China & Vietnam: The Great Wall to Ho Chi Minh

China & Vietnam: The Great Wall to Ho Chi Minh

• Trip code: 480X026
• Dauer: 28
• Stil: Classic

If you've ever dreamed of escaping for a month to explore two of Asia's most captivating countries, this is your sign to pack your bags. Over 28 epic days, travel from the buzz of Beijing to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Walk the legendary Great Wall and stand in awe of the Terracotta Warriors before venturing off the beaten path in southern China. Cross into Vietnam, where you’ll trek the stunning rice terraces of Sapa, cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and soak in the charm of Hue and Hoi An. This one-of-a-kind adventure will leave you with a heart full of memories and stories that’ll last a lifetime.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (25 nts), Halong Bay Junk Boat (1nt), Overnight train (1nt)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 14

Highlights

Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, Explore the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour, Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, Explore the People's Park & Tianfu Square in Chengdu, Enjoy a Lijiang Old Town Visit and Shaxi Walking Tour, Gentle hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour, experience bustling Hanoi, sail on a junk boat through Halong Bay, shop in romantic Hoi An, squeeze through the Cu Chi tunnels, sip Vietnamese iced coffee, people-watch in hectic Ho Chi Minh City

Introduction

If you've ever dreamed of escaping for a month to explore two of Asia's most captivating countries, this is your sign to pack your bags. Over 28 epic days, travel from the buzz of Beijing to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Walk the legendary Great Wall and stand in awe of the Terracotta Warriors before venturing off the beaten path in southern China. Cross into Vietnam, where you’ll trek the stunning rice terraces of Sapa, cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and soak in the charm of Hue and Hoi An. This one-of-a-kind adventure will leave you with a heart full of memories and stories that’ll last a lifetime

Meals Included

10 Frühstück, 6 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD580-755 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Beijing
- Wanderung durch die Hutongs
- Besuch im Himmelstempel
- Besuch des Lamatempels (25CNY pro Person)
- Besichtige den Trommel-und Glockenturm (30CNY pro Person)
- Sommerpalast (60CNY pro Person)

Mutianyu
- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-140CNY pro Person)
- Seilbahn auf der Großen Mauer (100-140CNY pro Person)

Xi'an
- Die große Moschee (25CNY pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Großen Wildganspagode (50CNY pro Person)
- The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Banquet (328CNY pro Person)
- Südtor der Xi'an Stadtmauer (54CNY pro Person)

Shaxi
- Besichtigung des Tempels Xingjiao (30CNY pro Person)
- Ouyang Courtyard

Dali
- Drei Pagoden des Chongsheng-Tempels (120CNY pro Person)

Dali
- Erhai Lake Bike Tour

Hạ Long Bay
- Kajakfahren (10USD pro Person)

Hanoi
- Hanoi Food-Kulturtour

Huế
- Motorradtour in Hue

Hoi An
- Fahrradverleih
- Schneidergeschäfte
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip (12USD pro Person)
- Stadtspaziergang durch Hoi An (6USD pro Person)
- Kochkurs in Hoi An (35USD pro Person)

Mỹ Sơn
- Ausflug nach My Son (38USD pro Person)

Ho Chi Minh City
- Ben-Thanh-Markt
- Besuch in Cholon
- Besuch in der Thien-Hau-Pagode
- Besuch im Wasserpark Dam Sen (4USD pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Giac Vien Pagode
- Besuch des Wiedervereinigungspalastes (2USD pro Person)
- Besuch im Kriegsopfermuseum (2USD pro Person)

Start / Finish

Beijing nach Ho Chi Minh City

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, plane, metro, boat, cyclo

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Oodles of Noodles: Vorstellung und Mittagessen, Hoi An
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen, Mexico City
Dein Foodie-Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi'an, Xi'an
Dein Hands-On-Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Tả Van
Dein Discover-Moment: Hoi An. Orientation walk in Beijing, Xi'an. Forbidden City Visit. Tiananmen Square. Free time in Beijing, Xi'an. Great Wall of China. Muslim Quarters Visit. Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour. Lunch with local family in Xi'an. Giant Panda Breeding Center. People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu. Lijiang Old Town Visit. Black Dragon Pool Park. Shaxi Walking Tour. Dali Old Town. Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour. Jianshui City Tour. Tofu Workshop. Gentle hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour. Hanoi Cyclo Tour.Halong Bay caves entrance. Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner. Imperial Citadel and Tomb entrance (Huế). Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Beijing

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

Day 2 Beijing

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

Day 3 Beijing/Xi’an

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. In the afternoon, drive back to Beijing and board an overnight train to Xi'an

Day 4 Xi’an

Pull into Xi'an this morning after a night on the train. After dropping your things at the hotel, head out 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. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city as you wish. Opt to visit the Ancient City Wall or cycle along it

Day 5 Xi’an

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group

Day 6 Xi’an/Chengdu

Board a bullet train in the late morning 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

Day 7 Chengdu

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

Day 8 Chengdu/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

Day 9 Lijiang

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

Day 10 Lijiang/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

Day 11 Shaxi/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

Day 12 Dali

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!

Day 13 Dali/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

Day 14 Kunming/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

Day 15 Jianshui/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

Day 16 Yuanyang

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

Day 17 Yuanyang/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

Day 18 Sa 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

Day 19 Sa 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

Day 20 Hanoi/Ha Long

Erlebe eine Bootsfahrt durch die Halong-Bucht, besichtige eine Höhle und genieße einen tollen Ausblick über die Insel. Genieße Fisch und Meeresfrüchte zum Mittag- und Abendessen

Day 21 Ha Long/Huế

Bootsfahrt zurück zum Hafen und Weiterfahrt mit dem privaten Minibus nach Hanoi. Genieße die Zeit in der Stadt, bevor es mit dem Nachtzug nach Hue geht

Day 22 Huế

Geführte Besichtigung von Kaiserlicher Zitadelle, Kaisergräbern und Tien-Mu-Pagode. Optionale Motorrad-Tour durch die Umgebung

Day 23 Huế/Hoi An

Überquere den malerischen Hai-Van-Pass. Während deiner zweieinhalb Tage in Hoi An kannst du die zahlreichen Möglichkeiten ausnutzen, die dir die Stadt bietet. Du kannst einen Kochkurs besuchen, eine Flussfahrt machen, radfahren, am Strand liegen, die berühmten Schneidereien aufsuchen oder die Ruinen My Sons besichtigen

Day 24 Hoi An

Verbringe zwei ganze Tage damit, alles zu entdecken, was Hoi An zu bieten hat. Tauche in die Kultur ein, hänge am Strand ab oder lasse dir in einem der zahlreichen Kleidergeschäfte der Stadt schicke Stücke auf den Leib schneidern. Im von G Adventures unterstützten Oodles of Noodles Projekt wird dir gezeigt, wie man Nudeln macht, bevor du mit einer lokalen Mahlzeit verwöhnt wirst

Day 25 Hoi An

Verbringe einen Tag zur freien Verfügung damit, alles zu entdecken, was Hoi An zu bieten hat

Day 26 Hoi An/Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Flug von Hoi An nach Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt. Zeit zur freien Verfügung, um diese belebte Stadt zu erkunden

Day 27 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Genieße eine geführte Besichtigung der Tunnel von Củ Chi und erfahre mehr über den Vietnamkrieg. Nutze am Nachmittag die Zeit zur freien Verfügung, um die riesige Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt zu erkunden

Day 28 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Abreise zu jeder Zeit möglich

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Beijing

Day 2 Beijing

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

Day 3 Beijing/Xi’an

Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.

Day 4 Xi’an

Day 5 Xi’an

Day 6 Xi’an/Chengdu

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.

Day 7 Chengdu

Day 8 Chengdu/Lijiang

Day 9 Lijiang

Day 10 Lijiang/Shaxi

Day 11 Shaxi/Dali

Day 12 Dali

Day 13 Dali/Kunming

Day 14 Kunming/Jianshui

Day 15 Jianshui/Yuanyang

Day 16 Yuanyang

Day 17 Yuanyang/Sa Pá

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

Day 18 Sa Pá

Day 19 Sa Pá/Hanoi

Day 20 Hanoi/Ha Long

Fahrt zum Hafen von Bai Chay, dem Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge zur Halong-Bucht. Hier erheben sich Tausende von Inseln mit komplizierten Höhlensystemen dramatisch aus dem Wasser. Schippere in einer Dschunke an Karstformationen aus Kalkstein vorbei und lege einen Zwischenstopp ein, um einige der Inseln und Höhlen zu erkunden.

Lass dir abends ein Abendessen mit Meeresfrüchten schmecken, bevor du optional bei einem Getränk an Deck unter dem Sternenhimmel entspannen kannst.

Day 21 Ha Long/Huế

Lass dir an Bord ein Frühstück schmecken, bevor wir am Morgen zurück zum Hafen segeln. Fahrt zurück nach Hanoi, wo noch etwas mehr Zeit bleibt, um die Stadt zu erkunden, bevor es an Bord eines Nachtzugs geht.

Day 22 Huế

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.

Day 23 Huế/Hoi An

Wir überqueren den Hai-Van-Pass (wetterabhängig) mit fantastischer Aussicht in alle Richtungen, bevor wir am Nachmittag in Hoi An ankommen.

Da wir hier drei Nächte verbringen, hast du viel Zeit, um all das zu entdecken, was diese charmante Stadt zu bieten hat.

Day 24 Hoi An

Day 25 Hoi An

Day 26 Hoi An/Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Fahrt nach Da Nang für den Flug nach Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt, der ehemaligen Hauptstadt von Südvietnam und das Handelszentrum des Landes. Beginne damit, die kleinen Gassen und geschäftigen Straßen zu erkunden, und halte unterwegs Ausschau nach Geschäften mit Lackkunst und Ständen mit köstlichem lokalen Essen.

Day 27 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Nutze etwas Zeit zur freien Verfügung in der Stadt, um optional die Pagoden Thien Hau und Giac Vien zu besichtigen und über den riesigen Ben-Thanh-Markt zu schlendern. Der Wiedervereinigungspalast (die Residenz der südvietnamesischen Präsidenten vor 1975), das chinesische Stadtviertel Cholon und das Kriegsmuseum sind ebenfalls einen Besuch wert.

Day 28 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Du möchtest noch nicht abreisen? Dein CEO kann dir bei deinen Reisevorkehrungen helfen, damit du dein Abenteuer verlängern kannst.