Backpacking Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: 6 Days Itinerary for only PHP 14,000

A full pack, epic, worth it and crazy temple run backpacking journey I should say! After months of saving, planning and two weeks of sleepless and nosebleed nights just to finish our itinerary with a super small budget, finally, here comes INDOCHINA!!!!

Until now, I could still feel the excitement, amazement, and fulfillment I felt after being able to cross out Indochina-Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos in my bucket list. It was a milestone for me and my friends to breakthrough a four-countries tour in just 6 days. It was truly amazing! Was it tiring? Yes! But all worth it and super fun! I promise! Being able to cross these countries with the shortest possible time given our limitations from our full time jobs and by just spending Php 14,000 plus airfare for the whole trip was a dream come true. All these would not have been possible if not for the seat sales from Cebu Pacific which we booked 6 months ago. In no time, we booked a one-way trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia and another via Bangkok, Thailand as our exit point.

During our second day in Cambodia, I have been receiving a lot of messages asking for my complete itinerary and budget. I know a lot of you are wondering how we conquered Indochina, so here’s how. I decided to divide our itinerary into countries so that it will be easier for everyone to see the complete details. Enjoy!

DAY 0: MANILA – Let our INDOCHINA Traventures begin! Amazing view of Manila Skyline ♥

DAY 1: SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

After a 2 hours flight from Manila, we are now on our first stop – Siem Reap, Cambodia

Touchdown in Siem Reap International Airport. From here, I could already feel their culture.

Siem Reap is very beautiful with so much to offer. A home to iconic ancient temples which are very rich in history and architecture. Also one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage site and truly one of the a must see places in the world.

A lot of travelers come and go everyday waiting as early as 5AM just to witness the most famous Angkor Wat’s sunrise. These people who have different faces and who comes from different races are scattered everywhere around the temple with their camera’s and tripods ready to take their most instagramable shot of the Angkor Wat’s silhouette.

According to the people I’ve meet during our stay in Siem Reap, until now it is still a continuous debate as to how long someone should stay in the city to be able to see all of the temples but as for my own experience, one day is enough and totally worth it!

These temples are somehow alike though they have different stories behind. So if you are planning to do a temple run, better know which temple would you want to sight see.

WHICH TEMPLES ARE BEST TO SEE?

All of the temples are amazingly created. But among these set of temples are the most visited ones. Here is the map for a better reference.

Angkor Temple Map (source: http://keyfactorsales.com)

Finally had my own shot! It felt so amazing and the view had won me over!

An obligatory jumpshot!

Inside the Angkor Wat Temple

HOW MUCH DID WE SPEND PER HEAD HERE?

Transportation – PHP 612.50                                                                                                          Hotel – PHP 437.50                                                                                                                          Angkot Ticket – PHP 1,000                                                                                                                Food – PHP 180                                                                                                                                          Total = PHP 2,230.00

For a detailed guide and itinerary, you may visit this blog – One day in Siem Reap: A real Temple Run Adventure!

DAY 2: PHONM PEHN, CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh is the bustling capital of Cambodia. It was once a gem but was tarnished by the impact of war and revolution. The city still maintains considerable charm with so much to see, from it’s Angkorian architecture and palaces to their amazing boulevards and more.

We visited all spots which were previously used as jails and killing areas like the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the Choeng Ek Killing Fields and until now, I could still remember how most of these gave me goosebumps and took me back to the era of darkness and wars. I can’t help but feel sad for the victims of the past.

Yes, It may be dark but nevertheless, it was still an amazing experience for being able to see and experience their history and culture. I still recommend to come and see Phnom Penh now as it won’t be the same in the next few years.

Inside the Royal Palace

Thought that I would only see this in Italy but Phnom Pehn has a place with so much birds.

HOW MUCH DID WE SPEND PER HEAD HERE?

Transportation – PHP 875                                                                                                                Hotel – PHP 250                                                                                                                                Tickets/Entrance Fees – PHP 650                                                                                                        Food – PHP 362.50                                                                                                                                    Total = PHP 2,137.50

For a detailed guide and itinerary, you may visit this blog – One day in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia: Unveiling the past!

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM

Welcome to one of Asia’s most compelling cities. Ho Chi Minh City offers an endless exploration and one day won’t be enough to cover everything about this city!

This was our third destination for our Indochina tour and we only have one day to explore the place. I swear! It wasn’t enough and will surely plan out for a Vietnam tour again soon. Nevertheless, we still had so much fun and the adventure was unforgettable indeed!

From noodle breakfasts to art tours and tunnel visits, here’s how we make the most of one day in former Saigon.

Tunnel shot!

HOW MUCH DID WE SPEND PER HEAD HERE?

Transportation – PHP 737.50                                                                                                          Hotel – PHP 299                                                                                                                                Tickets/Entrance Fees – PHP 400                                                                                                        Food – PHP 350.00                                                                                                                                Total = PHP 1,786.50

For a detailed guide and itinerary, you may visit this blog – One day in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: an endless exploration!

DAY 4:BANGKOK, THAILAND

As one of Asia’s mostly traveled and best valued destinations, Bangkok offers a plethora of experiences. Truly, this city is one of the busiest cities I’ve been. The traffic buzzes everywhere, city streets are always teeming with life and vendors are  scattered all over the place.

This country was our last stop for our Indochina trip starting off from Cambodia-Vietnam-Thailand-Laos-Thailand-Manila. During our visit, the country is still mourning for the death of their King Bhumibol Adulyadej. At the airport, the staff were giving out black tribute ribbons to be worn as a sign of respect. Thais have been wearing dark colours, and travelers were asked not to wear flamboyant colors when in public places.

The Grand Palace crown during the grand invitation.

Most of the tourist spots were closed for operation especially the Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, as they were the venue of the royal funeral rites. Roads were blocked, route guides were posted everywhere and people were asked to walk to be able to reach the main entrance of these temples. Luckily, we were still allowed to enter since it was opened for public viewing for free.

HOW MUCH DID WE SPEND PER HEAD HERE?

Transportation & Airfare – PHP 2,777.78                                                                                            Hotel bag drop – PHP 28.40                                                                                                                      Tickets – PHP 0                                                                                                                                      Food – PHP 300                                                                                                                                          Total = PHP 3,106.18

For a detailed guide and itinerary, you may visit this blog – Bangkok, Thailand – A one of a kind experience!

DAY 5: VIENTIANE, LAOS

This was our final destination and it was again a temple run adventure! Our first plan was to visit Vang Vieng, Laos and try their river tubing but due to time limitations as we only have one day to conquer the country and since Vang Vieng is 4 hours away from Vientiane, so we decided to just explore the latter one.

Vientiane, despite being the largest city still maintains it’s spectacular beauty. It was totally laid back and uncrowded. Roaming around is relatively simple as it can be done either on foot or hire a car for daytour just like what we did. The temples and other sites are just close to each other and everything just blends with the rural foundations of the city.

Patuxai as our background!

HOW MUCH DID WE SPEND PER HEAD HERE?

Transportation & Airfare – PHP 2,366.46                                                                                            Tickets – PHP 0                                                                                                                                      Food – PHP 250                                                                                                                                          Total = PHP 2,616.46

For a detailed guide and itinerary, you may visit this blog – to be uploaded soon!

DAY 6: BANGKOK, THAILAND – And were back to Thailand for our flight back to Manila.

SUMMARY BREAKDOWN:

Manila – PHP 1,843.25

Siem Reap, Cambodia – PHP 2,230.00

Phnom Pehn, Cambodia – PHP 2,137.50

Ho Chi Mihn, Vietnam -PHP 1,786.50

Bangkok, Thailand – PHP 3,106.18 +280.25

Vientaine, Laos – PHP 2,616.46

TOTAL = PHP 14,000.14

Here’s a complete itinerary for the whole trip. Indochina Itinerary

I hope you find it colorful and helpful. If yes, please do not forget to like and share. And If you have any questions, just leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

Follow this blog and my Facebook page jiejiethetraveler for more updates. Love lots!