Exploring Three Countries in One Trip: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand on a Budget
For many Filipino travelers, Southeast Asia is the perfect starting point for international adventures. Affordable flights, rich culture, amazing food, and breathtaking destinations make it possible to experience multiple countries even with a limited travel budget.
Our journey started with a simple goal: explore the beauty of Northern Vietnam, witness the ancient wonders of Cambodia, and experience the vibrant streets of Bangkok — all in one unforgettable 9-day trip.
🇻🇳 Vietnam
🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇹🇭 Thailand
Trip Highlights
The highlight of this trip was experiencing three different cultures in one journey:
From the mountains of Sapa, the historic streets of Hanoi, the legendary temples of Siem Reap, to the colorful city life of Bangkok, this itinerary proves that a budget multi-country adventure is possible with proper planning.
Breaking Down the Budget
Total Travel Expenses
“How much does a Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand trip cost?”
Estimated per-person cost shown; actual food expenses will vary depending on where and what you eat.
Flights and Travel
Accommodation Expenses
Discovering the Mountains of Sapa, Vietnam
Our adventure started in Hanoi, but instead of staying in the city immediately, we headed north to Sapa — one of Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain destinations.
After arriving early morning, we traveled approximately four hours from Hanoi to Sapa. There are two popular commuting options:
1. Private Van
2. Sleeper Bus
For budget travelers, the sleeper bus is a great choice. It is comfortable, affordable, and saves transportation time.
Days 1–3
Sapa Center Exploration
Our first day was spent exploring the charming town center.
Places visited:
– Sapa Station
– Sapa Stone Church / Notre Dame Cathedral
– Sapa Lake
Enjoying Vietnamese Cuisine
We also enjoyed Vietnamese coffee and local food while appreciating the cool mountain weather.
One of the recommended cafes is Viettrekking Coffee, famous for its breathtaking overlooking views.
Cat Cat Village Adventure
On our second day, we visited Cat Cat Village, one of Sapa’s most famous attractions.
Entrance Fee: ₱320
Costume Rental: ₱200
Renting traditional Vietnamese costumes made the experience more memorable, especially for photos.
Inside Cat Cat Village, visitors can enjoy:
– Traditional houses
– Waterfalls
– Cultural performances
– Beautiful mountain views
After exploring the village, we visited Moana Sapa and experienced the famous Alpine Coaster ride.
Useful Fansipan Tip:
Take the funicular going upward, then walk around and explore before heading down. The experience is more convenient and allows you to enjoy the scenery.
After Sapa, we traveled back to Hanoi through a sleeper bus.
Reaching Fansipan: The Roof of Indochina
The highlight of Sapa was visiting Fansipan Mountain.
Entrance Package: Around ₱2,500
Known as the highest mountain in Vietnam and the “Roof of Indochina,” Fansipan offers incredible views above the clouds.
Days 4–5
Exploring Hanoi’s Culture and Food Scene
Hanoi has a completely different atmosphere compared to Sapa. The city is full of historic buildings, busy streets, and famous food spots.
Vietnam is known for its incredible street food, and Hanoi is one of the best places to experience it. Food lovers will definitely enjoy exploring Hanoi one restaurant at a time.
For transportation, walking and using trains are recommended because Bangkok and Hanoi traffic can become very busy.
A Taste of Hanoi
Hanoi’s food scene is a delicious mix of tradition, creativity, and everyday local life. From sipping egg coffee in a cozy café to enjoying a steaming bowl of bun cha or biting into a freshly made banh mi, every stop offers a different taste of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re looking for iconic dishes or simply following your appetite, Hanoi is a city best experienced one meal at a time.
Must-try Hanoi Restaurants & Cafes
★ Café Giang – Famous for Vietnamese Egg Coffee
★ Cong Caphe – Known for its coconut coffee
★ Bahn Mi 25 – Popular Vietnamese sandwich spot
★ Bun Cha Huong Lien – Famous because former US President Barack Obama visited
★ Tam Vi – Michelin-starred Vietnamese restaurant
★ Luk Lak – Popular Vietnamese beef dish
Hanoi Attractions
Hanoi is best explored at street level, where historic streets, bustling markets, cozy cafés, and everyday local life come together. Many attractions are close enough to reach on foot, making it easy to wander and discover the city at your own pace. During our city tour, we visited:
⚲ Hanoi Old Quarter
⚲ Train Street
⚲ Local markets
⚲ Historic streets and cafes
For transportation, walking and using trains are recommended because Bangkok and Hanoi
traffic can become very busy.
Day 6
The Ancient Wonders of Siem Reap, Cambodia
From Hanoi, we flew to Cambodia and prepared for one of the biggest highlights of the trip: Angkor Wat.
The Angkor Archaeological Park is one of the most famous historical sites in the world and a symbol of Cambodia’s rich Khmer civilization. Its ancient temples, intricate carvings, and impressive architecture offer a glimpse into Cambodia’s fascinating history and cultural heritage. Entrance fee is ₱2,068.13.
The best photo spots in Angkor Wat are:
☆ Near the lake reflection area
☆ Between the temple columns
☆ The center pathway leading to the main structure
A sunrise visit is highly recommended because of the beautiful lighting and cooler weather.
Cambodia Travel Tips
- Be careful when buying items; always check your change.
- Cambodia uses both US Dollars and Cambodian Riel.
- Booking hotel transfers or tours directly from your accommodation is convenient.
- Try local dishes such as Lok Lak.
48 Hours in Bangkok, Thailand
After Cambodia, we traveled by bus to Bangkok. Crossing the Cambodia-Thailand border requires patience because immigration procedures can
take time. Travel options:
1. Bus
2. VIP Van
A VIP Van is faster and more comfortable, but buses are cheaper.
Days 7-9
Ancient City Tour
Ancient City is one of Bangkok’s most unique attractions, offering visitors the chance to see Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage in one expansive open-air museum. The park features replicas and reconstructions of the country’s famous temples, monuments, palaces, and historical structures, beautifully arranged across a huge area.
With so many landmarks to explore, it feels like traveling across Thailand without leaving one location. Entrance fee is around ₱1,373.
Bangkok’s Temples & Cultural Experiences
Even with only two days, Bangkok has plenty to offer, especially for travelers interested in temples, history, and Thai culture.
One of the most memorable activities was renting traditional Thai clothing and taking photos at Wat Arun. Costume rental is around ₱340.
Tip: If you are traveling with a group, try negotiating. Some shops offer discounts for multiple renters.
