China & Vietnam: The Great Wall to Ho Chi Minh

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

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!