Treasures of Vietnam & China

What better way is there to see the best of Vietnam and China than by combining them both into one tour. Focusing on the major attractions in each country, this tour enables you to see some of Asia’s major sights, such as historic Hoi An, majestic Halong Bay, Xian’s Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall of China.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Australia to Saigon

Depart Australia and fly with Singapore Airlines to Saigon. Upon arrival we are met by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel.

Day 2: Saigon

We begin sightseeing around Vietnam’s largest and busiest city by visiting the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral built between 1886-1890 and the French style central Post Office. Also visit Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon, where we see the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. After stopping at Ben Thanh Markets for some shopping, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Saigon - Mekong Delta (My Tho)

Explore the Mekong Delta, the heart of South Vietnam, dotted with rice paddies and fruit plantations. We take various boat trips amongst the smaller tributaries to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.

Day 4: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese by exploring the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.

Days 5-7: Saigon to Hoi An via Danang

Fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An stopping at the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach en route. A former merchant trading port, Hoi An is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French architecture and is a real treasure of Vietnam. Tomorrow undertake a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An, visit an old home still lived in by descendents of the original merchants, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market and a local Chinese pagoda. This afternoon and the following day are free to visit the tailors for which this town is known and soak up the charming atmosphere at one of the many riverside cafes.

Day 8: Hoi An to Hue

Leaving Hoi An drive over Hai Van Pass to the ancient capital of Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s ‘Imperial Capital’, the former home to the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled over the country from 1802 until the last emperor abdicated in 1945. To this end, a visit to Hue wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Imperial Citadel, which was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Citadel was the centre piece of the royal empire, a massive, moated palace that was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Later this afternoon visit Tu Duc Tomb. Tonight we enjoy a cooking lesson focusing on selected local dishes and cuisine designed for the Royal Courts of Hue.

Day 9: Hue to Hanoi

Take a cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and then visit Khai Dinh Tomb. In the afternoon board our Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. This evening enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets.

Day 10: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Travel to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam - Halong Bay. Cruise through spectacular scenery whilst enjoying our seafood meal onboard. After our cruise travel back to Hanoi through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.

Day 11: Hanoi

Hanoi, known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’ is filled with beautiful tree lined boulevards, French villas and natural lakes. Our city tour today includes visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, Temple of Literature, a walking tour of the Old Quarter and markets, Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ethnology Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.

Days 12-13: Hanoi to Kunming

We bid farewell to Vietnam to embark on our China adventure and fly to Kunming for a two night stay. Upon arrival we will be met by our Chinese National Escort and transferred to our hotel. Sample ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ in the evening as our welcoming celebration. The following day enjoy a full day tour to the awe inspiring Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

Day 14: Kunming to Guilin

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Later visit the renowned Reed Flute Caves and Mt Diecai, from where we enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city.

Days 15-16: Guilin to Yangshuo (Li River Cruise) to Guilin

Relax on the spectacular Li River Cruise, taking in the breathtaking views, as we travel to the town of Yangshuo. Tomorrow visit the local markets before returning to Guilin. After lunch visit the ancient town of Daxu, influenced by the Ming Dynasty and portraying a traditional insight into the local way of life.

Days 17-18: Guilin to Xian

Fly to Xian. This evening feast on a sumptuous Shui Jiao Banquet, a specialty of the region. The following day stroll along the Ancient City Wall, one of the few intact remaining in all of China, before viewing the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century - the life size Terracotta Warriors. Enjoy an evening performance of the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show.

Days 19-20: Xian to Beijing

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum, home to many cultural relics and walk through the Muslim Quarter, where we visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. In the afternoon board our overnight sleeper train to Beijing. Arrive the next morning and transfer to our hotel. Later visit the exquisite Summer Palace before enjoying our welcoming dinner, which includes a sample of the world famous Peking Duck.

Days 21-22: Beijing

Visit the famous Tiananmen Square and the treasure filled Forbidden City. Tomorrow take an exciting walk along the Great Wall and tour the Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a Chinese Acrobatic Show in the evening.

Days 23-25: Beijing to Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai today. Tomorrow visit Yu Gardens, Shanghai Museum, the fascinating Old Town and the famous Bund. The following day visit the Pudong New Economic Zone and explore the restored area of Xintiandi with its 1920’s architectural style ‘shikumen’ buildings. In the evening enjoy a stunning Huangpu River Cruise.

Day 26: Depart Shanghai

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight to Australia.

Day 27: Arrive Australia

Arrive home this morning.

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