Treasures of Vietnam & China

Discover the treasures of Vietnam and China on this brilliant tour, commencing in the dynamic city of Saigon where you learn about Vietnam’s turbulent history. The old town of Hoi An will charm you as you wander its cobbled streets. Along the Hai Van Pass to Hue you will discover breathtaking scenery. City lovers will adore Hanoi, regarded as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Halong Bay will leave you amazed; the limestone islets rising out of the emerald waters are truly spectacular.

China will be equally as captivating. At the Stone Forest in Kunming you will see incredible rock formations. In the city of Guilin visit Mt. Diecai
and the Reed Flute Canes. In Xian see the amazing Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. Visit
iconic landmarks in Beijing including the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square. The glittering metropolis of Shanghai will be your final destination.

Prepare to discover authentic Vietnam and China on this amazing tour.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1-2: NEW ZEALAND TO SAIGON

Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Saigon for a four-night stay.

DAY 3: SAIGON

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Later, drive to Cholon (Chinatown) where you will see Thien Hau Pagoda. End the day at Ben Thanh Market for some shopping.

DAY 4: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA

Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta today. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses
and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals on sampans and walk through villages, where you can sample local tea. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before returning to Saigon this afternoon.

DAY 5: SAIGON - TAY NINH & CU CHI

This morning travel to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion. This afternoon you will explore the amazing network of the Cu Chi Tunnels led by a War Veteran who lived in the tunnels for years.

DAY 6: SAIGON TO HOI AN

Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An stopping at Marble Mountains en route.

DAYS 7-8: HOI AN

Take a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple. This afternoon and the following day you have free time to visit the tailors or soak up the atmosphere at one of the many riverside cafés.

DAY 9: HOI AN TO HUE

Drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hue. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City and enjoy a cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda.

DAY 10: HUE TO HANOI

Visit the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang before your flight to Hanoi.

DAY 11: HANOI - HALONG BAY

This morning you will travel to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay. Cruise around the bay, taking in the spectacular scenery, before returning to Hanoi.

DAY 12: HANOI

Today you will visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Humble House on Stilts
and One Pillar Pagoda before you continue to the Temple of Literature. Stroll through the Old Quarter and its markets. Watch a Water Puppets show this evening.

DAYS 13-14: HANOI TO KUNMING

Visit the Ethnology Museum this morning before you bid farewell to Vietnam to embark on your China adventure. Fly to Kunming for a two-night stay. This evening you will sample ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ for dinner, a specialty of the region. The following day explore the picturesque Stone Forest.

DAY 15: KUNMING TO GUILIN

This morning is free at your leisure. Fly to Guilin this afternoon.

DAY 16: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO

Relax on a Li River cruise as you travel to the charming town of Yangshuo.

DAY 17: YANGSHUO TO GUILIN

Browse through the local markets before you return to Guilin. Visit the town of Daxu and see Mt. Diecai. This evening you will watch a display of traditional cormorant fishing.

DAY 18: GUILIN TO XIAN

Visit the Seven Star Caves before flying to Xian. This evening you will feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet, a specialty of the region, whilst being entertained by a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 19: XIAN

Today you will visit the ancient City Wall and the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Return to Xian, stopping at the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition along the way.

DAY 20: XIAN TO BEIJING

Visit the fascinating Shaanxi Provincial Museum, walk through the lively Muslim Quarter and visit the Islamic food markets. This evening you will board your overnight sleeper train to Beijing.

DAY 21: BEIJING

Arrive into Beijing this morning and visit the Summer Palace. This evening you will sample the local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’.

DAY 22: BEIJING

Stroll through the famous Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, visit the
Forbidden City and tour the 15th-century Temple of Heaven.

DAY 23: BEIJING

An often quoted saying in Beijing goes ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Rise early this morning and take a walk along the wall. This evening watch an acrobatic show.

DAYS 24-25: BEIJING TO SHANGHAI

Fly to Shanghai today. This afternoon is free at your leisure. Tomorrow you will visit the Yu Gardens, Shanghai Museum, the Old Town and stroll along the famous Bund.

DAY 26: SHANGHAI

Visit the Pudong and Xintiandi areas this morning. This evening enjoy a cruise along the stunning Huangpu River.

DAY 27: DEPART SHANGHAI

This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Shanghai airport to board your overnight flight to New Zealand.

DAY 28: ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND

Arrive home this morning.

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