Treasures of Vietnam & China

From ZAR38 165 - 28 Days, Fully Inclusive From Johannesburg

What better way is there to see the best of Vietnam and China than by combining both into one comprehensive tour. Focusing on the major attractions in each country, this tour enables you to see some of Asia’s major sites, such as historic Hoi An, majestic Halong Bay, Xian’s Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall of China.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: South Africa to Saigon

Depart South Africa and fly with Cathay Pacific to Saigon. Upon arrival we are met by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel.

Day 3: Saigon

We begin sightseeing around Vietnam’s largest and busiest city by visiting the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral built between 1886-1890 and the French style central Post Office. Also visit Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon, where we see the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. After stopping at Ben Thanh Markets for some shopping, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 4-5: Saigon

Explore the Mekong Delta, the heart of South Vietnam. We take various boat trips amongst the smaller tributaries to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.

The following day we explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.

Days 6-8: Saigon to 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. Tomorrow undertake a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An, visit an old home still lived in by descendents of the original merchants, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market and a local Chinese pagoda. This afternoon and the following day are free to visit the tailors for which this town is known and soak up the charming atmosphere at one of the many riverside cafes.

Day 9: Hoi An to Hue

Leaving Hoi An drive over Hai Van Pass to the ancient capital of Hue. Hue was

Vietnam

’s ‘Imperial Capital’, the former home to the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled over the country from 1802 until the last emperor abdicated in 1945. To this end, a visit to Hue wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Imperial Citadel, which was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Later this afternoon visit Tu Duc Tomb. Tonight we enjoy a cooking lesson.

Day 10: Hue to Hanoi

Take a cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and then visit Khai Dinh Tomb. In the afternoon board our Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. This evening enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets.

Days 11-12: Hanoi

Travel to Halong Bay and enjoy a cruise through the spectacular scenery. Our City tour tomorrow includes visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, Temple of Literature, a walking tour of the Old Quarter and markets, Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ethnology Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.

Days 13-14: Hanoi to Kunming

We bid farewell to Vietnam to embark on our China adventure and fly to Kunming for a 2 night stay. Upon arrival we will be met by our Chinese National Escort and transferred to our hotel. Sample the ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ in the evening as our welcoming celebration. The following day enjoy a full day tour to the awe inspiring Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

Day 15: Kunming to Guilin

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Later visit the renowned Reed Flute Caves and Mt Diecai, from where we enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city.

Days 16-17: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Relax on the spectacular Li River Cruise, taking in the breathtaking views, as we travel to the town of Yangshuo. Tomorrow visit the local markets before returning to Guilin. After lunch visit the ancient town of Daxu.

Days 18-19: Guilin to Xian

Fly to Xian. This evening feast on a sumptuous Shui Jiao Banquet, a specialty of the region. The following day stroll along the Ancient City Wall, one of the few intact remaining in all of China, before viewing the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century - the life size Terracotta Warriors. Enjoy an evening performance of Tang Dynasty Cultural Show.

Days 20-21: Xian to Beijing

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum, home to many cultural relics and walk through the Muslim Quarter, where we visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. In the afternoon board our overnight sleeper train to Beijing. Arrive the next morning and transfer to our hotel. Later visit the exquisite Summer Palace before enjoying our welcoming dinner, which includes a sample of the world famous Peking Duck.

Days 22-23: Beijing

Visit the famous Tiananmen Square and the treasure filled Forbidden City. Tomorrow take an exciting walk along the Great Wall and tour the Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a Chinese Acrobatic Show in the evening.

Days 24-26: Beijing to Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai today. Tomorrow visit Yu Gardens, Shanghai Museum, the fascinating Old Town and the famous Bund. The following day visit the Pudong New Economic Zone and explore the restored area of Xintiandi with its 1920’s architectural style ‘shikumen’ buildings. In the evening enjoy a stunning Huangpu River Cruise.

Day 27: Depart Shanghai

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight to

South Africa

Day 28: Arrive South Africa

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

From ZAR38 165 per person	28 Days Fully Inclusive - Flying Cathay Pacific Departing Johannesburg
From ZAR7 795	Single Supplement
From ZAR31 570	Land Only
Approx USD125 Per person	Compulsory Tipping (See Booking Conditions)

Tour Code	Depart SA	Arrive SA
	2010
T18071	17 Mar	13 Apr
T18073	14 Apr	11 May
T18074	05 May	01 Jun
T18076	26 May	22 Jun
T18077	25 Aug	21 Sep
T18078	13 Oct	09 Nov
T18079	27 Oct	23 Nov
	2011
T18081	16 Mar	12 Apr
T18082	23 Mar	19 Apr
T18083	13 Apr	10 May
T18084	04 May	31 May
T18085	18 May	14 Jun

Travel Info

Country Info

VIETNAM

CHINA

Inclusions

Return international economy class airfares
All meals and accommodation
All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees to scenic attractions
Local National Tour Escort for each country with a minimum of 10 passengers and/or English speaking local guides in each city
Visa fees for South African passport holders
Domestic airport and land taxes
Vietnamese departure taxes
An impressive Wendy Wu Tours travel wallet

Exclusions

International airport taxes
Personal expenditure such as drinks (including at meals), laundry service and souvenirs
Compulsory Tipping (see booking conditions)
Optional excursions that may be offered on tour
Land Only package excludes visa fees and arrival and departure transfers
Local airport taxes if applicable
Compulsory insurance of any kind