Treasures of Vietnam and China - Wendy Wu Tours

Days 1-2 : UK – Saigon

Fly overnight to Saigon via Hong Kong and transfer to the hotel before our welcome dinner of local cuisine.

Day 3 : Saigon

Sightseeing today includes a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the French-style Post Office. We also visit Cholon (the Chinatown of Saigon), the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market for some shopping. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 4 : Mekong Delta day tour

Travel by coach to My Tho and enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River to explore the delta, also known as the ‘Rice Basket’ of Vietnam as it is covered with rice paddies and fruit plantations. Visit floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations before returning to Saigon.

Day 5 : Cu Chi Tunnels & Tay Ninh day tour

Visit the famous tunnel system at Cu Chi and then attend the noon service at the Cao Dai Temple, which is one of the most striking structures in Asia.

Day 6 : Saigon – Hoi An

Fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An stopping at the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach en-route.

Days 7-8 : Hoi An

Our walking tour today takes us through the narrow streets of the historic centre of Hoi An where we visit one of the oldest homes, which is still occupied by the descendants of the merchants that built it over 200 years ago. Also visit the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market for some shopping and a local Chinese Pagoda. The afternoon and the following day are at leisure to enjoy this relaxing town as you wish.

Day 9 : Hoi An – Hue

Travel to Hue, the former historic capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty and visit the Imperial Citadel, the centrepiece of the royal empire which was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. We also visit Tu Duc Tomb. In the evening, take part in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes designed for the Royal Courts.

Day 10 : Hue – Hanoi

Enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Later, fly to Hanoi, a charming and richly historic city of lakes, parks and shaded boulevards, also known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Spend the afternoon at leisure and in the evening, enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets.

Day 11 : Halong Bay Junk Cruise

Drive to Halong Bay, the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam and board the traditionally designed junk boat. Relax and enjoy a seafood meal onboard whilst cruising between the nearby islands. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon, driving through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.

Day 12 : Hanoi

Our city tour includes visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. We also enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter and a drive around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Days 13-14 : Hanoi – Kunming

Fly to Kunming in China, also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’. In the evening we sample the famous Across the Bridge Noodles. The next day, explore the picturesque Stone Forest.

Day 15 : Kunming – Guilin

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Days 16-17 : Li River Cruise – Yangshuo – Guilin

Cruise the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. Continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China. The next day, explore the colourful local markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere of this charming town before returning to Guilin. We also see the cormorant fishermen.

Days 18-19 : Guilin – Xian

Stroll through the picturesque Seven Star Park to explore the Seven Star Cave and visit the ‘Giant Panda Hotel’. We also visit Mt Diecai for views of the surrounding karst landscape. Later, fly to the former ancient capital of Xian. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Days 20-21 : Xian – Beijing

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum, stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Beijing. The next morning tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 22 : Beijing

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 23 : Beijing

Walk on the Great Wall and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven.

Day 24 : Beijing – Shanghai

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

Day 25 : Shanghai

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the famous Bund and enjoy traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Day 26 : Shanghai

Visit the modern Pudong area and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920's style shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.

Day 27 : Shanghai – UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day.