A Private Tour of China & Vietnam – HCM City, Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh BINH, Hong Kong, Xian, Beijing

Day 1 Depart North American
Depart USA for Ho Chi Minh City via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.

Day 2 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival in HCM City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels & Old Saigon)
This morning, travel outside the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 200km-long network of tunnels built by the Vietcong. They connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories, and were not discovered until after the war. This afternoon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a tour of Old Saigon. Visit a thriving local market to see how these bustling and vibrant markets play a major role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. From here, stroll through the colorful back alleyways lined with flower shops and breathe in the aromas of the freshly cut blooms. Pass through another street where mechanics who specialize in restoring vintage Vespa scooters are hard at work. Take in the scenes of local life as you wander these narrow lanes. Stop for a refreshing traditional iced coffee at the oldest coffee shop in Saigon; this old-fashioned establishment has a colorful history stretching back over seven decades. Continue the walk through other back lanes that bring you to another famous street filled with shops selling locally-made guitars. (B,L)

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City (Mekong Delta)
Travel south of the city to the upper part of the Mekong Delta. A journey of about two and a half hours brings you to Ben Tre, a peaceful area of lush orchards, green rice paddies and coconut fields where the fresh sweet coconut juice is said to be the best in the country. Hop on a tuk-tuk or a bicycle for a ride along the shady paths to visit the home of a local antique collector, Uncle Six. This friendly older man will welcome you into his home. If you’re feeling fit, Uncle Six will even show you how to climb the coconut trees using just your bare hands. Continue exploring the area along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong. Board a sampan (row boat) and cruise along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees before changing your mode of transport to a motorized boat. After a delicious lunch of local specialties cooked by the host, visit some local workshops to see how rice paper and sticky coconut sweets are made. Return to  HCM City in the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City / Halong Bay
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, journey east along Highway 5 across Hai Hung Province for Halong Bay. Overnight in Halong. (B)

***Note: Optional overnight on board Bhaya Cruise instead of hotel available. Slight adjustments to the itinerary required. Contact us for details. ****

Day 6 Halong Bay / Halong Bay
This morning, enjoy a cruise by traditional “Junk” (wooden boat) around the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, stopping at different islands to explore the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets, and pearl fisheries while observing the rhythms of daily life on the bay. A seafood lunch is served on board your cruise. Proceed by road to Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 7 Hanoi
Today, tour the city of Hanoi, with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum,* his stilt house from where he ruled the country, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, the Opera House, “Hanoi Hilton” Prison and Hoan Kiem Lake. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Later this afternoon, embark on a Night Foodies tour to experience some of the city’s best street food stalls. Start at the bustling Hom market, one of the biggest and most popular markets in Hanoi. Wander through the narrow alleyways, passing colorful stalls piled high with a vast array of fruit, vegetables, sweets, and elaborate temple offerings. Take photos of the vibrant colors and breathe in the aromas of the tropical fruits. If you’re feeling brave, venture to the exotic section to see kicking frogs, silkworms and wriggling eels. The entire market is alive with the buzz and excitement of the locals bartering and haggling for the freshest ingredients at the best prices. Your guide will take you to popular street food stalls where you can sample some of the city’s signature dishes. Stop at a local coffee shop and then continue your culinary exploration with a stroll through the maze of bustling streets that make up the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try Vietnamese snacks and a cup of iced tea, followed by a sweet dessert of fresh fruit and condensed milk. End the tour with a cold draught beer at a sidewalk stall popular with locals. (B,L,D)

***NOTE: *Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed Mondays & Fridays and in October & November.

Day 8 Hanoi (Ninh Binh) 
This morning, journey south on a scenic adventure to Ninh Binh, dubbed the "Dry Halong Bay" where the breathtaking scenery and rural Vietnamese culture abound. Today's adventure commences with a visit to Hoa Lu Citadel, home to Vietnam's first capital dating back to the 10th century. Continue to Tam Coc where we glide along green waterways on a hand-rowed sampan passing under three caves. All around us, dramatic limestone formations rise sharply out of green rice paddies and wetlands. The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon. (B,L)

**Optional biking (approx. 13-15 km in total distance on flat terrain)  in Tam Coc available upon request. 

Day 9 Hanoi / Hong Kong
Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel (driver only) for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. (B)

Day 10 Hong Kong
Enjoy a morning private walking tour via public transportation to explore Hong Kong’s Central and Western Districts. Starting with a ride on the Star Ferry, we visit Central District, the business and financial hub of Hong Kong – a glittering show of mirrored towers, multi-million dollar high-rises and designer shops. Take a tram ride up to Victoria Peak, one of Hong Kong’s must-sees, offering panoramic views of the Hong Kong Harbor. Afterwards, visit a local wet market and take a ride on the historic double-decker Hong Kong Tramway before returning to your hotel by subway (MTR). Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 11 Hong Kong / Xian
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of the Yangling Tombs and the City Wall. This evening, enjoy a stroll through the Night Market in Muslim Quarters. (B)

Day 12 Xian
Today’s full-day tour includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Museum and the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di with its Terracotta army. Includes lunch. Tonight enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Xian / Beijing
Transfer for your high speed train ride to Beijing. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 14 Beijing
A full-day city tour today includes visit to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, with lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 15 Beijing
Today you will visit the spectacular and less crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with cable car ride. After lunch, proceed to the Old Quarters of Beijing, also known as the Hutongs, for a rickshaw tour where you will visit a local family’s residence and the Bell & Drum Towers. Enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner followed by a Legends of Kung Fu evening performance. (B,L,D)

Day 16 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home, connecting in Hong Kong. Arrive the same day. (B)

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
• Price excludes personal expenses, beverages during included lunches & dinners, gratuities to guides and drivers
• For Air & Land Option:
  • U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $250- subject to change)
  • When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Fri-Sun), add $50 per person each direction
  • *June rates apply for departures between May 24-31 (due to peak season airfares)
  • **A supplement of $500 (SFO/LAX) | $600 (NYC/CHI/BOS) applies for departures between Dec. 10 – 31
• Land Only Option does NOT  airfares between Hanoi / Hong Kong / Xian (land cost includes HCM City / Hanoi and Beijing/Xian segments only)
• *Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays & Fridays
• Holiday surcharges applies for stays during Dec. 23 – Jan. 05
• Visas are required to enter Vietnam & China. Not included in package.
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation