19 Days Adventure: From Ancient Beijing to Exotic Vietnam

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or on request.

Upon your arrival in Beijing, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

You will have the rest of the day to rest and explore the city alone. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a stroll through the nearby hutongs (traditional alleyways) to get a taste of local life.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your guide will take you to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square. Here, you can take in the sights and sounds of this bustling city center, and your guide will explain the historical significance of the square.

From there, you will visit the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Your guide will take you through the various courtyards and halls, explaining the history and culture behind each one. Afterward, you will visit Beihai Royal Garden, a beautiful imperial garden that was once used for relaxation and entertainment by the emperors.

For lunch, your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you can try some authentic Beijing cuisine, such as Peking Duck or Beijing-style noodles.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

Today, you will take a day trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Your guide will take you on a scenic hike along the wall, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you can also learn about the history and construction of the Great Wall. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Beijing.

In the evening, you can opt to attend a traditional Chinese opera show or enjoy some nightlife in the city.

Overnight in Beijing.

Train: domestic train arranged by Indochina Tour

Meals: B

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Beijing Railway Station, where you will take a high-speed train to Xian.

Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your hotel, and you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.

Overnight in Xian.

Meals: B/L

Today, you will visit the world-famous Terra-cotta Warriors, a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.

Your guide will take you through the various pits, explaining the history and significance of each one. Afterward, you will visit the ancient city wall, which surrounds the old city of Xian. You can choose to walk or cycle along the wall, taking in the views of the city below.

Overnight in Xian.

Meals: B/L

Start your day with a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from the region's rich history, including the famous terracotta warriors. You will learn about the history of Xian, from the Qin Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, and get a deeper understanding of the city's role in shaping Chinese culture.

Next, head to the Big Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built in the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures from India. Climb to the top of the pagoda for panoramic views of the city.

In the afternoon, visit the Bell Tower, located in the heart of the city. Built-in the Ming Dynasty, this tower was once used to tell time and sound alarms. Now, it's a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city.

End your day with a visit to the Muslim Quarter, a bustling area filled with street food vendors, souvenir shops, and historical mosques. Stroll through the narrow streets and alleys and try some delicious street food, such as rou jia mo, a Chinese-style hamburger, or yang rou pao mo, a hearty lamb stew.

Overnight in Xian.

Flight: domestic flight arranged by Indochina Tour

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China's largest city and one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Upon arrival, your guide will take you to your hotel and help you check in. Take some time to rest and freshen up before embarking on an afternoon tour of the city.

Begin with a visit to Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Its intricate rock formations, tranquil ponds, and traditional architecture will amaze you.

Next, head to the Bund, a waterfront area that offers stunning views of the city skyline. Take a stroll along the promenade and marvel at the mix of historic and modern buildings.

End your day at the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second-tallest building in the world. Take the elevator to the observation deck on the 118th floor for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: B/L

Today, explore the city further with a visit to the French Concession, a historic district that was once the center of colonial Shanghai. Take a walk along the tree-lined streets and admire the European-style architecture.

Afterward, visit the Shanghai Museum, one of the best museums in China, which features an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.

In the evening, take a Huangpu River cruise to see the city lights and enjoy the stunning views of the skyline from the water.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: B/L

Today, take a break from the bustling city and visit the charming water town of Zhujiajiao, located just outside Shanghai. With its winding canals, traditional architecture, and ancient bridges, this town is a wonderful place to experience a more traditional side of China.

Stroll through the narrow alleyways and enjoy the town's peaceful atmosphere. Visit the Kezhi Garden, a traditional Chinese garden, and the Qing Dynasty Post Office, which has been operating for over 100 years.

In the evening, return to Shanghai and enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or on request.

Meals: B

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel in Shanghai to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. After arriving in Hanoi, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and a cultural hub that offers a fascinating blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. After checking in, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city on your own, and enjoying its unique charm.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B/L

Today, you will embark on a full-day city tour of Hanoi. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a small but iconic temple built in the 11th century.

Next, you will visit the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple dedicated to scholars and the site of Vietnam's first university, built in 1076. Afterward, you will visit the Ethnology Museum, which showcases the diversity of Vietnam's ethnic groups through exhibitions of traditional clothing, crafts, and architecture.

In the afternoon, you will visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, situated in the heart of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter. You will then attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique form of Vietnamese folk art that originated in the Red River Delta in the 11th century.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B/L/D

After breakfast at the hotel in Hanoi, you will be picked up and driven to Halong Bay, which is about 170 km away from Hanoi. Upon arrival at the pier, you will board a traditional junk boat for a cruise through the stunning limestone karst formations that dot the bay's emerald waters.

During the cruise, you will stop at some of the bay's most scenic spots to explore its many caves, floating villages, and hidden beaches. You will also have the opportunity to take part in activities such as kayaking, swimming, and fishing. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on board the boat and spend the night in your comfortable cabin, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay.

Overnight in Halong Bay cruise.

Meals: B/L

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over Halong Bay before enjoying a leisurely breakfast on board. Afterward, you will continue your cruise through the bay and visit more of its stunning sites. In the afternoon, you will disembark the boat and transfer back to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An, a charming ancient town that was once a major trading port on the Silk Road. After checking in, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the town's narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque riverside setting.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your day by visiting the My Son Holy Land, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a complex of ancient Hindu temples and ruins that date back to the 4th century. You will learn about the history and culture of the Cham people who built this site and the significance of the temples as a place of worship and royal ceremonies.

After exploring My Son Holy Land, you will return to Hoi An and visit the Tam Ky House, a beautiful 200-year-old merchant's house that has been carefully preserved and restored to showcase the traditional architecture and daily life of the town's prosperous past.

Next, you will visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics, which displays a rich collection of ceramics from different dynasties and regions of Vietnam and China, highlighting the role of Hoi An as a hub for international trade.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Chinese Chua Ong Pagoda, a colorful temple dedicated to the worship of the god of the earth and the sea. You will learn about the temple's history and the fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese architectural and religious influences that are reflected in its design and decoration.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B

Today is a free day for you to enjoy at your leisure. You can relax on the beach, go for a swim, or explore the town's many charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Hoi An is known for its tailors and shoemakers, so you may want to take the opportunity to get some custom-made clothes or shoes. Alternatively, you can book an optional activity such as a cooking class, a bike tour of the countryside, or a boat trip along the Thu Bon River.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the bustling metropolis of southern Vietnam's economic and cultural hub. Upon arrival in Saigon, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, you can explore the city on your own or join an optional activity such as a street food tour, a night market visit, or a cruise along the Saigon River.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B/L

Today, you will embark on a full-day city tour of Saigon, starting with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground tunnels that the Viet Cong used during the Vietnam War. You will have the opportunity to crawl through the narrow tunnels, see the ingenious booby traps and hidden entrances, and learn about the harsh living conditions and guerilla tactics of the fighters who lived and fought in these tunnels.

Afterward, you will return to the city and visit the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace that was the site of the historic fall of Saigon in 1975. You will also visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a beautiful French colonial-era church, and the Old Saigon Post Office, a grand building that showcases the city's rich architectural heritage.

In the afternoon, you will visit Cholon, the city's bustling Chinatown, and Emperor Jade Pagoda. This Taoist temple is known for its intricate carvings, colorful statues, and ornate altars. You will also have the opportunity to explore Cholon’s lively markets and shops and sample some of the delicious streets.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up for a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta, the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. You will leave the busy streets of Saigon and head towards My Tho, a town on the northern bank of the Mekong River. Here, you will embark on a scenic boat trip to visit the four beautiful islands of the region.

First, you will visit Thoi Son Island, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the lush fruit orchards and taste some of the sweet tropical fruits grown here. Then, you can hop on a traditional hand-rowed sampan boat to explore the narrow waterways lined with palm trees and coconut groves. You'll stop at a local family’s coconut candy workshop to see how this famous Vietnamese sweet is made and even try some for yourself.

Afterward, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the riverbank, where you can sample some of the Mekong Delta's famous fresh seafood.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple with a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cambodian architectural styles. It's one of the most beautiful pagodas in the Mekong Delta region, with a peaceful garden and impressive statues of Buddha.

Finally, you'll return to Saigon and spend the rest of the evening at leisure, exploring the city on your own.

Overnight in Saigon.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or on request.

Meals: B

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. You'll depart Vietnam with unforgettable memories of the country's rich culture, history, and natural beauty.