Lights off | ||
| Day 4 | 4:30 AM to 6:00 PM | Angkor Wat Tour (Sunrise to Sunset) -South Gate of Angkor Thom -Bayon Temple -Baphuon -Terrace of the Elephants -Terrace of the Leper King -East Gate of Angkor Thom -Chau Say Tevoda -Ta Keo -Ta Phrom -Banteay Kdei -Bakhaeng Hill for Sunset | |
| 7:00 PM | Back to Hotel, Rest | ||
| 8:00 PM | Dinner Night Market for Pasalubong | ||
| 9:00 PM | Lights off | ||
| THAILAND | Day 5 | 8:00 AM | Departure from Siem Reap to Bangkok |
| 6:00 PM | Arrival, Check-in at Sabye Hostel | ||
| 7:00 PM | Dinner Stroll at Khao San St. | ||
| 9:00 PM | Lights off | ||
| Day 6 | 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Bangkok City Tour -Grand Palace -Temple of Emerald Buddha -Wat Pho -Wat Phra Kaew -Wat Arun | |
| 4:00 PM | Back to Hotel, Rest | ||
| 5:00 PM | Stroll at Khao San St. Dinner Buy Pasalubong | ||
| 9:00 PM | Lights off | ||
| Day 7 | 6:00 AM | Off to Bangkok Airport | |
| 10:00 AM | Departure from Bangkok to Manila | ||
| 2:00 PM | Arrival at NAIA 3 |
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Here’s the full list of expenses:
| Expenses (Prior Trip) | Price (Php) | Remarks | |
| Airfare | Manila to Ho Chi Minh Bangkok to Manila | 4000 | Promo fare via Cebu Pacific |
| Airport | Travel Tax | 1620 | Paid in NAIA 3 prior check-in |
| Accomodation (All booked thru Agoda.com) | Ho Chi Minh – Townhouse 23 Saigon | 1016 | 2 Nights/2 Days with breakfast |
| Phnom Penh – Aura Thematic Hostel | 236 | 2 Days/1 Night | |
| Siem Reap – Luxury Concept Hostel | 479 | 3 Days/2 Nights | |
| Bangkok – Sabye Club Hostel | 662 | 3 Days/2 Nights with breakfast | |
| Bus | Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh | 560 | Booked thru Mekong Express |
| Tour | Mekong Delta Tour, Ho Chi Minh | 494 | Booked thru TheSinhTourist |
| Country | Expenses (During Trip) | Price (Php) | Remarks | |
| VIETNAM | Day 1 | Grab from airport to hostel | 360 | Grab is cheaper than Taxi |
| Coke during lunch | 43 | During Mekong Delta tour, drinks are excluded to the free lunch. | ||
| Dinner | 130 | Local resto along Pham Ngu Lao St. | ||
| Day 2 | War Remnants Museum | 33 | Admission fee | |
| Iced Coffee | 35 | Really the BEST! | ||
| Banh Mi | 35 | Loads of them on the street. | ||
| Lunch | 123 | Local resto along Pham Ngu Lao St. | ||
| CAMBODIA | Tuktuk to hostel | 50 | Walking distance from Royal Palace | |
| Dinner | 171 | Local resto | ||
| Day 3 | Breakfast | 100 | Hostel breakfast | |
| Royal Palace | 512 | Admission fee | ||
| Water | 33 | Inside Royal Palace. | ||
| Bus to Siem Reap | 500 | Booked thru hostel. Free pick up | ||
| Lunch at bus stop | 100 | I ate biscuits only. | ||
| Dinner | 138 | Around night market | ||
| Day 4 | Tuktuk whole day tour | 350 | Shared with some co-travellers that I met. | |
| Angkor Wat pass | 1850 | From 20 to 37 USD | ||
| Lunch | 350 | A bit expensive since it’s near the Angkor Wat. | ||
| Dinner | 138 | Around night market | ||
| THAILAND | Day 5 | Bus to Bangkok | 500 | Booked thru hostel. Free pick up |
| Brunch | 100 | Breakfast & Lunch at the same time to save some money. | ||
| Dinner | 88 | Around Khao San road. It’s very cheap. | ||
| Day 6 | Grand Palace | 735 | Admission fee | |
| Big water | 20 | Outside the palace. | ||
| Wat Pho | 147 | Admission fee with free water. D | ||
| Roundtrip ferry to Wat Arun | 12 | Oposite Wat Pho | ||
| Lunch | 81 | Late lunch along Khao San road | ||
| Choco shake | 40 | Khao San road | ||
| Dinner | 91 | Around Khao San road. | ||
| Biscuits and water | 40 | 7-Eleven | ||
| Day 7 | Taxi to airport | 250 | I heard you can find a cheaper one. | |
| C2 | 58 | Cebu pacific during flight. | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 16,280 Php | |||
TIPS‼️‼️
VIETNAM
? Do not trust just anyone. I met some people who ended up being scammed.
?Make sure you try their Iced Coffee! THE BEST!
?Tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh are near to each other. Do not take taxi. You can take a walk from one place to another. Ask your hotel/hostel for a guided map.
CAMBODIA
?They prefer USD than their own currency.
?During our stop over from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, I was supposed to order from one of the restaurants but I lost my appetite when I saw how they prepae the food so I ended up eating biscuits.
?Angkor Wat pass has become more expensive, it’s now $37 from $20.
?If you’re a solo traveller, it’s better to approach co-travellers in Siem Reap and ask if you can share a ride for an Angkor Wat tour so you can save some money. Whole day tour, from sunrise to sunset, three of us shared the $20 charge so I only paid $7 (with breakfast).
THAILAND
?Scam at the border is real. The first person before me was asked to give 3 dollars.
?1 serving of rice is a LOT.
?Do not buy souvenirs along Khao San Road. They are very much expensive.
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“Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.”
-Aldous Huxley
98 thoughts on “Solo Backpacking Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand in 7 Days”
Where did you book your bus going to Phnom Phen, Siem Reap and Bangkok? Thank you!
Ho Sheila. Most hostels can arrange it for you. ?
i’m so happy i found your blog.! i’m planning to travel to these cities by May and i’ve been crazy searching for information about the tri city tour and most of the blogs i found are too lengthy but lacks the right details but yours is just right! i like how detailed and simple you put it.
maybe if you add more photos it would be perfect! ?
thanks for sharing your itinerary.
Thank you very much for the nice words, Liz. Glad to help. Enjoy your travels. ?
hi! i’m wondering how did you came from cambodia to thailand? thanks.
Hi Zev. Most hotels or hostels can arrange arrange it for you. If not, there are ticket counters who sell bus tickets to Poipet. From Poipet, there are taxis to anywhere in Bangkok.
Thanks for sharing your itinerary! ? But I have a question regarding with your ticket, I mean your exit point Bangkok-Manila.. did the immigration ask about it since your plane ticket was Manila- vietnam and Bangkok-Manila? Thanks ?
There’s absolutely no problem as long as you have a ticket going back home. ?
also, nag diy-tour ka ba sa HCMC or via klook or any tour avail in around the city? hehe thanks!
I DIYd but klook is always a good option.
planning to do the indochina solo tour as well. tanong ko lang, how was the immigration from cambodia-thailand border? did you pay anything? thanks for this informative blog!! i will def look back to it when ill plan ?
Hi. If you have Filipino passport, you don’t have to pay anything at the border. ?
Thanks for sharing these itinerary. Me and my 2 younger brothers are planning on tri-city tour this March 3rd to 4th week. Parang na windang lang ako sa travel hours by bus going to next destination?
Nakakawindang talaga pero very fun naman. ?
hi.. me and my sister are planning to visit these three countries this coming april, I just want to ask if you have an idea if we can travel from ho chi minh to siem reap direct bus. if not available, is the drop off terminal from ho chi minh to phnom penh easy to locate when we transfer bus from phnom penh to siem reap? Thank you.
Hi Moreina. There’s a bus from HCM to Siem Reap with a stopover in Phnom Penh but will take you about 15-20 hours. I don’t really suggest it as could be really uncomfortable and tiring.
Hi. This is my first solo travel experience. Kinakabahan ako kasi baka maging tanga-tanga ako dun. Ano pang iba mong tips, do’s and dont’s and about sa sa mga dapat dalhin sa backpack? Salamat. Hehe.
Hi Sir,
Your Blog is very informative. May I ask how did you booked at Mekong Delta Tour? Do Sinh Tourist have a shuttle from your hostel to the point of tour? Paano po yung terms nila sa booking? Thanks
Hi Mauz. There’s actually plenty of tourist counters along Bui Vien that offer Mekong Drlta tour and the prices are almost the same. So you can look around and bargain.
Thanks for the very informative post. I would just like to ask regarding the Thai immigration policy that you need to show 10k Baht each? Is this true?Thanks.
Hi Reynaldo. Based on my experience, no one has ever asked me to pay 10k Baht. ?
Thank God I found this blog of yours with the same route I am planning to take. Few questions lang po Sir,
1. How to prevent being scammed in the borders of Thailand?
2. If Khao San is not the best place to shop, where would you suggest po?
3. How to or where to get Mekong Delta Tour?
I really appreciate this blog, Sir. Glad to have you around!
Hi Enrique. Thanks that you find my blog useful. Here’s the answers to your questions. ?
1. Don’t trust just anyone. You will not pay any amount at the border.
2. I suggest you check out Pratunam market or Platinum mall. They’re just next to each other.
3. There’s plenty of offices that arrange Mekong Delta tour along Bui Vien. Make sure to bragain.
Do I have to change forex here in Manila before going to HCM, Cambodia and Thailand? Or is it okay to just change USD once we arrive in HCM?
Either way is fine. Not a lot difference. ?
Hi there.. I am just wondering if there were increases on the fees here. We are actually heading to these places this June; yet, uncertain if prices and fees are still the same. Hope you can help us. This itin really helped us. More powers. ?
Hi Tim. The last time I checked most fees are still the same. Though kung may increase man it would be very minimal. ?
This is really helpful ?
Thank you! Glad to help!?
Thank you for this info really helpful. We have the same flights and route. Me and my friend definitely going to copy your itinerary. Tho i have some question. How was your experience in your hotel/hostel and did you pay that upon arrival or not. and wc is better place to visit from those 3country?
Hi Sheryl. I alaways book hostel in advance but pay it at the property during check in. Mekong river is a must in Vietnam and if you have extra money, try the motorbike food tour. Angkot Wat is a must see in Cambodia and don’t forget to have a drink in Pub street. Don’t miss to party in Khaosan road in Thailand and don’t ever be afrain to try Thai street food!
hi sir..magkano po budget kung sakali? following your itinerary kahit ung land arrangement na lang sir, mga magkano po kaya kelangan?
Hi Jomarie. The full list of expenses po is there. ?
Hi, very informative post indeed! I just have some few questions. Im booked for July 2 almost same itinerary solo lang din.
1. Are there buses going straight to Siem reap? Im planning to skip Phnom pehn.
2. Is it true that wifis are everywhere in all cities?
Thank you! ?
Hi Martin. Thanks for dropping by.
1. There is a bus that goes directly to Siem Reap from HCMC. Sorya Transport does it but it will take 13++ hours on the bus so not really ideal.
2. WiFi is not everywhere. ?
Thank you so much!
Hello po, I’m so glad I found your blog. Me and my friends are going to follow your itenerary this July pero hanggang Cambodia lang po kami, kase kulang na sa time. Tatanong ko lang po if nag book ka po ng package tour sa cambodia or DIY lang po yun? Salamat po.
Hi Michelle. No need to arrange a package tour. Most hostels can arrange tours for you that’s cheaper than what’s being offered online. And make sure you always try to bargain. ?
Okay po thank you ?
Hi there! Thanks for your very informative blog, it helped me plan for me and my husband’s trip on october. Anyway, just wanna ask is tjere any wifi for rent at HCMC airport esp we will be arriving dawn and if there is, is it lossible that we can return it back at bangkok airport? Looking forward to your answer. ? Thanks in advance.
Hi Shareen. I always buy a local sim with internet at the airport. Alternatively, you can check klook for possible pick up/drop of pocket wifi from HCMC to Bangkok.
Hi! Did you book your hostels in advance? Thanks
Hi May. I always book my Hostels in adanvance specially during hing season as Hostels tend to get fully booked quickly. ?
Hi. just want to know your opinion cos im planning to go on a trip this september 12-15 siem reap-bangkok, will the days be enough? and do i need to get visa or pay some fees once i cross the border?
Hi Dub. It depends on what time is your arrival on the 12th and departure on the 15th. Might as well add one more day so you won’t rush everything and you’ll have more time to explore. Regarding fees, you dont need to pay anything. ?
Hi! I’m about to do this trip by myself too in two weeks!!! Haha how was your experience?
Lifechanging!??
Hi,
Would you recommend po ba ung night bus? To save money for the hotel, and save time as well sa travel from country to country? Would it be better for us to pay and booked for the bus here, or have it arrange in the hostel/inn?
Hi Jeanica. If you’re a deep sleeper, young and doesn’t mind discomfort; I recommend it to save some money. But for me personally, since you’re gonna have loads of commuting, might as well stay in a hostel for a really good night sleep so you have enough energy for the next day of adventure.
I always book bus tickets through hostel or the nearest counter. If high season, u might wanna reserve the day before. ?
Thank you for your prompt response! I really appreciate it! Did you pay 2 nights for the hostels? Since you would usually arrive there at night, or at dawn, and you would leave the following day in the afternoon. Did you book for 2 nights here, or did you advise them that you’ll extend your stay for half a day? Do you leave your baggage in the hostel, or do you bring it with you during the tour? Sorry for all these questions! This will be my first travel without my family, and I’m a bit scared.
Hi Jeanica. Paid 2 nights. You can always leave your luggage at the reception. Enjoy your travel!?
Btw where did you book your Mekong delta tour?
You can book through catmekongexpress.com.
U can book thru http://www.giantibis.com
Hello there! I noticed that you crossed borders during day time. Sample is you traveled from Siem Reap at 6am then arrive at BKK at 6pm. We would like to maximize our tour time, can we possibly do it at night? Or it isn’t advisable at all? Thank you!
Hi May. Taking a sleeper bus at night is not a problem at all. You can check 12go.asia for bus schedules. ?
Hi i want to know what are the inclusions of ankor wat tour?
Hi Ron. It’s basically every place mentioned on Day 4. ?
Where did you buy your angkor pass? Is it ok to buy from klook?
Hi Ron. It’s definitely ok to buy from klook if you can find a great deal. I bought mine from the official ticket office.
Hello. Since most of your tour is FIY. Di po ba kau kinwestyon sa0 immigration sa naia. Im planning to book sa klook pero prang mas mura pag diy. Thank u
Hi Joy. As long as you can present return tickets, hostel/hotel reservation and sample itinerary, there should be no problem.
Hi brother. Would only like to ask if I should do forex before going to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand? Or could I use USD? I will be there on Sep21-25 this year. ?
Hi Chris. You can exchange currency through local exchanges except Cambodia as they prefer dollars.
Hi. May I ask what bus did you take going to Phnom Penh ffrom Ho Chi Minh? Phnom Penh to Siem Reap? Siem Reap to Bangkok? And, how much did it cost you for the buses? Thank you so much! Have a great day!
Hi Krizza. I booked the bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh through catmekongexpress.com. The rest are booked through the Hostels.
Hi! Thank you so much for this blog. I think this is one of the most organized and detailed itineraries I’ve stumbled upon. ? Anyway, may I know how did you organize your Angkor Wat Tour? Were all attractions mentioned above included in a tour package? Or is there an entrance fee in each place? Thank you!
Hi Dazzle. Thanks for the nice comment. Appreciate it. The only attractions that aren’t free in Cambodia are Ankor Wat ang Mekong Delta. You can book Mekong Delta through the link provided while the hostel can bring you to Ankor Wat’s office for the ticket purchase.
Hi! How was the buses? (HCM to Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to Bangkok) Comfortable ba for long travel? Thanks!
Hi. It’s a loooong uncomfortable journey. If you have extra budget I would definitely book a flight instead. ?
I love your blog!! Im going to travel solo as well. Will it be okay if i use luggage? Will it be hassle for me? Thank you ?
Hello! I always try to pack light so there’s less hassle. I always like the idea of heading straight outside the airport after the immigration and it saves you time when checking in, too. ?
Hi, Just want to ask when is the best month to travel in the said countries? thanks
Hi. I’ll say between November and March when It’s not too hot.
Bumili ka po ba ng Sim card for each country? Mobile data is a must po ba?
Hi Mea. Bumibili lng ako ng sim pag more than 3 days ako magstay sa isang country. Available naman wifi kac sa hostels at sa mga restos. ?
How about January po?
Hi Kim. January has a perfect weather.
Hi gumamit ka po ng pocket wifi? if yes saan po kayo nag book na cover na lahat mula vietnam to thailand? thanks!
Hi Yols. Hindi po ako gumagamit ng pocket wifi. I always buy local sim card pag magstay aq sa country for at least 1 week. Pag few days lang naman, nakikiwifi nlng aq sa hotel and restos.
Hello po! Do I need to book bus online na? O okay lang po na sa mga hostels na lang? I booked the same Hostel as yours po. Thank you!
Been to Thailand last december and I guarantee their street food is a must. I will be doing tri-city with friends this May. Your iti is soooo good. Very informative.
Thanks Karla. Thailand is always a good idea. 😊
hi there. Thank you for sharing your travels, it’s very informative.
I am planning for this 3-country trip come April with my sons aged 17 and 12. Will they enjoy and appreciate the attractions/activities similar with your itinerary?
Hi Mackie. I’m sure they will. It suits all ages. 😊
This blog is brief yet the most informative I’ve ever read. Thank you! How long will it take to travel from Vietnam-Cambodia and Cambodia-Thailand? Thank you again!
Kaya po ba ang one night per country?
Hi King. I will never recommend spending just one night.
This is very informative.Will it also be good to do it the other way? Bangkok-Cambodia-Vietnam? Thank you
Hi Gene. It will be equally good whichever way. 😊
Hello. What’s best month to visit vietnam, cambodia and thailand?
Hi Eurie. I would say November to February when the weather is not too hot.
Thanks i found your blog. Very informative. We have booked vietnam w/ same time of your flight this coming april. until now we have no return ticket yet since we have 2 options, to exit Hanoi or Thailand? since i read your blog, we’d rather exit thailand and follow your itinerary. we are 3 in a group and this is our first time to travel w/ no “millenials” companion. Thank you very much & GOD bless.
Hi Ruby. I appreciate your feedback. Have a lovely and safe travel.
Hello po, what time po usually ang check-in and check-out time ng mga hotels? (For instance here in the Philippines usual check-in is 2:00PM and check-out is 11:00AM)
Hi Mimi. Usually same timings you mentioned sa mga hotels or hostels. Pero kung maaga arrival mo e pwede ka magrequest ng early check in pero for additional cost. Some offer for free pero rarely.
Hello sir do you have Malaysia and Singapore itinerary.? I like the way how you breakdown the expenses ❤️ More travel sir ☺️
Hi Junrey. Sorry I don’t have itinerary for Malaysia and Singapore. I only have details of what to do there which is already on my blog. Thanks for reading!