# Asia Highlights

# 18-Day China and Vietnam Highlights Tour: Stand in awe

Historically related, culturally influenced yet both fascinating in their own ways, China and Vietnam can be packed together for a unforgettable journey. Meet cute pandas, hike on the Great Wall, visit the Terracotta Army, cruise in Halong Bay, walk in Hoi An and explore real life of the Mekong. You know you will be awed.

## Highlights

- VIP access to the Forbidden City with an expert
- Meet cute pandas during their lunch time
- Away-from-the-big-crowd visit at the Terracotta Army in Xi'an
- Sweet dreams under the star in Halong Bay
- Free days on the beach of Nha Trang
- Mekong Delta life exploration with deep insights

## What's Included

- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Private transfers and English-speaking Vietnam tour guides in every destination
- Breakfasts at hotels, lunches for every guided day and one soft drink per person for the Halong Bay Cruise
- Internal flights including taxes and fuel as specified in the itinerary and flight from Shanghai to Hanoi
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Governmental taxes

## Price per Person in US Dollars

Nov.1 - Mar.31 | Deluxe Class | Our Handpicked
--- | --- | ---
2-5 People | $3,799 | $4,499
6-9 People | $3,399 | $4,199
Apr.1 - Oct.31 |  |
2-5 People | $3,499 | $4,299
6-9 People | $3,199 | $3,899

Note: The price is only for reference and subject to change on final comfirmation.

## Suggested Itinerary

Day 1Beijing Arrival

When you flight lands in Beijing Capital International Airport, your private tour guide and driver will be in the lobby waiting for you. It won’t be hard for you to spot your tour guide as he/she will be holding a sign with your name on. Transfer to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Good to know:

-To avoid jetlag that might drag you from the upcoming tour in China and Vietnam, we’d suggest you book a flight that arrives in Beijing during daytime, preferably before 3pm as you have more time to adjust.
- Asia Highlights Handpicked Hotel: Red Wall Garden Hotel wins hearts by its preferable location in the Hutong area. The stay itself offers an authentic Beijing ambiance and a bonus to explore the Hutongs on your own.

Day 2 Beijing

Embrace a brand new day with a fresh coffee and breakfast. Later we will take a walking tour at the Forbidden City with a Forbidden City expert. Skip the waiting line at the entrance, you will be taken straight into the imperial palace where you can see the real scene of the movie The Last Emperor and learn the stories behind every building.

After lunch at local restaurant, you will learn more about the imperial cultures at the Temple of Heaven. The site was used for worship at the beginning of a new year. Sacrifices were offered to the Heaven with prayers for favorable weather and good harvest.

For dinner, we will slice up a Peking Duck and roll it up with flour wrap, just as what locals do.

Good to know:

- Walking tour in the Forbidden City is one of our best-selling trips of Beijing and it offers a deeper insight into the history without wasting time in the waiting line and getting shoved by the crowds. Your tour guide is actually a nerd of the Forbidden City and for certain he/she will tell you only the things you are interested in.

Day 3Beijing

After breakfast, we will to Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall. How long is the Great Wall? Well, there is no simple answer to this question. Take a round-way cable car up the mountain range and you will have a soft hike for about half an hour. This section is more favored by westerners for stunning vistas and less crowded. Have a simple lunch after the trip and we will get back to the city in about 2 hours.

For a relaxing afternoon, we will take a visit at the Summer Palace, where the royal court used for leisure. Take a boat ride over the Kunming Lake, walk inside the Garden of Virtuous Harmony and visit Suzhou Street, which is a mini-scale replica of the city Suzhou.

Good to know:

- Call yourself a daredevil? Hold that thought until you try out the eerily-looking snacks at Wangfujing Night Market.

Day 4Beijing - Xi'an (1h50min by air)

After breakfast, we see off to see some old friends: the Giant Pandas at Beijing Zoo. You have seen them on TV, magazine and internet, but today you will see them in person. At around 10am, the Giant Pandas at Beijing Zoo are just up for a brunch. Learn about these cute animals and visit their nursery room.

Fly to Xi’an after lunch. Check in your hotel and free at leisure.

Good to know:

-Mai Chau Town is fairly easy to get around. You may choose to go cycling or be guided by your local insider.
- Homestay in Mai Chau may be one of the selling points for most tour companies; we have chosen something more in modern and comfortable for you. If you have a special interests in a homestay, then make a request for one.

Day 5Xi'an

The first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang united all kingdoms in 221BC and he wanted his ruling to last forever, thus the built of Terracotta Army. This massive site contains numerous clay-molded soldiers, horses, chariot and weapons, which were buried with Qin Shihuang as his asset in the other world. Visit this site in the morning and have lunch on the way back to the city.

Would like to know more about Xi’an and its history? This afternoon, you will take a walk along the Ancient City Wall with your knowledgeable tour guide. Later, visit the bustling Muslim Quarter.

Good to know:

- Break the crowds, we will firstly visit the less-crowded part of the Terracotta Army at Pit 3 and swing back to Pit 1 and 2 after the big crowds of tourists leave them.
- Ancient City Wall is ranked highly on most websites, you can either bike it or walk it, no matter what, your tour guide will be with you and introduce you some interesting tidbits about the city.

Day 6Xi'an - Shanghai (2h20min by air)

Xi’an Historic Museum, featuring with a rich collection of historical treasures, art works and documents, will make an insightful visit in the morning. After lunch you will fly to Shanghai.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private tour guide and driver will have you in the hotel and free time for the night. Among countless hotels in Shanghai, we choose the ones within half-hour walking distance to the Bund so you may have a relaxing night walk by yourself. If you are a photo fan, bring your tripod for the nightscape.

Day 7Shanghai

Have an early morning visit to the Yuyuan Garden, an delicately-built example of traditional Suzhou-style garden. You might be fascinated about the fast-spinning city life and do you know how much efforts were put in building the cityscape from the beginning? Later you will find it out at the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall after lunch.

In the afternoon, take an easy walk along the French Concession and your private driver will drop you off at Nanjing Road where you may go for free exploration. (Or any other places you wish)

Good to know:

- Most tourists arrive at the Yuyuan Garden at about 10am, an early visit at about 8am will get the whole garden all to yourself.

Day 8Shanghai - Hanoi (2h20min by air)

Have a free morning in Shanghai. After lunch on your own, you will fly to Hanoi. Meet up with your private tour guide and transfer and get to your hotel for relaxing time.

Good to know:

- There is no time difference between China and Vietnam.

Day 9Hanoi - Halong Bay (3 hours by car)

After a fresh coffee and breakfast, you will be on the way to Halong Bay. No rip to Vietnam is complete until you cruise Halong Bay. An overnight is indispensable as the bay itself is boundless and needs at least one day and one night to take in as much as possible.

When you arrive at the pier, board the cruise and enjoy the rest of today in amazing vistas.

Your Halong Bay cruise will take you to Cua Van Fishing Village, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Me Cung Caves, Virgin Cave, and Surprise Cave, as well as some small islets, such as Flight Cock Islet, Human Head Islet, and Toad Islet etc (subject to different itineraries of different boats).

Good to know:

- Most cruise junks have their own transfer between Hanoi and Halong Bay, however, we prefer to drive you there by ourselves so as you may just kick back in a nap en route without worrying how to board with those large suitcases.
- The cruise serves a seafood-based menu. We will need your beforehand notice for otherwise arrangement if you have any food allergies.

Day 10Halong Bay - Hanoi (3 hours by car) - Danang (1 1/2 hours by air) - Hoi An (1/2 hour by car)

The cruise ends at around 11am after brunch.

Meet again with your private tour guide and driver at the pier and they will take you to the airport. Fly to Danang, drive down to Hoi An and check in hotel.

Day 11Hoi An

A quiet little town, Hoi An has a lot to offer: take a walk to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fukian Assembly Hall and Old House of Tan Ky. History just comes alive with your insightful tour guide's narration. After lunch at a local restaurant, try out something new at a workshop and learn how to make paper lanterns.

Day 12Hoi An - Danang (1/2 hour by car) - Nha Trang (1h10min by air)

Enjoy some free time in Hoi An and then you will fly to Nha Trang, one of the best beach destinations in Vietnam.

Check in hotel and free your mind in the crystal-clear ocean.

Day 13 & 14Nha Trang

Enjoy yourself on the beach of Nha Trang.

Day 15Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (55min by air)

After breakfast, fly to the charming city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Everything is settled down in the hotel and your private tour guide will take you to lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will take a city highlights tour including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office and Benh Thanh Market.

Day 16Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels (2 hours by car) - Can Tho (3 hours by car)

Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most interesting attractions in Ho Chi Minh City for its mind-provoking historic background and chance for some close-up experience. After breakfast, you will hit the road to this site with a preface by your tour guide. The underground system provided the Viet Cong with space to live, shelter, and battle base during the war with the US. Duck in one of the tunnels to get a hint.

After a simple lunch, you will be taken to the Mekong Delta to its capital town of Can Tho. Check in hotel and stay overnight.

Good to know:

- One-way drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta takes about 4 hours, which means, if you choose to do the Mekong Delta trip within one day, no matter how early you leave the city, you will reach the delta in the afternoon with not much to see and the floating market business would have been over. That’s why we add one day in Can Tho so you can easily tour the Mekong the next morning.

Day 17Can Tho - Mekong Delta (1/2 hour by boat) - Ho Chi Minh City (4 hours by car)

Unlike the overland markets, Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho opens at 5am, or even earlier. All boats will hang up a piece of merchandises on a pole at the front of the boat, as an ad sign. Farm workers will be busy loading the goods while the orchard owners are calculating numbers with their retailers. This wholesale market presents its best before 8am. And later, we will have boat trip to some small islands and visit a local orchard for lunch.

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

Day 18Ho Chi Minh City Departure

After this long journey, you must be missing home. Today your private tour guide and transfer will escort you to the airport. Have a safe flight and hope to see you again soon!

Good to know:

- You can meet very determined vendors around the market with aggressive selling tactics;, just turn away and say ‘no’ if you don’t want anything.
- In Phu Quoc Island, we will arrange for someone to collect you at the airport. You will meet your tour guide again in a few days in Ho Chi Minh City.

## Asia Highlights Handpicked Hotels

Asia Highlights chooses hotels with a balanced mixture of traditional Vietnamese style and modern comfort, easy access to everything yet quiet enough for a good night's sleep.

Beijing - Red Wall Garden Hotel

- Travelers' Choice 2016 by TripAdvisor, ranking 9/5,551.
- In the Hutong area, traditional courtyard style.
- Close to Wangfujing Sreet, soft bed, English channels and in-room wifi.

Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Art Garden Hotel

- Winner of Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor, ranking 23/2,189.
- By the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, nice location.
- Traditional Chinese garden setting, free music show at night, friendly staff speaking good English and nice rooms.

Shanghai - URBN Hotel Shanghai

- Travelers' Choice 2016 by TripAdvisor, ranking 29/4,062.
- Near Nanjing Road, 30 minutes to the Bund by walk.
- Eco-friendly, post-modern style with a Chinese touch, soft bed, western-style services and lovely garden.

Hanoi - Apricot Hanoi Hotel

- Travelers' Choice 2016 by TripAdvisor, ranking 97/540.
- By the Hoan Kiem Lake, 15 minutes to the Old Quarter.
- Colonial-style deco, spacious rooms, fresh seafood buffet breakfast and free in-room wifi.

Halong Bay - Indochina Sails

- Serving westerners since 2007, TripAdvisor ranking 3/159.
- Big boats easing sea-sickness and big cabins.
- Cruising the less-touristy Bai Tu Long Bay and get a bird-eye view of the whole bay at Titov Island.

Hoi An - Anantara Hoi An Resort

- Travelers' Choice 2016 on TripAdvisor, ranking 27/115.
- By the riverbank, 20 minutes to the ancient town.
- Late-colonial-style, large swimming pool, well-noted restuarant, in-room wifi and friendly staff.

Nha Trang - Mia Resort Nha Trang

- Travelers' Choice 2016 on TripAdvisor, ranking 1/160.
- By the beach, has cliff villas and featured condos.
- Tropical garden setting, delicate cuisine, spacious rooms, good staff and in-room wifi.

Ho Chi Minh City - Villa Song Saigon

- Travelers' Choice 2016 on TripAdvisor, ranking 1/412.
- By the Saigon River, 10 minutes by car to downtown.
- Colonial-style deco, spacious rooms, fresh seafood buffet breakfast and free in-room wifi.

Can Tho - Victoria Can Tho Resort

- Travelers' Choice 2016 by TripAdvisor, ranking 1/45.
- Luxury facility in a tranquil setting by the river.
- Comfortable and stylish rooms, nice restaurants with a French menu, wifi and a large swimming pool.

Note: Your comfort counts! It's totally possible to change hotels based on your interests and budget. From guesthouses to high-end luxury resorts, just let us know your preferences and we will help you choose.

- Duration: 18 days (approx.)
- Tour Code:AH-4
- Tour Type: Private Tours

From: $3,499 Price details
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