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Skyline view of Bangkok highlighting traditional Thai architecture amidst modern buildings.

Backpacker route · 3–4 weeks

Thailand to Cambodia & Vietnam: a mainland Southeast Asia loop

A three-to-four-week route from Bangkok north to Chiang Mai, then by air to Siem Reap for Angkor, and on to Hanoi and Hoi An in Vietnam. Each hostel is booked separately.

Photo: Sai zainalin ZN / Pexels

This route links three of the best-known stops on the mainland circuit: Thailand's capital and its northern hub, the temples of Angkor, and Vietnam's north and central coast. It suits a first trip to the region, with frequent transport and plenty of hostels at every stop.

Overland travel is possible for most of the region, but this route uses flights for the two international legs. At the time of checking, UK government travel advice said land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remained suspended, and the overland journey from Siem Reap to Hanoi is very long. Check current travel advice before you plan any overland border crossing. Each hostel on the route is booked separately.

Each hostel on this route is booked separately with Hostelworld. There is no combined package, and transport is booked with each operator. Duration basis: Estimated by adding the suggested nights at each stop (roughly 19–25 nights) to the travel days between them, including two international flights. Faster travellers can trim a few nights; slower ones will want the full four weeks.

  1. To Chiang Mai: Overnight train, typically around 11–13 hours, or a domestic flight of about 1 hour 15. Long-distance buses also run, usually overnight.

  2. To Siem Reap: Fly, usually via Bangkok: a domestic flight back to Bangkok, then a flight of about 1 hour to Siem Reap. Overland via the Thai–Cambodian border is not recommended while crossings are suspended; check current travel advice.

  3. To Hanoi: Flight, direct or connecting via Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City depending on current schedules; direct flying time is around 2 hours. Overland would take several days.

  4. To Hoi An: Domestic flight to Da Nang of about 1 hour 20, then roughly 45 minutes by road to Hoi An. Alternatively, the overnight train to Da Nang, typically 15–17 hours, or a sleeper bus.

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Route tips

  • Book the Siem Reap and Hanoi flights first, then fit the stops around them.
  • Choose hostels near Bangkok's train lines for easier station and airport transfers.
  • In Siem Reap, ask your hostel about arranging a tuk-tuk driver for the temples and buy your Angkor pass from the official ticket office.
  • Temples in all three countries expect covered shoulders and knees, so pack a light layer.
  • Each hostel is booked separately, so keep a note of check-in times and confirm late arrivals.

Sources and review

Reviewed by the HostelConnect editorial team on 8 November 2026. Check entry rules, transport and conditions with official sources before you travel.