27 Day Trails of China, Vietnam and Cambodia
Relaxed itinerary
Return Flights Included
7-day change of mind
Australian Owned Company
Day by Day Itinerary
Beijing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap
Highlights
- Return flights included
- Compulsory Tipping for driver and tour guide (AU$12 per person/day)
- Incredible sightseeing, including Beijing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai and overnight cruise on Halong Bay, guided tours of Sapa, Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Angkor Temples
- Comfortable group experience with no more than 40 persons
- Airport transfers included on the first and last day of the tour
- 23-night hotel accommodation
- Dedicated transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Daily breakfast buffet
- Fully escorted by English-speaking local guides
- Tour guides are not available on bullet trains
- In-depth sightseeing and all entry fees as per the itinerary
- Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise
- Airport transfers included.
Itinerary
{plane) Beijing, China
Welcome to Beijing – Capital of China!
Today begins your spectacular tour through China! Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel to rest after your flight (you will most likely be arriving late in the evening).
Meals: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Ramada Beijing North Hotel 4* or similar
Beijing – Tiananmen Square
After breakfast, set out with your guide to discover the iconic imperial treasures of China’s massive capital, Beijing. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world.
After our tour, you may explore the city at your own pace or instead, you may wish to take part in an optional excursion to enhance your experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Beijing North Hotel 4* or similar
Remark: If you do not join our optional tour, you will be dropped off somewhere and informed when and where to pick up to go back to hotel. (Normally it will be 4 – 5 hours later). If you do not want to wait this long, you can hail a taxi to hotel. The taxi fee is paid on your own.
Optional tour: Beijing Golden Mask Dynasty Show
Take your seat at The Golden Mask Dynasty Show a grand, poetic, and visually stunning performance that transports audiences to a legendary era in China’s rich history. This extraordinary production combines mesmerizing dance, breathtaking acrobatics, state-of-the-art lighting effects, and opulent costumes to bring an ancient legend to life.
Optional tour: Forbidden City Tour
Explore the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years, from the Ming to the Qing dynasty. Covering 180 acres, it consists of nearly 10,000 buildings, surrounded by a large defensive wall and moat. Known for its stunning architecture, intricate wooden carvings, and gold decorations, the Forbidden City symbolizes imperial power and authority.
Beijing
Great Wall and Jade Carving Workshop
Today’s excursion is one of the most anticipated of our trip – a visit to the Great Wall of China. Often recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a staggering feat and a bucket list destination. We will be touring the Juyongguan section, one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall. Located 60km from downtown Beijing, it used be a stronghold that protected the northern access routes to the city. Here we’ll get a chance to climb a portion of this architectural marvel, which stretches an astonishing 21,000km. En route back to the city we’ll visit one of the largest jade exhibitions in China and learn all about China’s most precious and celebrated stone.
Upon returning to Beijing, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure or to participate in one of our optional excursions.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Beijing North Hotel 4* or similar
Optional tour: Beijing Hutong Life Tour
Experience the charm of old Beijing with a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the hutongs lined with traditional courtyard houses known as Siheyuan. Step inside one of these traditional houses where you can gain a glimpse into the local way of life.
Optional tour: Beijing Peking Duck Dinner
Sit down to feast on a traditional Beijing Peking Duck banquet, a culinary experience that embodies centuries of tradition, and offers a taste of Beijing’s rich culinary heritage.
Beijing
Bullet Train to Wuxi
Sightseeing
After breakfast, you will begin our day at a Chinese herbal institute, where we will have the opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese medicine. Later you will pay a visit to the Temple of Heaven which is seen as the most holy of Beijing’s imperial temples. It has been described as “a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design”. Morning is the best time to visit it. You will have an interesting experience watching local people doing morning exercises, like dancing, walking, practicing tai chi or playing games, as you walk to the temple.
In the afternoon we will board a bullet train to reach the city of Wuxi. China’s bullet train network is now the most expansive in the world and you’ll be rocketing towards Wuxi at speeds up to 300km/h. Upon arrival in Wuxi, you’ll be met by our local representative and escorted to your hotel where you may spend the rest of the day relaxing, exploring or spending time with newly made friends.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Park Hotel Wuxi 4* or similar
Wuxi
Suzhou
This morning our day begins with a visit to The Brilliance of Lake Lihu, a branch of Lake Taihu. The lake is well known for its gorgeous park and many interesting features. Locally it is famous thanks to the work of numerous scholars, who have written that notable historical figures, such as Fan Li and Xi Shi, boated here. While here we’ll also visit a freshwater pearl farm.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lakeside Hotel Suzhou 4* or similar
Optional tour: Wuxi Grand Canal Cruise
Enjoy a cruise along the ancient canal from the city to the picturesque Grand Canal, which is the best way to appreciate the stunning views of a water town.
Suzhou
Hangzhou
The classical garden called the Lingering Garden is one of more than 60 in the city – it’s recognized as having the most UNESCO World Heritage gardens in the world.
After this we continue our journey to the Suzhou Silk Factory, which is said to be the largest silk manufacturer in the country. Here, we’ll discover the incredible methods that lay behind silk harvesting.
In the afternoon we continue on to Hangzhou, once described by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. Upon arrival in Hangzhou you’ll have the evening free to spend at your leisure: relax or take up our optional excursions, enjoying a performance.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Merchant Marco Garden Hotel Hangzhou 4* or similar
Optional tour: Romantic Show of Song-Cheng
The Romantic show of Song Cheng is a symbolic show in Hangzhou. It has captivating song and dance, coupled with beautiful sound and light effects, and will thoroughly explain the history and mythology of Hangzhou. In this audio-visual performance, you’ll be able to appreciate the daily life of Liang-Zhu people thousands of years ago, the splendid glory of the Southern Song Dynasty palace, the fierceness of the Yue family army, and the famous “Butterfly Lovers” and “Legend of the White Snake” operas.
Hangzhou
Shanghai
The city of Hangzhou, also known as ‘Paradise on Earth’, has been immortalised by countless poets and artists. The most renowned feature here is the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After our visit to the West Lake, we’ll continue on to tea plantations to taste Dragon Well tea, otherwise known as Longjing – a much sought-after local green tea leaf. Green tea is said to be great for health and wellbeing, packed with antioxidants, and today you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about China’s tea culture.
Following lunch, we’ll drive to Shanghai, on China’s central coast. This evening, we’ll have the opportunity to get a glimpse of Shanghai’s dazzling skyline by joining the optional Huangpu River Cruise ride.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel Shanghai Qingpu Excellence 4* or similar
Optional tour: Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai, a city that never sleep is beautiful in the daytime and magnificent at night. When night falls, people can enjoy the most shining lights cruising on the mother river of Shanghai – Huangpu River, which separates the city into two parts. On west side, you can enjoy the old skyline in shining lights, Gallery of World Architecture with the whole city as the background; while on east side, Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone with all the new skyscrapers give you more enchanting views with dreaming colors of Shanghai.
Shanghai
Enjoy a full day in Shanghai – a city of some 26 million people and an important global financial hub. After breakfast, we’ll travel to the Bund, a famous waterfront area in Shanghai that’s lined with colonial architecture of European design. The Bund is perhaps the best representation of Western influences from a bygone era, and is now called the ‘Wall Street of the East’. Following our tour here, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please – relax or enjoy one of our optional tours and activities to help enhance your experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel Shanghai Qingpu Excellence 4* or similar
Optional tour: Shanghai Chinese Acrobatic Show
Take your seat at ERA Shanghai Acrobatic Show to witness an awe-inspiring display of incredible skill, athleticism, and artistry. Set in a stunning theatre, the performance showcases China’s world-renowned acrobatic traditions through a series of breathtaking acts.
Optional tour: Shanghai Insight Tour
This tour takes you to Lujiazui Financial & Trade zone, where the Jinmao Tower is located. Jinmao is with 88 stories reaching a height of 420.5 meters and 290,000 square meter construction area, it is literally means “Gold Luxuriance Building” in Chinese. In here, you can find the perfect combination of traditional Chinese architectural style and the world’s modern architectural technology. After this, we will visit another famous site in Shanghai – Xi’tian’di. It is an historical and cultural character of the city tourism attraction, its unique Shikumen Shanghai-based urban construction attract people from the globe to explore this special leisure area.
Optional tour: Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai, a city that never sleeps, is captivating both by day and night, but it truly comes alive on a Huangpu River cruise. The river, often referred to as the “mother river” of Shanghai, divides the city into two distinct regions, each offering its own unique charm.
Shanghai
Hanoi
Today, you will depart from your home to Vietnam’s capital – Hanoi. On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met at the airports and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Meal : In-flight meals.
Accommodation : Babylon Grand Hotel 3* or similar.
Hanoi
Sapa
This morning, you will leave Hanoi for Sapa after your breakfast. On arrival in the afternoon, discover Lao Chai village, Muong Hoa Valley, Black H’mong village and take a soft-trekking further to Ta Van village.
Please noted that today requires comfortable walking shoes as the trek will take approximately 3 hours.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel De Sapa 4* or similar
Sapa
Y Linh Ho
Lao Chai
Ta Van
After breakfast, descend down the valley on a trail through rice paddy terraces, enjoying the spectacular scenery on the way. Once reaching the narrow river running on the bottom of the valley, you will walk along its bank for a while and eventually arrive at the Black H’mong minority village of Y Linh Ho. You will get a first-hand look into their lives and traditions, hear stories, and enjoy a great social interaction.
Take a rest and then head to the Muong Hoa Valley. You will pass through Lao Chai Village of Black H’mong minority and Ta Van Village of Zay minority by following more rice terraces with spectacular mountain scenery.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel De Sapa 4* or similar
Sapa
Hanoi
Enjoy your last day in Sapa before leaving to Hanoi in the afternoon. Check in your hotel in Hanoi and free time at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel 3* or similar
Optional tour: Hanoi Street Food (Dinner included)
Afternoon Stroll Through Hanoi’s Old Quarter: A Culinary and Cultural Adventure
Hanoi
Halong Bay 
After breakfast, we will leave Hanoi and head to Halong Bay – the UNESCO World Heritage Site and spend 24 hours on a Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands. Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise.
Halong Bay
Hanoi
Awake early and join a Tai Chi session on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea before exploring nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong Bay from the sundeck. Your driver will meet you at the Halong jetty then we drive back to Hanoi.
Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel 3* or similar
Optional tour: Australian Beef and Wine Tasting with Rickshaw in Hanoi
Discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter: A Unique Culinary Experience with a one-hour cycle rickshaw ride.
Hanoi
Da Nang
After breakfast, you will have a bustling day to visit a city tour of Hanoi and will explore attractions such as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda) and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. In the afternoon, you take a flight to Da Nang.
On arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in and spend your free tim at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Belle Maison Danang Hotel 4* or similar
Da Nang
Hoi An
Today, you will have a walking tour around Hoi An and visit popular highlights including the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple and Phung Hung Old House. In the afternoon, freely explore the town or join one of our exciting optional tours.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hoi An Garden Palace 4* or similar
Optional tour: Golden Bridge Tour
Discover Ba Na Hills: A Magical Day Tour including the iconic Golden Bridge.
Hoi An
Today you are free at leisure to explore the city as you wish or buy an optional tour with us.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hoi An Garden Palace 4* or similar
Optional tour: My Son Sanctuary and Thanh Ha Village Tour
Experience the Wonders of My Son Sanctuary and Scenic River Cruise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that promises to leave you in awe.
Danang
Ho Chi Minh City
Today, you will take a flight to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City and Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or explore the city on your own.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Aristo Hotel Saigon 3* or similar
Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast, you will visit the famous attractions of Ho Chi Minh City such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office (photo spot only), War Remnant Museum and dive into the colorful Ben Thanh market, one of Ho Chi Minh’s liveliest areas. In the afternoon, head to Cu Chi Tunnels, a byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers and booby traps used by both the Viet Minh and the Viet Cong during Vietnam-US war. The tunnel system had become legendary during the 1960s as a strategic military base and underground community life.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Aristo Hotel Saigon 3* or similar
Ho Chi Minh City
Optional Mekong Delta Tour
Explore Saigon at your own pace or book our optional tour to Mekong River area and enjoy an unforgettable experience along the mighty Mekong river.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Aristo Hotel Saigon 3* or similar
Optional tour: Mekong visit the locals
Explore the Enchanting Mekong Delta: Known as “The Rice Bowl of Vietnam,” this vibrant region offers a wealth of cultural activities and stunning natural beauty.
Ho Chi Minh City
Siem Reap
Today you are free time until we drive to the airport for flight back to Siem Reap.
On arrival in Siem Reap-Angkor Airport, meet our driver and transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Siem Reap
Angkor Temples
Spend a full day discovering the mystical Angkor temples. Your day starts with a visit to Angkor Wat, then we will visit the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery.
In the afternoon, visit Angkor Thom (the Great City) beginning by the south gate and the famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries. Then, journey to the Elephant Terrace and the raised Leper King Terrace, built in the 12th century and which features many beautifully sculptured Apsaras.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Siem Reap
Today, you are free time at leisure to explore the mystery of Siem Reap or swimming at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Optional tour: Tonle Sap Lake Tour
Get ready for an extraordinary experience on a captivating tour of Tonle Sap Lake, a jewel of Cambodia. Known as the “Great Lake,” Tonle Sap is a magnificent natural wonder.
Siem Reap
Today, you are free time at leisure to explore the mystery of Siem Reap or swimming at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Siem Reap
Phnom Penh
After breakfast, you will check out your hotel and get a bus to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap (6-hours driving). On arrival at the Cambodia’s capital, check in your hotel and and spend your free time at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sun & Moon Hotel 4* or similar
Phnom Penh
Home
Today, you are free time at leisure to explore the Cambodia’s Capital or swimming at hotel until we drive to the airport for flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: On Plane
Home
Arrive at your home today and we hope you enjoy the trip with AVG Travels.
Included
- Return flights included.
- Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
- 02 water bottles per person per day
- 03 internal flights: Hanoi – Da Nang, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap.
- Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
- 3-4* hotel accommodations at the central location
- Dedicated transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Daily Breakfast Buffet, and meals in the itinerary
- Fully escorted by English-speaking local guides
- In-depth sightseeing and all entry fees as per the itinerary
Excluded
- Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
- Visa fee in China, Vietnam and Cambodia
- Tipping for driver and tour guide & personal expenses
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
AVG Travels offers you a pay in “5 Instalment Payment Plan” as follows
- First payment: $300 per person deposit due at time of booking
- Second payment: $2,000 per person due 7 days after the initial booking.
- Final payment: Balance due 120 days before your departure date.
Please note if you book within 120 days of departure, your final payment will be due within 7 days of booking.
AVG Travels offers a 7-day cooling off offer. Please refer to the “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package includes return flights from Sydney/Melbourne.
Flights from Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth attract a $400 surcharge.
Airline Selection: We book the best available airlines for your journey, which may include a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Specific airline requests can be made at the time of purchase. This includes upgrades to your preferred carrier, premium economy or business class cabins or specific seats. Whilst we will try our best, not all requests can be confirmed.
Flight Conditions: Flights may not be direct and could involve a maximum of two transits.
Ticketing Information: Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Changes are subject to airline rules, airline change fees, and an AVG Travels change fee of $250 per person.
Passenger Details: Please ensure all traveller names are as per passports. This includes all middle names. Errors may incur a name change fee of $150 plus airline charges, or require the purchase of a new ticket.
Flight Schedule Changes: Any changes or cancellations to airline schedules are outside our control. We recommend staying updated with airline schedules before departure. Additional expenses for extended transits or alternative arrangements are the traveller’s responsibility.
Internal Airfares: Local flights included in your itinerary may utilise low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage is included; any additional baggage fees are payable at check-in.
Booking Considerations: If travelling with others on separate bookings, we may not be able to guarantee all flights are the same due to availability.
Luggage and Fees: You are responsible for your luggage at all times. Excess baggage fees, if incurred, are payable directly to the airline. All tickets will include 20 kg checked baggage per person, plus 7 kg of hand luggage. We recommend travelling with a max 20kg per person due to restrictions on internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Please note, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included.
No-Show Policy: Missing your flight may result in fees including a no-show fee, airline reissue fee, and possible new ticket purchase. AVG Travels charges a $250 admin fee for re-booking assistance.
Price Adjustments: Prices are final at the time of ticketing. Any subsequent changes may result in additional costs due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or airline surcharges.
Important Information
Important Information
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of 10AUD per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $ 2050 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size: From 2 – 30 travellers
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer you competitive rates for your travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
China
China has included Australia / New Zealand in its visa waiver program commencing from 1 July 2024. If you hold an ordinary Australian / New Zealand passport, you can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting family and friends or transit.
Update November 25, 2024
From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, visa-free stays in China will be extended from 15 days to 30 days.
Please note:
- Travelers who are not Australian / New Zealand citizens must check with their respective consulate to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
- It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organizations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.
Vietnam
A visa is required for travel to Vietnam. The visa is easiest to complete with Asia Vacation Group and just need to pay $160 for single entry for Vietnam Visa.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children is not accepted for this one.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to Extend Your Stay
If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
- Follow the “Book Now” prompts, until you reach the “Anything else we need to know?” field
- Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you require additional accommodation, with the number of nights needed.
- After finalizing your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of our Reservation team will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can pay extra for arriving early or extension your trip.
Pre-tour night: AU$140/room/night
Post-tour night: AU$140/room/night
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW
Reserved your seat with a small deposit and you can change your mind in 7 days.
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