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

Getting inside the Forbidden City with VIP access, meet cute pandas, hike on the Great Wall, cruise in Halong Bay, try out Vietnamese traditional dress Ao Dai in Hoi An and explore real life of the Mekong. Without a doubt, these two amazing countries will enrich your experience, not only as a traveler, also as an insider.

## Highlights

- VIP access to the Forbidden City with an expert and enjoy sunset view of the Forbidden City
- Meet cute pandas and learn about their daily routine
- Enjoy a smooth and fast bullet train ride from Beijing to Shanghai
- Dress up in Ao Dai and bring home nice photos
- Be a new member of a local family in Ho Chi Minh City
- Free days on the beach of Nha Trang

## What's Included

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

## Price per Person in US Dollars

Nov.1 - Mar.31 | Handpicked Comfort | Luxury
--- | --- | ---
2-5 People | $#AH-4,st,25,2016-11-10# | $#AH-4,lx,25,2016-11-10#
6-9 People | $#AH-4,st,69,2016-11-10# | $#AH-4,lx,69,2016-11-10#
Apr.1 - Oct.31 |  |
2-5 People | $#AH-4,st,25,2016-09-10# | $#AH-4,lx,25,2016-09-10#
6-9 People | $#AH-4,st,69,2016-09-10# | $#AH-4,lx,69,2016-09-10#

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

## Suggested Itinerary

Day 1Beijing Arrival

When you flight lands in Beijing Capital International Airport, your private tour guide and driver will be 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 today.

- Entry flight:

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.

Accommodation:

3 nights at Sunworld Hotel(Handpicked Comfort) / Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall (Luxury)

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.
You will also have a nice sunset view of the Forbidden City at Jingshan Park.

- Forbidden City Heritage Walk:

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.

Best photo spot for the Corner Tower is on the pavement outside the Forbidden City
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 - Shanghai (5 1/2 hours by train)

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.
Take a high speed bullet train to Shanghai in the afternoon.

- Bullet train:

Bullet train in China offers a comfortable, safe and fast travel experience with a chance to experience China's new railway tech.First Class seats (or Business Class) are booked for more space and comfort.

Accommodation:

2 nights at The Bund Hotel Shanghai (Handpicked Comfort) / Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World (Luxury)

Visit panda before their lunch time
Day 5Shanghai

Before a city tour in Shanghai, you will firstly visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall as an introduction of Shanghai. Later, visit Yuyuan Garden, which is a speaker for traditional Suzhou-style garden. Have lunch in a local restaurant and continue to The Bund.
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)

Day 6Shanghai - 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.

- Time difference:

Vietnam is one hour late than China. For example, 3pm in China is 2pm in Vietnam.

Accommodation:

2 nights at Hanoi Pearl Hotel (Handpicked Comfort) / Apricot Hotel Hanoi (Luxury)

Day 7Hanoi

Hanoi flashes you back to the early 20th century. Get to know the city with a trip to Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison and have lunch at a local restaurant.
One of the best things of Hanoi is that you can be a part of the local life. In the afternoon, you will walk around Hoan Kiem Lake while observing bustling city life. Later, explore the Old Quarter with chances to get great bargains and eats.

Day 8Hanoi - 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).

Halong Bay cruise:

1. All meals are included for the cruise except for drinks and wine. Do some light shopping the night before.
2. The cruise serves a seafood-based menu. We will need your beforehand notice for otherwise arrangement if you have any food allergies.

Accommodation:

1 night on Paloma Cruise (Handpicked Comfort) / Indochina Sails (Luxury)

Kayaking is included in some cruises
Day 9Halong 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.

Accommodation:

3 nights at Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa (Handpicked Comfort) / Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa (Luxury)

Day 10Hoi An

A quiet little town, Hoi An has a lot to offer. Today we will make your trip in Hoi An special: Put on a traditional Ao Dai and your tour guide will take you around in this charming town, along with a professional photographer. You will make your days in Hoi An everlasting with some beautiful photos.
After lunch at a local restaurant, try out something new at a workshop and learn how to make paper lanterns.

- Ao Dai beauty:

1. It will take about an hour to try out the Ao Dai and put on makeup. Female travelers will have 2 Ao Dai dresses in different styles and male travlers will have Vietnamese traditional suit.
2. Ao Dai dresses are only for photos. Want to bring home your own dress? Your tour guide will introduce you to a local tailor, who will tailor you up and get done the dress within one night.

Ao Dai is a common daily outfit for Vietnamese girls
Day 11Hoi An

Born in Hoi An and travelled nationwide during his career as a chef, Mr.Thanh now takes joy in teaching worldwide travelers some real culinary skills. This morning, you will have a couple of fun hours with him. Starting with a trip to the local market, he will take you back to his home kitchen and introduce you to some classic Vietnamese dishes. Have lunch with him after the class.
In the afternoon, have some free tim in Hoi An.

- Cooking class and more

1. Depending on the size of your group, Mr.Thanh will pick you up at the hotel or we will take you to the meeting point.
2. Mr.Thanh will create some kiddie dishes if you are bringing your children.

Mr.Thanh will close his restaurant when he gives you a cooking class
Day 12 & 13 Hoi An - Danang (40 minutes by car) - Nha Trang (1h10min by air)

Transfer to Danang for the onward flight to Nha Trang. Enjoy a couple of days on the beatiful beach of Nha Trang.

- Transfer in Nha Trang:

Your private tour guide and transfer in Hoi An will not be coming with you to Nha Trang. We will arrange a private transfer with your hotel for you instead of a shuttle bus.

Accommodation:

2 nights at Liberty Central Nha Trang (Handpicked Comfort) / Diamond Bbay Resort & Spa (Luxury)

Day 14Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour by air) - Can Tho (4 hours by car)

After breakfast, have some free time at leisure before we fly to the charming city of Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer directly to Can Tho after arrival.

About Can Tho:

1. Why Can Tho? Only with an early visit before 7am can you experience the real deal of the floating market. Thus an overnight in Can Tho seems necessary.
2. Tropical fruits are very cheap here in Can Tho and there is a lot to discover in Can Tho's streets. Sipping a coffee on the rooftop would also be a good idea to spend the rest of today.

Accommodation:

1 night at Iris Can Tho Hotel (Handpicked Comfort) / Victoria Can Tho Resort & Spa (Luxury)

Day 15Can 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.

Accommodation:

3 nights at Villa Song Saigon (Handpicked Comfort) / Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection(Luxury)

Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market, best before 7am
Day 16Ho Chi Minh City

Want to be a Saigonist?
Meet your new friend, the Nguyens, and they will have your over to their home in Ho Chi Minh City. Go shopping with the hostess to the local market for fresh veggies, fruits and stuff. Prepare lunch together and dine together while sharing your stories. They have 3 generations living together in their own long-tube-shaped house, and you will be amused by their stories.
After a simple lunch, you will be free at leisure.

Day 16Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels (1 1/2 hours by car) - Ho Chi Minh City (1 1/2 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 back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Put your arms up while trying to get into the tunnel
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!

Tour Map

## 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 - Sunworld Hotel

- 4/5 points on TripAdvisor, ranked 87/5,618 hotels in Beijing.
- Located near the Hutong area and walking distance to the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square.
- Decent room, soft beds, in-room wifi and professional staff.

Shanghai - The Bund Hotel Shanghai

- 80% reviewers rated "Very good" on TripAdvisor, ranked 120/4,218 hotels in Shanghai.
- Close to the Bund, People's Square and Nanjing Road, easy subway access.
- Great selection for breakfast, clean and decent rooms, good wifi and attentive staff.

Hanoi - Hanoi Pearl Hotel

- 4.5/5 points by over 600 travelers on TripAdvisor.
- By the Hoan Kiem Lake, 10 minutes to walk to the Old Quarter.
- All rooms allow extra bed and adjoining rooms are available for families on holiday.

Halong Bay - Paloma Cruise

- Winner of Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor and ranked 17/166.
- Cruising through a less-crowded bay Bai Tu Long Bay with more islands to see.
- We choose your cabin on the 2nd deck with private balcony for better views and quieter night.

Hoi An - Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa

- Winner of Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor, ranked 6/119.
- Secluded and rural setting, 15 minutes to walk to the Ancient Town of Hoi An.
- Featuring with great spa center, outdoor swimming pool and nice food. Connecting rooms are great for families.

Nha Ttrang - Liberty Central Nha Trang

- 4.5/5 points favored by TripAdviosr, ranked 15/171 in Nha Trang.
- Facing the ocean with walking distance to the beach.
- Deluxe rooms (our choice) all on 6th and up, better views and less noisy.

Ho Chi Minh City - Villa Song Saigon

- Travelers' Choice 2016 on TripAdvisor, ranked 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.

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.

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