China & Vietnam: The Great Wall to Ho Chi Minh
28 days, Beijing to Ho Chi Minh City
Itinerary
Day 1Beijing
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.
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.
Orientation Walk
Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
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.
Dongfang Hotel (or similar)
Day 2Beijing
Visit the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to explore the Hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) or The Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Tower, Lama Temple, or Summer Palace.
Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.
Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Free Time
Spend a free afternoon in Beijing. Opt to visit Hutong Area, the Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Opt to have a Peking Duck meal in the evening.
Forbidden City Visit
Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Hutong Walk
Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis.
Temple of Heaven
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Lama Temple Visit
25CNY per personTour Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple as its formally known, to learn more about the history of Buddhism in Beijing. The temple is ornately decorated with impressive frescoes, arches, and intricately carved architecture. Admire some of the statues in the different pavilions and halls, then head to the Wànfú Pavilion to see the Maitreya Buddha.
Drum and Bell Tower Visit
30CNY per personVisit the striking Drum Tower for some incredible photo ops. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
Summer Palace
60CNY per personThis UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of palaces, lakes, and gardens in Beijing and is absolutely stunning. Its main components are Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, which is 60m (200 feet) high and has many buildings on it. Kunming Lake is actually man made, and measures 2.2sq km (1.4 sq mi).
Accommodation
Dongfang Hotel (or similar)
Day 3Beijing
Travel north to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic sights in all of China. Spend the better part of the day exploring and taking photos, soaking in the atmosphere.
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Beijing to Mutianyu.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Mutianyu to Beijing.
Mutianyu Great Wall Visit
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Toboggan at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personAfter your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car!
Cable Car at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personThe cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall.
Accommodation
Dongfang Hotel (or similar)
Day 4Beijing/Xi’an
In the morning catch a bullet train from Beijing to vibrant Xi'an. After settling in at your hotel go on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Orientation Walk
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.
Muslim Quarter Visit
Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
The Great Mosque
25CNY per personDiscover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.
Accommodation
Nanlin International Hotel (or similar)
Day 5Xi’an
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group.
Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
Your Foodie Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi'an
Sit down for an included lunch at a restaurant run by a local family at their own home near the Terra-Cotta Museum. Dishes will include foods like home-cooked noodles, stir fried dishes, and seasonal fruits from the garden.
Free Time
Explore all the city has to offer.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Big Goose Pagoda Visit
50CNY per personHead to the outskirts of the city to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful, brick Buddhist temple.
Cycling Xi'an City Walls
45-45CNY per personRent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Banquet
328CNY per personWitness the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show preserving the cultural heritage with a blend of ancient music, inspiring dances to various Chinese instruments, and interesting historical stories to captivate audiences. Before the show there will be a traditional banquet with the main source being the Chinese Dumplings, which are also named Jiaozi. They typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping.
Xi'an City Wall South Gate
54CNY per personXian City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Along the moat is a beautiful park. You could either walk on the wall or rent a bike and cycle around, traffic free! The wall was first built in 1370. In rectangular shape the whole length is 13.7 Km.
Accommodation
Nanlin International Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 6Xi’an/Chengdu
Spend a free morning in Xi'An then board a bullet train in the afternoon to Chengdu. After getting settled at the hotel, join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group.
Hotpot is a very local way to have a meal. We sit around a table with a pot built in the middle – the pot is divided into 2 halves (spicy vs. non-spicy usually). The restaurants flavoured soup is added and brought to a boil, then we can start adding our food in the pot to cook ( including vegetable, meat or fish). The table also offers various sorts of herbs, spices, oil etc so you can make your own soup to taste.
Bullet Train
Catch a high speed train to our next stop.
Accommodation
Rongcheng Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 7Chengdu
Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. Afterwards, take time for lunch on your own before your CEO will take the group to People's Park by metro for an orientation walk. End the walk in Tianfu Square, located in the city centre of Chengdu. Take the metro back to the hotel before an optional group dinner in the evening.
People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit
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.
Giant Panda Breeding Center
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
Rongcheng Hotel (or similar)
Day 8Chengdu/Lijiang
Spend the morning free in the bustling city of Chengdu. Opt to visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.
Free Time
Enjoy a free morning in Chengdu.
Free Time
Enjoy a free morning in Chengdu.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Golden Path Hospitality Hotel (or similar)
Day 9Lijiang
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
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
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
Enjoy a free evening in Lijiang.
Accommodation
Golden Path Hospitality Hotel (or similar)
Day 10Lijiang/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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Shaxi Walking Tour
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
Enjoy a free evening in Shaxi Old Town.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Xingjiao Temple Visit
30CNY per personEnjoy 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
Near the Shaxi famous Market Square, visit the Ouyang Courtyard, original Bai folk architecture preserved from Qing Dynasty.
Accommodation
Aoding Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 11Shaxi/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
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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Xizhou Old Town
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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 12Dali
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
Spend today in Dali however you'd like!
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
120CNY per personTour 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
Cycle around a portion of the lake and enjoy the beautiful views.
Accommodation
Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel (or similar)
Day 13Dali/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
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Kunming Flower Market
Visit the Kunming Flower Market. Enjoy the exotic scents and vibrant colours of this lively flower market.
Green Lake Park Trip
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)
Day 14Kunming/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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jianshui City Tour
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)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 15Jianshui/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
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
Join a workshop and learn by watching the process of making this extremely popular Chinese dish.
Accommodation
Shengcun Yunti Hotel (or similar)
Day 16Yuanyang
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
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
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)
Day 17Yuanyang/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
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
Cross the land border from China into Vietnam.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Sapa Village Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 18Sa 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
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)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 19Sa 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 and have lunch at Koto Restaurant, which supports a vocational training program for at-risk youth. 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lunch at Koto Restaurant
Savour a meal of Western and Vietnamese cuisine at this restaurant while supporting a training program that prepares local disadvantaged youth for careers in the culinary arts.
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
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.
Accommodation
Chalcedony Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 20Hanoi/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
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Junk Boat
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.
Optional Activities - Day 20 HideShow
Kayaking
10USD per personTransfer 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)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 21Ha 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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
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)
Drive about 15 mins to the station and then board the southbound train for the overnight journey.
Optional Activities - Day 21 HideShow
Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
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 | LunchDay 22Huế
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
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
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
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.
Optional Activities - Day 22 HideShow
Hue Motorbike Tour
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)
Day 23Huế/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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Use free time in this quaint town to explore any way you like.
Accommodation
Uptown Hoi An Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 24Hoi 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
Explore this charming city.
Optional Activities - Day 24 HideShow
Bike Rental
Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Tailor Shops
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
12USD per personThe 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
6USD per personStroll 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
38USD per personTravel 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)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 25Hoi An
Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in this charming town.
Optional Activities - Day 25 HideShow
Thu Bon River Boat Trip
12USD per personThe 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
38USD per personTravel 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
35USD per personTake 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)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 26Hoi 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
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)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 27Ho 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
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
Get out and explore this frenetic city.
Optional Activities - Day 27 HideShow
Ben Thanh Market
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
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
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
4USD per personGet 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
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
2USD per personWander 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
2USD per personVisit 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)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 28Ho Chi Minh City
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.