Tailor-made Holiday · China
China and Vietnam: Great Wall to Halong Bay
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At a glance
Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins in the historical heart of China, Beijing. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, from the awe-inspiring Great Wall to the imperial majesty of the Forbidden City. Each step in Beijing offers a deep dive into the country's ancient history and vibrant modern life.
Continue your adventure to Luoyang, a cradle of Chinese civilization, where the ancient Longmen Grottoes await. Marvel at thousands of Buddha statues carved into the cliffs by devoted monks over centuries, a testament to the enduring spirit of Chinese Buddhism.
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Next, your journey takes you to the picturesque landscapes of Guilin, renowned for its ethereal karst mountains and the serene Li River. A cruise on the Li River not only showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Guangxi but also offers a glimpse into the tranquil rural life along its banks.
From the tranquil beauty of Guilin, set sail on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bay's thousand limestone islands, shaped by wind and waves over millennia, create a surreal seascape that's best experienced aboard a traditional junk boat. Whether you're exploring hidden caves, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply relaxing on deck, Halong Bay promises an experience like no other.
Conclude your expedition in Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Here, ancient pagodas stand alongside bustling markets in the Old Quarter, offering an immersive exploration of Vietnamese culture and history. From the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake to the historic Temple of Literature and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi's blend of French colonial heritage and Asian spirit captivates all who wander its storied streets.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: Beijing
Upon arriving into Beijing, you will visit Temple of Heaven which is famous for its simplistic but symbolistic architecture reflecting ancient Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Historically, emperors would forge the link between the round sky and the square earth through sacrificial rituals based on the founding principles of this ancient civilisation.
Day 2: Beijing
You will visit the Forbidden City. The rest of your day will be dedicated to walks around Beihai Lake and Houhai Lake which are encircled by Hutongs. Your walk will then lead you to the Drum Tower. Here you can attend a demonstration of how, during the Ming Dynasty, the passing of each hour was marked with a drum roll.
Day 3: Beijing
You will visit one of the seven wonders of the world – the breathtaking Great Wall. You will visit the Mutianyu section. You have the choice of taking the cable car or you can embark on the long but rewarding uphill walk. You will be able to enjoy a picnic on the Great Wall whilst admiring the truly breathtaking scenery. Once back in Beijing, you will visit the Summer Palace.
Day 4: Beijing to Luoyang
You will be transferred to the train station for a high-speed train journey to Luoyang. Next you will be welcomed by your local guide and driver and be transferred to Longmen grottoes. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the cave of 10,000 buddhas on the west bank, and on the east bank the Ancestor Worshipping Cave.
Day 5: Lyoyang to Guilin
Today you will travel to Guilin by express train. You will then visit the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region known for its diversity and beautiful countryside especially the rocky peaks bordering the Li River, the caves and the mesmerising Detain waterfalls.
Day 6: Guilin
You will visit the Huangluo Yao village which is located in the Longsheng area. Discover and take a walk on the ‘Dragon’s Backbone’. You will visit the villages of Zhongliu and Tiantouzhai offering a truly panoramic view of the beautiful surrounding area.
Day 7: Guilin to Mingshi
You will drive to Mingshi by highway, before taking the scenic route on the national road which is bordered by sugarloaves and rice paddies. Mingshi Mountain Village is perfectly located alongside the Mingshi River next to the foot of a rocky peak.
Day 8: Mingshi to Detian
Day 9: Mingshi to Halong
Today you will visit breathtaking Halong Bay which is another one of the seven wonders of the world. Afterwards, you will travel to Halong City, check in to your hotel and then you are free to spend the day however you wish.
Day 10: Halong Bay
Today you will enjoy an afternoon cruise towards around the bay, you will be served lunch before having a choice of activities or if you wish you can choose to unwind and use the time to relax. The day will conclude with Dinner on board.
Day 11: Halong to Hanoi
Enjoy the morning taking in the views in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served. You will be able to enjoy the magnificent views of the rock formations before cruising back towards the port. Afterwards, you will transfer back to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. You can then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 12: Hanoi
On the last day of your trip you will embark on a half-day city tour discovering this ancient city. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Afterwards, continue to the Temple of Literature. Followed by a visit to the nearby mausoleum of the historic figure and a visit Ho Chi Minh city. The day will conclude with a visit to the iconic One Pillar pagoda before heading to the airport for your flight.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
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