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China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh

22 days, Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh City

Map of the route for China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: 13:00 on Day 1
Depart at any time.

Itinerary

Day 1Chengdu

Welcome to China! Arrive at the starting hotel by 3:00 pm to join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting. Then head out to visit the People's Park & Tianfu Square then opt to join your group for an optional dinner together.

People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit
Chengdu

Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Rongcheng Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Chengdu/Lijiang

Spend the morning free in Chengdu. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.

Free Time
Chengdu

Enjoy a free morning in Chengdu.

Plane
Chengdu – Lijiang1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Giant Panda Breeding Center
Chengdu
58CNY per person

Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.

Accommodation

Golden Path Hospitality Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 3Lijiang

After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, opt to head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group.

Lijiang Old Town Visit
Lijiang

Walk through the charming old town of Lijiang, a World Heritage Site and home to the Naxi minority. Observe scenes from another era, with old men smoking pipes and women in their traditional costumes. Get lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town -- every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges. You can also spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and listening to the local Naxi music.

Black Dragon Pool Park
Lijiang

Explore the gorgeous Black Dragon Pool, a pond in Jade Spring Park, which is a short walk from the Old Town of Lijiang. Take in a spectacular view of the region’s tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the many temples and pavilions in the park, including the Deyue Lou (Moon Embracing Pavillion), the Longshen Temple, and the Wufeng Tower. Tour the Dongba Culture Research Institute and the Dongba Culture Museum, which help to preserve local culture.

Free Time
Lijiang

Enjoy a free evening in Lijiang.

Accommodation

Golden Path Hospitality Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 4Lijiang/Shaxi

Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard.

Private Vehicle
Lijiang – Shaxi1h45m101km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Shaxi Walking Tour
Shaxi4h

Take a walking tour of the city, hitting the main highlights. Each route will be different, but you can expect to see the best this city has to offer.

Free Time
Shaxi

Enjoy a free evening in Shaxi Old Town.

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Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Xingjiao Temple Visit
Shaxi
30CNY per person

Enjoy a visit to one of the most fascinating and best preserved temples in China. Constructed as a Buddhist shrine in 1415, the courtyard buildings were used as local government headquarters during the Cultural Revolution, which saved the temple from destruction.

Ouyang Courtyard
Shaxi

Near the Shaxi famous Market Square, visit the Ouyang Courtyard, original Bai folk architecture preserved from Qing Dynasty.

Accommodation

Aoding Guesthouse (or similar)
Guesthouse

Day 5Shaxi/Dali

We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night.

Dali Old Town Visit
Dali

Visit the Old town of Dali and enjoy its traditional architecture. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the minority cultures (mostly Bai but also with many Yi and Hui) and relax in this unique place.

Private Vehicle
Shaxi – Xizhou2h150km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Xizhou Old Town
Xizhou

Join your CEO on a walking tour of charming Xizhou Old Town. Visit famous spots like Sifang Street and Yan Family Compound, a Traditional Folk Residences.

Private Vehicle
Xizhou – Dali30m20km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 6Dali

This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!

Free Time
Dali

Spend today in Dali however you'd like!

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Dali
120CNY per person

Tour these three striking pagoda towers from the Tang Dynasty arranged on the corners of an equilateral triangle. The Central Pagoda is almost 1,200 years old, and represents a period when Dali was a Buddhist Kingdom. Climb to the top of the towers for a beautiful view of Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake below.

Erhai Lake Bike Tour
Dali

Cycle around a portion of the lake and enjoy the beautiful views.

Accommodation

Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 7Dali/Kunming

Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time.

Bullet Train
Dali – Kunming

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Kunming Flower Market
Kunming

Visit the Kunming Flower Market. Enjoy the exotic scents and vibrant colours of this lively flower market.

Green Lake Park Trip
Kunming1h

Check out the brightly coloured pavillions, tree-lined walkways, and locals doing tai chi in centuries-old Green Lake Park (Cui Hu Park). Traverse the bridges that connect the park’s four small lakes, or relax with a visit to the many restaurants, shops, and tea houses lining the park's edge.

Accommodation

King World International Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 8Kunming/Jianshui

China explorations await and its off to Jianshui. After an orientation walk, take an tour of the city. Visit the Xianghui Bridge, the Xianghui old train station, the Double Dragon Bridge, the Chaoyan Tower and the Zhu's Family Garden. Then enjoy a free evening.

Private Vehicle
Kunming – Jianshui2h30m181km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Jianshui City Tour
Jianshui

Head out on a tour of the city of Jianshui. Visit the Qing Dynasty Xianghui Bridge and the historic Xianghui Old Train Station. Then drive to the Double Dragon Bridge, an ancient bridge was built in the years of the Emperor Qianlong with incredible views. At the confluence of the Lushui River and Tacun River, it looks like double winding dragons crossing the land. Explore the Zhu's Family Garden, called the Grand View Garden, a representative of Chinese residential houses of the Qing Dynasty. After the garden, walk through the Old Town.

Accommodation

Jianshui Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 9Jianshui/Yuanyang

Start the day with a tofu workshop and watch how the locals make this popular dish. Afterwards, drive toward Yuanyang to visit the impressive Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the sunshine reflect off the carved out mountainside. We'll spend the day exploring this huge rice terrace from different viewpoints and do some gentle hiking through the greenery. This place is special to visit. In a country often associated with bustling, crowded and noisy cities, this picturesque and peaceful landscape will transport you to a whole new side of China.

Yuanyang Rice Terrace
Yuanyang

Visit the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Explore different parts and scenic points, like the famed Tiger Mouth area. Admire the rugged, exaggerated terraces that seem like they could have been painted by an artist. Hike through local villages and experience local life.

Jianshui Tofu Workshop
Jianshui

Join a workshop and learn by watching the process of making this extremely popular Chinese dish.

Accommodation

Shengcun Yunti Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 10Yuanyang

Opt to rise early, and we recommend you do, to see the sun rise over the beautiful and peaceful Duoyishu Scenic Area. Take a short hike to the Pugao Old Village and see the local way of living. In the afternoon, we'll head to the main scenic area of the rice terrace with a chance to catch an epic sunset scene and meet some locals living in the field. Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform and admire the incredible view.

Yuanyang Rice Terrace
Yuanyang

Visit the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Explore different parts and scenic points, like the famed Tiger Mouth area. Admire the rugged, exaggerated terraces that seem like they could have been painted by an artist. Hike through local villages and experience local life.

Bada Platform
Yuanyang

Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform. Arguably the most important part of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. You'll have the opportunity to hike through the levels of the terraces and speak to locals working in the field. This is also the best place to watch the sunset over the terraces.

Accommodation

Shengcun Yunti Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 11Yuanyang/Sa Pá

Say goodbye to China this morning and drive to Hekou Border to cross into Vietnam. Your Chinese CEO will help you get to immigration but will stay in China. You'll meet your new Vietnamese CEO once you cross through customs. After arrival into Vietnam drive to the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. The first stop is at the Hmong Batik House for a painting experience with the local indigenous group, the Hmong people. Then we'll sit down together for an authentic and rustic hotpot dinner, a specialty of the Sapa regional cuisine.

If you are applying for a Visa for China, please note the following details for your visa application:
City of Departure: Honghe
County of Departure: Hekou Yaozu Zizhixian

Private Vehicle
Yuanyang – Hekou

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop

Join the Hmong People, the local indigenous group for a hands on painting activity.

Hekou Border Crossing
Hekou – Lào Cai

Cross the land border from China into Vietnam.

Private Vehicle
Lào Cai – Sa Pá45m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Sapa Village Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 12Sa Pá

With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces, picturesque villages tucked away in the hills and a rich culture unique to this region, Sapa is a must visit, off the beaten path part of Vietnam. Today, spend half a day trekking some of the best trails of the country. Hike through local villages, rice terraces and tea plantation. We'll stop part way on the trek to eat lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing the trek, head back to your hotel for the evening.

Sapa Half-Day Trekking Tour
Sa Pá4h-5h 8km

Spend half of today trekking the most famous hiking area in Vietnam. Pass through local villages, beautiful rice terraces and plantations. We'll stop for lunch in Su Pan Village before continuing on to our final spot, Muong Hoa.

Accommodation

Sapa Village Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 13Sa Pá/Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Sapa this morning and drive to the bustling city of Hanoi. After a long drive, we'll leave our bags at the hotel. Then it's time to explore Hanoi and what better way than on the front of a cyclo. Have a seat as you zoom through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter. After the tour, enjoy free time in the city before meeting together to start the next portion of your trip.

Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi

Take a seat on a cyclo for a tour of Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter. Let the driver navigate through the bustling streets and start taking some photos or just use the tour to help get familiar with the area.

Private Vehicle
Sa Pá – Hanoi4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Chalcedony Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 14Hanoi/Ha Long

Enjoy a Ha Long Bay cruise on a junk boat with visits to a cave and an island lookout. Savour a seafood lunch and dinner.

Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves.

In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.

Shared Van
Hanoi – Hạ Long Bay4h

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Junk Boat
Ha Long

Skim across the water aboard this iconic traditional Asian sailboat.

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat at Ha Long Bay harbour and cruise out onto serene waters. Marvel at massive limestone karst mountains jutting out of the water, creating unforgettable spectacular scenery. Swim, kayak or go cave exploring on one of the islands, if conditions are right. Indulge in fresh seafood meals with a variety of dishes to sample. Drift to sleep in a cozy cabin on board.

On rare occasion Halong Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Kayaking
Hạ Long Bay1h-2h
10USD per person

Transfer from boat to kayak in this guided water tour, giving you the chance to get even closer to the stunning natural surroundings.

Accommodation

Ha Long Bay Overnight Boat (or similar)
Junk Boat

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 15Ha Long/Huế

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board before sailing back to the port and return to Hanoi. Enjoy some time in the city before an overnight train to Hue.

Interested in local cuisine? Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page to include this optional on your tour.

Private Vehicle
Hạ Long Bay – Hanoi3h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Hanoi Afternoon

Spend a few hours exploring this beautiful capital city. Visit some shops, have a bia hoi on a street corner or grab a coffee in a lakeside café.

Overnight Train (beds)
Hanoi – Huế13h-14h

Drive about 15 mins to the station and then board the southbound train for the overnight journey.

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Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow

Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
Hanoi 1-2km

Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 16Huế

Pull into Hue early in the morning and dive right into the city, starting with a guided tour of the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda. The rest of the day, you are free to explore the city how you'd like.

Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery.

While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.

Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit
Huế

Visit Tien Mu, one of the tallest and, perhaps, most elegant pagodas in Vietnam, at seven storeys high. Take a step back in time touring this historic temple - built more than 400 years ago along the north shore of the Perfume River, it has been the site of many political protests.

Imperial Citadel Tour
Huế

Tour this one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.

Royal Tombs Visit
Huế

Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River in Hue. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers.

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Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow

Hue Motorbike Tour
Huế

Grab a helmet, hop on a motorbike driven by your experienced local guide, and get ready for a crash course in authentic Viet culture. Spend the next four hours exploring the stalls of a local market, admiring the view of the Perfume River, learning to plough and make rice, creating your own incense sticks, and seeing the most iconic local sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Accommodation

Asia Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 17Huế/Hoi An

Drive the Hai Van pass. Take advantage of Hoi An's many options over the 2.5 days in town. Opt for a cooking class, riverboat trip, bike ride, beach time, tailor visit or My Son ruins.

Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon.

With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.

Private Vehicle
Huế – Hoi An4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Hoi An Afternoon

Use free time in this quaint town to explore any way you like.

Accommodation

Uptown Hoi An Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 18Hoi An

Explore all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project.

Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles

Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.

Free Time
Hoi An Half Day

Explore this charming city.

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Optional Activities - Day 18 HideShow

Bike Rental

Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

Tailor Shops
Hoi An

Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe.

Thu Bon River Boat Trip
Hoi An
12USD per person

The Thu Bon River plays an important part in Hoi An's history and culture. Take a trip down the Thu Bon by river boat for an alternative tour of the city.

Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
Hoi An2h-3h
6USD per person

Stroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An’s old town to see Chinese assembly halls, ancestral homes, The Japanese Covered Bridge, and well-preserved pagodas on this self-guided tour. Opt to try local delicacies and fusion food at one of the restaurants for which Hoi An is becoming famous.

Mỹ Sơn Excursion
Mỹ Sơn
38USD per person

Travel approximately one hour from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries; the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma. Please note this optional activity is a half-day and includes a guide, transportation, and the entrance fee.

Accommodation

Uptown Hoi An Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 19Hoi An

Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.

Free Time
Hoi An Full Day

Enjoy free time in this charming town.

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Optional Activities - Day 19 HideShow

Thu Bon River Boat Trip
Hoi An
12USD per person

The Thu Bon River plays an important part in Hoi An's history and culture. Take a trip down the Thu Bon by river boat for an alternative tour of the city.

Mỹ Sơn Excursion
Mỹ Sơn
38USD per person

Travel approximately one hour from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries; the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma. Please note this optional activity is a half-day and includes a guide, transportation, and the entrance fee.

Hoi An Cooking Class
Hoi An
35USD per person

Take a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese food and its distinct flavours. Tour the local market to buy fresh ingredients before preparing some popular regional dishes. Enjoy your creations when you're done!

Accommodation

Uptown Hoi An Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 20Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City with free time to explore this hectic and amazing city.

Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.

Plane
Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Accommodation

Amory Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 21Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the Vietnam War. Use free time in the afternoon to explore sprawling Ho Chi Minh City.

With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.

Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour
Củ Chi

Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Try crawling through some of the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic). These tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces.

Free Time
Ho Chi Minh City Afternoon

Get out and explore this frenetic city.

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Optional Activities - Day 21 HideShow

Ben Thanh Market
Ho Chi Minh City

Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Learn a little history along the way; Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River, and was formalized into a true market in 1859.

Cholon Visit
Ho Chi Minh City

Take in the busy rhythm of daily life in Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City. Tour the area full of teahouses, pagodas, and people, and learn a little more about the unique culture within the city.

Thien Hau Pagoda Visit
Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda, a beautiful temple in the Chinatown district of Ho Chi Minh City. Learn more about the customs associated with this 19th-century monument – it is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau (the 'Lady of the Sea') who is worshipped in Chinese communities throughout Asia by those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods.

Dam Sen Water Park Visit
Ho Chi Minh City
4USD per person

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City at this nearby water park. A lush setting and refreshing water make Dam Sen the perfect place for the whole family to cool off and have some fun—splash around or take a ride down one of the slides.

Giac Vien Pagoda Visit
Ho Chi Minh City

Find this hidden pagoda behind some small alleyways – it’s a rare treat of a monument that has been spared the over-restoration that has been done to so many temples. Tour the inside of this 18th-century pagoda to see nearly 100 carvings of divine beings.

Reunification Palace Visit
Ho Chi Minh City
2USD per person

Wander the historic halls of the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. This former home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War became the location of the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank pushed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975.

War Remnants Museum Visit
Ho Chi Minh City
2USD per person

Visit the War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware. Learn about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today.

Accommodation

Amory Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 22Ho Chi Minh City

Depart at any time.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh

| 22 days - Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh City - from $2999 USD