China & Vietnam: The Great Wall to Ho Chi Minh

This 27-night tour by G Adventures takes you from the broad avenues of Beijing to the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, threading a varied route through China and Vietnam. Start with an orientation in Beijing’s hutongs and the Forbidden City, then walk along the Great Wall near Mutianyu — complete with the option of a swift toboggan descent. Xi'an follows, where the Terracotta Warriors stand silent and a local family lunch offers a break from the usual tourist fare.

In southern China, gentle hikes through the rice terraces of Yuanyang and a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Center add quiet contrast to the cities. Crossing into Vietnam brings a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s old quarter, a boat cruise around the limestone islets of Halong Bay, and an old town stroll in Hoi An, known for its faded lanterns and tailor shops. The journey concludes in Ho Chi Minh City, where the Cu Chi tunnels and bustling markets form a stark counterpoint to the first days of East Asian history.

Expect shared overnight trains and a junk boat for a night on Halong Bay. A pair of local CEOs guide the group—one for China, another once in Vietnam — offering historical insights without the formality of a guide’s script. The pace is steady, the itinerary full but varied, with hands-on moments such as a Hmong batik workshop to balance the sightseeing.