China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh

China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh

• Trip code: 480X032
• Dauer: 22
• Stil: Classic

What do you get when you mix China’s hidden backroads with the best of Vietnam? An epic three-week overland adventure like no other. Journey from the breathtaking natural and cultural wonders of China’s Yunnan province, cross the border into Vietnam, and head all the way south to the bustling hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Starting in Chengdu, you’ll explore gems like Lijiang, Dali, Shaxi, and Jianshui, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Then, Vietnam takes the stage as you embark on an unforgettable journey from the north to the south, ticking off all the must-see highlights. It’s the ultimate cultural deep dive across two incredible countries.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (19 nts), Halong Bay Junk Boat (1nt), Overnight train (1nt)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 14

Highlights

Lijiang Old Town Visit, Black Dragon Pool Park, Shaxi Walking Tour, Xizhou Old Town walking tour, Jianshui City Tour, Tofu Workshop, Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour, Hanoi Cyclo Tour

Introduction

What do you get when you mix China’s hidden backroads with the best of Vietnam? An epic three-week overland adventure like no other. Journey from the breathtaking natural and cultural wonders of China’s Yunnan province, cross the border into Vietnam, and head all the way south to the bustling hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Starting in Chengdu, you’ll explore gems like Lijiang, Dali, Shaxi, and Jianshui, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Then, Vietnam takes the stage as you embark on an unforgettable journey from the north to the south, ticking off all the must-see highlights. It’s the ultimate cultural deep dive across two incredible countries

Meals Included

10 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 4 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD410-535 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Chengdu
- Riesenpanda-Aufzuchtstation (58CNY pro Person)

Shaxi
- Besichtigung des Tempels Xingjiao (30CNY pro Person)
- Ouyang Courtyard

Dali
- Drei Pagoden des Chongsheng-Tempels (120CNY pro Person)

Dali
- Erhai Lake Bike Tour

Hạ Long Bay
- Kajakfahren (10USD pro Person)

Hanoi
- Hanoi Food-Kulturtour

Huế
- Motorradtour in Hue

Hoi An
- Fahrradverleih
- Schneidergeschäfte
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip (12USD pro Person)
- Stadtspaziergang durch Hoi An (6USD pro Person)
- Kochkurs in Hoi An (35USD pro Person)

Mỹ Sơn
- Ausflug nach My Son (38USD pro Person)

Ho Chi Minh City
- Ben-Thanh-Markt
- Besuch in Cholon
- Besuch in der Thien-Hau-Pagode
- Besuch im Wasserpark Dam Sen (4USD pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Giac Vien Pagode
- Besuch des Wiedervereinigungspalastes (2USD pro Person)
- Besuch im Kriegsopfermuseum (2USD pro Person)

Start / Finish

Chengdu nach Ho Chi Minh City

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, plane, metro, boat, cyclo

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Oodles of Noodles: Vorstellung und Mittagessen, Hoi An
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Hands-On-Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Tả Van
Dein Discover-Moment: Hoi An. People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu. Lijiang Old Town Visit. Black Dragon Pool Park. Shaxi Walking Tour. Dali Old Town. Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour. Jianshui City Tour. Tofu Workshop. Gentle hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour. Hanoi Cyclo Tour.Halong Bay caves entrance. Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner. Imperial Citadel and Tomb entrance (Huế). Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Chengdu

Welcome to China! Arrive at the starting hotel by 3:00 pm to join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting. Then head out to visit the People's Park & Tianfu Square then opt to join your group for an optional dinner together

Day 2 Chengdu/Lijiang

Spend the morning free in Chengdu. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang

Day 3 Lijiang

After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, opt to head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group

Day 4 Lijiang/Shaxi

Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard

Day 5 Shaxi/Dali

We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night

Day 6 Dali

This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!

Day 7 Dali/Kunming

Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time

Day 8 Kunming/Jianshui

China explorations await and its off to Jianshui. After an orientation walk, take an tour of the city. Visit the Xianghui Bridge, the Xianghui old train station, the Double Dragon Bridge, the Chaoyan Tower and the Zhu's Family Garden. Then enjoy a free evening

Day 9 Jianshui/Yuanyang

Start the day with a tofu workshop and watch how the locals make this popular dish. Afterwards, drive toward Yuanyang to visit the impressive Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the sunshine reflect off the carved out mountainside. We'll spend the day exploring this huge rice terrace from different viewpoints and do some gentle hiking through the greenery. This place is special to visit. In a country often associated with bustling, crowded and noisy cities, this picturesque and peaceful landscape will transport you to a whole new side of China

Day 10 Yuanyang

Opt to rise early, and we recommend you do, to see the sun rise over the beautiful and peaceful Duoyishu Scenic Area. Take a short hike to the Pugao Old Village and see the local way of living. In the afternoon, we'll head to the main scenic area of the rice terrace with a chance to catch an epic sunset scene and meet some locals living in the field. Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform and admire the incredible view

Day 11 Yuanyang/Sa Pá

Say goodbye to China this morning and drive to Hekou Border to cross into Vietnam. Your Chinese CEO will help you get to immigration but will stay in China. You'll meet your new Vietnamese CEO once you cross through customs. After arrival into Vietnam drive to the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. The first stop is at the Hmong Batik House for a painting experience with the local indigenous group, the Hmong people. Then we'll sit down together for an authentic and rustic hotpot dinner, a specialty of the Sapa regional cuisine

Day 12 Sa Pá

With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces, picturesque villages tucked away in the hills and a rich culture unique to this region, Sapa is a must visit, off the beaten path part of Vietnam. Today, spend half a day trekking some of the best trails of the country. Hike through local villages, rice terraces and tea plantation. We'll stop part way on the trek to eat lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing the trek, head back to your hotel for the evening

Day 13 Sa Pá/Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Sapa this morning and drive to the bustling city of Hanoi. After a long drive, we'll leave our bags at the hotel. Then it's time to explore Hanoi and what better way than on the front of a cyclo. Have a seat as you zoom through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter. After the tour, enjoy free time in the city before meeting together to start the next portion of your trip

Day 14 Hanoi/Ha Long

Erlebe eine Bootsfahrt durch die Halong-Bucht, besichtige eine Höhle und genieße einen tollen Ausblick über die Insel. Genieße Fisch und Meeresfrüchte zum Mittag- und Abendessen

Day 15 Ha Long/Huế

Bootsfahrt zurück zum Hafen und Weiterfahrt mit dem privaten Minibus nach Hanoi. Genieße die Zeit in der Stadt, bevor es mit dem Nachtzug nach Hue geht

Day 16 Huế

Geführte Besichtigung von Kaiserlicher Zitadelle, Kaisergräbern und Tien-Mu-Pagode. Optionale Motorrad-Tour durch die Umgebung

Day 17 Huế/Hoi An

Überquere den malerischen Hai-Van-Pass. Während deiner zweieinhalb Tage in Hoi An kannst du die zahlreichen Möglichkeiten ausnutzen, die dir die Stadt bietet. Du kannst einen Kochkurs besuchen, eine Flussfahrt machen, radfahren, am Strand liegen, die berühmten Schneidereien aufsuchen oder die Ruinen My Sons besichtigen

Day 18 Hoi An

Verbringe zwei ganze Tage damit, alles zu entdecken, was Hoi An zu bieten hat. Tauche in die Kultur ein, hänge am Strand ab oder lasse dir in einem der zahlreichen Kleidergeschäfte der Stadt schicke Stücke auf den Leib schneidern. Im von G Adventures unterstützten Oodles of Noodles Projekt wird dir gezeigt, wie man Nudeln macht, bevor du mit einer lokalen Mahlzeit verwöhnt wirst

Day 19 Hoi An

Verbringe einen Tag zur freien Verfügung damit, alles zu entdecken, was Hoi An zu bieten hat

Day 20 Hoi An/Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Flug von Hoi An nach Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt. Zeit zur freien Verfügung, um diese belebte Stadt zu erkunden

Day 21 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Genieße eine geführte Besichtigung der Tunnel von Củ Chi und erfahre mehr über den Vietnamkrieg. Nutze am Nachmittag die Zeit zur freien Verfügung, um die riesige Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt zu erkunden

Day 22 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Abreise zu jeder Zeit möglich

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Chengdu

Day 2 Chengdu/Lijiang

Day 3 Lijiang

Day 4 Lijiang/Shaxi

Day 5 Shaxi/Dali

Day 6 Dali

Day 7 Dali/Kunming

Day 8 Kunming/Jianshui

Day 9 Jianshui/Yuanyang

Day 10 Yuanyang

Day 11 Yuanyang/Sa Pá

If you are applying for a Visa for China, please note the following details for your visa application:
City of Departure: Honghe
County of Departure: Hekou Yaozu Zizhixian

Day 12 Sa Pá

Day 13 Sa Pá/Hanoi

Day 14 Hanoi/Ha Long

Fahrt zum Hafen von Bai Chay, dem Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge zur Halong-Bucht. Hier erheben sich Tausende von Inseln mit komplizierten Höhlensystemen dramatisch aus dem Wasser. Schippere in einer Dschunke an Karstformationen aus Kalkstein vorbei und lege einen Zwischenstopp ein, um einige der Inseln und Höhlen zu erkunden.

Lass dir abends ein Abendessen mit Meeresfrüchten schmecken, bevor du optional bei einem Getränk an Deck unter dem Sternenhimmel entspannen kannst.

Day 15 Ha Long/Huế

Lass dir an Bord ein Frühstück schmecken, bevor wir am Morgen zurück zum Hafen segeln. Fahrt zurück nach Hanoi, wo noch etwas mehr Zeit bleibt, um die Stadt zu erkunden, bevor es an Bord eines Nachtzugs geht.

Day 16 Huế

Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery.

While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.

Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Day 17 Huế/Hoi An

Wir überqueren den Hai-Van-Pass (wetterabhängig) mit fantastischer Aussicht in alle Richtungen, bevor wir am Nachmittag in Hoi An ankommen.

Da wir hier drei Nächte verbringen, hast du viel Zeit, um all das zu entdecken, was diese charmante Stadt zu bieten hat.

Day 18 Hoi An

Day 19 Hoi An

Day 20 Hoi An/Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Fahrt nach Da Nang für den Flug nach Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt, der ehemaligen Hauptstadt von Südvietnam und das Handelszentrum des Landes. Beginne damit, die kleinen Gassen und geschäftigen Straßen zu erkunden, und halte unterwegs Ausschau nach Geschäften mit Lackkunst und Ständen mit köstlichem lokalen Essen.

Day 21 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Nutze etwas Zeit zur freien Verfügung in der Stadt, um optional die Pagoden Thien Hau und Giac Vien zu besichtigen und über den riesigen Ben-Thanh-Markt zu schlendern. Der Wiedervereinigungspalast (die Residenz der südvietnamesischen Präsidenten vor 1975), das chinesische Stadtviertel Cholon und das Kriegsmuseum sind ebenfalls einen Besuch wert.

Day 22 Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt

Du möchtest noch nicht abreisen? Dein CEO kann dir bei deinen Reisevorkehrungen helfen, damit du dein Abenteuer verlängern kannst.