G Adventures
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh
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.
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.
Accommodation
Hotels (19 nts), Halong Bay Junk Boat (1nt), Overnight train (1nt)
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 14
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
What’s Included
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, T? Van
Your 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 (Hu?). Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
| Day 1 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
| Day 2 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
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| Day 8 |
Sights include: Xishan Forest Park and Dianchi Lake. |
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| Day 14 |
Replete with intricate temples, immersive museums, and gastronomic delicacies, Hanoi will surely enchant you! The capital of Vietnam, bustling Hanoi is the perfect center for your next adventure in southeastern Asia. A host of delectable eats are available at your fingertips in this vibrant city. From the classic pho, with rice noodles and a hearty beef broth that will instantly warm you, to bún chả, filled with pickled veggies, vermicelli noodles, and flavorful pork, there are plenty of culinary delights to satisfy your appetite! A trip to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without tasting the iconic bánh mì, a baguette stuffed with pâté, cilantro, and hot chilies, which represents the city’s unique blend of Vietnamese and French influences. Hanoi’s many museums provide a fascinating look into the cultural, colonial, and military history of Vietnam. Exhibits at the National Museum of Vietnamese History detail the country’s period of colonization by the French, while the Military History Museum and the Hỏa Lò Prison offer a comprehensive look at the effects of the Vietnam War. Be sure to visit the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the center of Hanoi, brimming with centuries-old artifacts and a favorite monument for many tourists to Vietnam. Stunning temples abound throughout Hanoi, offering both spiritual retreat and breathtaking beauty during your trip to this vibrant city. The bright crimson tiers of Trấn Quốc Pagoda are instantly recognizable; set on a peaceful lake, this Buddhist temple provides a serene backdrop for exploring ancient treasures and lighting incense in reverence to the Buddha. Equally beautiful Bach Ma temple in Hanoi’s Old Quarter will astound you with its rich hues of red and gold. Visit the elaborate shrine, the temple’s central site for prayer offerings to Confucius. No matter what you choose to do, Hanoi’s vibrancy will astonish you! |
| Day 15 |
Its legacy as the former imperial capital of Vietnam is just one of many reasons to visit Hue.
For more than a century, the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) ruled from the Forbidden Purple City, the innermost enclosure of the citadel. Today, this complex is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and draws millions of visitors each year. Besides stimulating the tourism industry, Hue's rich history has also had a significant impact on the culture and characteristics of the city and its people, including naming customs, fashion, and cuisine. |
| Day 16 |
Its legacy as the former imperial capital of Vietnam is just one of many reasons to visit Hue.
For more than a century, the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) ruled from the Forbidden Purple City, the innermost enclosure of the citadel. Today, this complex is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and draws millions of visitors each year. Besides stimulating the tourism industry, Hue's rich history has also had a significant impact on the culture and characteristics of the city and its people, including naming customs, fashion, and cuisine. |
| Day 17 |
A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares. |
| Day 18 |
A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares. |
| Day 19 |
A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares. |
| Day 20 |
A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares. |
| Day 21 |
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam at 9 million people. It is an enticing mix of the old and new, with European architecture due to French colonization to towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. Each of the 24 districts of Ho Chi Minh City are a little different, and begging to be explored! |
| Day 22 |
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam at 9 million people. It is an enticing mix of the old and new, with European architecture due to French colonization to towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. Each of the 24 districts of Ho Chi Minh City are a little different, and begging to be explored! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04/18/25 - 05/09/25 |
Starting At $2,887 |
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|
06/20/25 - 07/11/25 |
Starting At $3,649 |
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|
07/04/25 - 07/25/25 |
Starting At $2,919 |
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|
07/18/25 - 08/08/25 |
Starting At $3,102 |
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|
08/22/25 - 09/12/25 |
Starting At $3,649 |
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|
09/10/25 - 10/17/25 |
Starting At $3,749 |
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|
11/14/25 - 01/30/26 |
Starting At $3,349 |
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|
03/06/26 - 03/13/26 |
Starting At $3,549 |
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|
04/03/26 - 05/22/26 |
Starting At $3,749 |
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|
06/05/26 - 08/21/26 |
Starting At $3,549 |
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|
09/04/26 - 10/23/26 |
Starting At $3,749 |
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|
11/06/26 - 12/29/28 |
Starting At $3,349 |
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Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
