Highlights of China & Vietnam
Featured Journey14 DaysChina

Highlights of China & Vietnam

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Saigon and Hanoi

14
Days
13
Destinations
Private
Your party only
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Absolute Asia/China/Highlights of China & Vietnam

Overview

Discover the vibrant contrasts of two of Asia’s most captivating nations on the Highlights of China & Vietnam journey. In China, explore the majestic Forbidden City, trek along the awe-inspiring Great Wall, and sail the legendary Mekong River. In Vietnam, dive into the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and wander through lush countryside scenes. From imperial landmarks to serene waterways, this trip blends urban excitement with natural beauty every step of the way. You’ll also savor authentic regional cuisine, meet local artisans in traditional villages, and enjoy seamless transfers and expert guides throughout.

Highlights of China and Vietnam

  • City tours in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Saigon and Hanoi
  • Walk on the iconic Great Wall of China
  • Visit the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors
  • Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and floating village at Thoi Son
  • Discover Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter by cyclo
  • Enjoy a tranquil Hạ Long Bay cruise and a Mekong River excursion
Route

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Saigon and Hanoi

Travel style

Moderate

Trip Snapshot & Inclusions Standard100% Private & Tailor-Made
Service ModelStrictly private chauffeured air-conditioned vehicle with dedicated English-speaking certified guide throughout.
Pacing & FlexibilityAdaptive itinerary pacing with unhurried daily departures, tailored specifically to your party.
Commercial PurityStrictly zero compulsory tourist shopping stops or commission traps. 100% focused on authentic cultural discovery.
24/7 ConciergeDedicated local country specialist reachable around the clock from arrival through departure.

“I did not tell half of what I saw, for I knew I would not be believed. The magnitude of the cities, the grand waterways, and the arts of the Middle Kingdom defy Western imagination.”

— Marco Polo
Venetian Merchant & Silk Road Chronicler
Source: The Travels of Marco Polo ↗
✓ Verified Geographic & Heritage FactsOfficial records from UNESCO, National Authorities & Geological Surveys
Great Wall of China System
Total length of 21,196 km (13,171 miles) constructed across successive imperial dynasties (UNESCO 1987)
Source: National Cultural Heritage Administration of China ↗
Forbidden City Imperial Complex
720,000 m² palace with 980 surviving buildings, the world’s largest palace complex (UNESCO 1987)
Source: Palace Museum Beijing ↗
Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang
Over 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors and 670 horses guarding the First Emperor (UNESCO 1987)
Source: Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum ↗
Li River Karst Topography
83 km scenic corridor between Guilin and Yangshuo forming the world’s most extensive tropical karst cone landscape
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre ↗

Itinerary ideas

Trip Highlights

Hanoi arrival

Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi - Halong bay

Sunrise Tai Chi or photography session; visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat; disembark and return to Hanoi.

Hanoi - Beijing

Why Choose Absolute Asia

English-speaking guides who live in the country you're visiting

A private travel designer reachable throughout your trip

Hand-selected hotels chosen for character, not chain

Private transfers and drivers for a seamless day-to-day

Interested in this itinerary but want to join a small group instead?

Our small group departures follow a similar route at a lower per-person cost.

Learn More

Day by Day

Itinerary

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Hanoi arrival

Welcome to Hanoi! Your driver and guide will meet you at Noi Bai Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

Hanoi City Tour
Hanoi - Halong bay
Sunrise Tai Chi or photography session; visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat; disembark and return to Hanoi.
Hanoi - Beijing
Beijing
Beijing - Xi’an
Xi’an - Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai - Saigon
Saigon
Mekong Delta
Saigon departure

Tailor-Made Journey Guidance

Speak to a Travel Specialist

Every journey is private, tailor-made, and planned around your pace, interests, and preferred style of travel. Connect with a destination specialist to begin designing your itinerary.

Emily Nguyen
Emily NguyenSenior Asia Specialist