China Thailand Tours & Trip Packages

China Thailand Tours & Trips

383 China trips. Tours from 153 tour companies. 1,211 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

14 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Thailand
Bangkok to Singapore
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ao Nang, Bangkok , Georgetown, Khao Sok, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Surat Thani

Highlights

  • Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park, exploring, hiking, relaxing, and cruising by longtail boat on a limestone cliff-circled lake.
  • Taste Thai traditions while learning how to cook authentic dishes with your host, during a village visit in Krabi.
  • Encounter the fusion of cultures that gives Penang a unique atmosphere; walk down the backstreets where colonial buildings, tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways meld with cool street art.
  • Find a slice of paradise on an included sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and hidden lagoons of the Baan Bor Tor mangrove forests.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Epic South East Asia
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Bangkok , Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Luang Prabang, Ninh Binh, Phnom Penh , Saigon, Siem Reap, Vientiane

Highlights

  • Head out on a sunset hike to Wat Phu Si in Luang Prabang for some amazing views over Phu Si Mountain. After the sun descends, head to Talad Mued Night Market for a BBQ feast – a local favourite.  
  • Cruise down the Mekong River in a traditional-style boat – a classic favourite in Southeast Asia for good reason. Take in the overhanding reeds and enjoy more photo-ops than you can shake a bamboo cane at. 
  • Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty? Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island. 
  • A homestay in rural Sambor Prei Kuk puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia – cycle through the village for the best perspective and see locals working the rice fields or getting stuck into handicrafts.
  • See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided Tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community. 

Themes

18 - 30's

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Best of Thailand & Malaysia
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ao Nang, Bangkok , Chiang Mai, Georgetown, Khao Sok, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Sukhothai, Surat Thani

Highlights

  • Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at Chang Chill Elephant Park.
  • See how the locals live on a bicycle ride through your homestay village. Ride past the rice fields and breathe in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance.
  • Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park, exploring, hiking, relaxing, and cruising by longtail boat on a limestone cliff-circled lake.
  • Find a slice of paradise on an included sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and hidden lagoons of mangrove forests.
  • Encounter the fusion of cultures that gives Penang a unique atmosphere; walk down the backstreets where colonial buildings, tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways meld with cool street art.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Bangkok to Bali
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ao Nang, Bali, Bangkok , Georgetown, Jakarta, Khao Sok, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Surat Thani, Ubud

Highlights

  • Discover a different side of Kuala Lumpur – away from the skyscrapers – on a half-day street food tour through the alleyways, uncovering flavours you need to be a local to know.
  • Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park, exploring, hiking, relaxing, and cruising by longtail boat on a limestone cliff-circled lake.
  • Find a slice of paradise on an included sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and hidden lagoons of the Ao Thalane mangrove forests.
  • Climbing Mt Bromo in the early hours of the morning is an adventure to remember. If the conditions are right, you'll be rewarded with a dazzling sunset over mist-laden volcanoes.
  • Get behind the scenes of some of Java's fascinating local industries – from coffee, cocoa and palm sugar to traditional Javanese medicine.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Epic Vietnam to Cambodia
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Bangkok , Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Ninh Binh, Phnom Penh , Saigon, Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Chill out in the cultural mixed bag of Hoi An and hit up the local beach, cycle through rice paddies or get some sweet threads tailor-made. Then, pick your own ingredients for lunch during a garden-to-table experience with a local chef. 
  • Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty? Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island. 
  • Cycle around the ancient temples and expansive fields in Nin Binh – a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. With loads of free time, you can hike to Mua Cave or take a boat down in Tam Coc to the nearby caves.  
  • A homestay in rural Sambor Prei Kuk puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia – cycle through the village for the best perspective and see locals working the rice fields or getting stuck into handicrafts. 
  • See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided Tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community.   

Themes

18 - 30's

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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15-Day Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket Tour
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By China Highlights
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bangkok, Beijing, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phuket, Shanghai

Highlights

  • Enter the Forbidden City with VIP access and tour with a real insider
  • Hike on the Great Wall with wide-open vistas
  • Cooking class at Chiang Mai
  • Relax your body and soul on Kata Beach of Phuket

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I've just returned from my trip to China, a week ago. I've seen many-many interesting places of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. But most of all i liked my 2-days trip to Longshen villages with my guide Frank from chinahighlights. The day before our trip has started, in Guilin, Frank met me in hotel and told about our journey. Next 2 days we visited traditional ancient chinese villages (the biggest from them are Ping'an and Dazhai), walking around them, saw the rice-terraces landscape (it was really unbelievable). Also we had a hiking between villages, and stayed at night at ZhongLiu village. I haven't seen any tourists in this village, even chinese tourists. It was fantastic cause we've seen real chinese life of local people, including, for example, planting vegetables, collecting tea). Very quiet, fresh air, natural food. Yes, in this village almost no shops, no souvenirs, but you dont need them. All around you a hundred times better. I advice all, who wants to see real chinese life, visit this place, especially this village, stay at night there. Thanks very much to my guide Frank and chinahighlights for this trip!"

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The Best of the Mountain Kingdoms: Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Kathmandu, Lhasa

Highlights

  • Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
  • I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
  • Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Best Of Bangkok, Hong Kong And Dubai
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubai, Hong Kong

Highlights

  • Travel to the incredible city of Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand
  • Ride to the top of Victoria Peak on the famous tram and enjoy unrivalled views of Hong Kong
  • Pick up some bargains in bustling Stanley Market in Hong Kong
  • Discover Dubai’s intriguing culture and remarkable sky scrappers

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Classic China
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"we enjoyed it very much. So much fun"

Trip dates & details
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China Experience
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Yangshuo, Yangtze River, Yichang

Highlights

  • This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, covering huge distances and taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way
  • Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network.
  • Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise
  • No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. However, the country's modern man-made sights refuse to beoutdone, and you can see the modern equivalence of those ancient feats in the skyline of Hong Kong and the Yangzi River's Three Gorges Hydroelectric dam
  • Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the preservation work required for this ancient species.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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China Tour: Culture and Nature Spotlight
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Dali, Guilin, Jianshui, Kunming, Lijiang, Shanghai, Xian, Yangshuo, Yuanyang

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient Chinese culture by visiting the landmarks of Beijing and Xi’an.
  • Hike to admire the beautiful Bada and Shengcun Rice Terraces in Yuanyang.
  • Visit the splendid Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang.
  • Enjoy the natural karst scenery on a cruise on the Guilin Li River and relax in the Yangshuo countryside.
  • Explore the Bund and Yu Garden in Shanghai.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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China Natural Wonders Discovery
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By China Highlights
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Shanghai, Xian

Highlights

  • Discover the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City.
  • Walk on a Delicate Mixture of the Restored and Wild Great Wall
  • Meet the Terracotta Army and Make Your Own Terracotta Warriors
  • Witness the Closest Things on Earth to the Hallelujah Mountains
  • Walk on the World's Longest and Highest glass-floored bridge
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I've just returned from my trip to China, a week ago. I've seen many-many interesting places of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. But most of all i liked my 2-days trip to Longshen villages with my guide Frank from chinahighlights. The day before our trip has started, in Guilin, Frank met me in hotel and told about our journey. Next 2 days we visited traditional ancient chinese villages (the biggest from them are Ping'an and Dazhai), walking around them, saw the rice-terraces landscape (it was really unbelievable). Also we had a hiking between villages, and stayed at night at ZhongLiu village. I haven't seen any tourists in this village, even chinese tourists. It was fantastic cause we've seen real chinese life of local people, including, for example, planting vegetables, collecting tea). Very quiet, fresh air, natural food. Yes, in this village almost no shops, no souvenirs, but you dont need them. All around you a hundred times better. I advice all, who wants to see real chinese life, visit this place, especially this village, stay at night there. Thanks very much to my guide Frank and chinahighlights for this trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Walk the Great Wall of China
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Tiananmen Square

Highlights

  • Hike the iconic Great Wall of China and discover rural life and great scenery
  • Explore Beijing's Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
  • Visit Old Dragons Head the point where the Great Wall meets the sea

Themes

Education / Learning, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"This tour was virtually perfect, due largely to the curating skill, personality, regional knowledge & appreciation, dining choices, guiding & FUN capability of our marvelous guide Rocio! And of course, the eye-popping scenery of the western Algarve, Portugal!"

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14 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Thailand

China Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,211  Reviews
See all China tour reviews
Excellent
881
Great
197
Average
14
Disappointing
2
Terrible
0
A

Andrew

Oct 2015

Written on

Overall, the trip was excellent. This was

Overall, the trip was excellent. This was my first time with Intrepid but I have taken several similar trips (Tucan). The tour leader (Kris) was excellent and the ac...

A

Anne

Sep 2015

Written on

Emma was an excellent group leader- very

Emma was an excellent group leader- very friendly, helpful and polite. We really liked her suggested restaurant and activity recommendations and felt that they were ...

S

Steve

Sep 2015

Written on

Excellent Guide. Good Itinerary.

Excellent Guide. Good Itinerary.

B

Benita

Sep 2015

Written on

A well put together itinerary from Intrepid

A well put together itinerary from Intrepid and my tour guide Emma Guo was fantastic. She made herself available to the group 24 hours with added information on loca...

C

Cornelia

Sep 2015

Written on

I had a amazing time during this

I had a amazing time during this trip. China Experience is a very good to see a lot of spots in China. That only negative point was that we couldn't see the Forbidde...

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China Tour Selection Trips

  • When choosing a tour to China, consider how much free time is allowed, especially in cities, where the chance to walk the streets and observe daily life can be an unforgettable experience.
  • Resident tour guides are your best resource for insights into modern Chinese life, and the best of them are bright, sophisticated, willing to answer your hard questions and eager to find out more about you.
  • Request or procure a multiple-entry 10-year China tourist visa (which became available late in 2014), making a return visit easier and cheaper.
  • Jet lag is a reality for most travelers to China. Try to fly in at least a day ahead, if possible, so that you can begin your tour at full strength.
  • Early spring and late fall are the best times to travel in most parts of China—less hot and crowded. Southern China is much warmer than the North in winter months.
  • Learning a few Chinese phrases can go a long ways in smoothing your way, even on a tour. Being able to say “Hello,” “Good-bye,” and “Thank you” opens doors, while “Yes,” “No,“ and “How much is this?” in Chinese make shopping (and fending off vendors) much easier.
  • After you’ve arrived…Credit cards will be all you need for most purchases, and ATMs are widely available in cities, but street markets and village shops usually require local currency.
  • If you’re venturing outside the main cities, be sure to carry tissues, hand sanitizers and other hygienic devices. China has modernized rapidly, but it is still a developing nation.
  • Most Chinese are frank and outgoing, rather than reserved. Few topics are taboo these days, especially among young people, but certain topics of conversation -- such as Tibet, the Dalai Lama, Hong Kong elections, abortion, Taiwan -- can be unfruitful.
  • Jokes and puns, however, are popular, as is Western pop culture, including music, films and designer clothes.
  • Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, since you’ll want to see as much as possible on foot.
  • Given the air pollution and dusty (sometimes unclean) conditions, choose serviceable outdoor attire by day. Touring China can be more a ramble through the outback than a stroll through a shopping mall.

Additional details

Tours to China usually visit the heavy hitters, such as the Great Wall, and major sites in Beijing. However, the benefit of going on a China tour is the opportunity to venture out to the countryside, get a glimpse of rural Chinese life, and the amazing ancient natural landscapes.

What to expect from a China Tour

Culturally, there are many nuances to Chinese life that will come to life as you travel through, and some things may be difficult to adapt to. Traveling on a tour in China will not only enhance your experience, it will help with the language barrier, and you’ll learn more about local life, bringing these many nuances to light in a safe and comfortable way.

History tours are a great way to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, but they can only go so far. Try to book a tour that visits local establishments and villages as well as cities.

Here are a few unexpected cultural differences you can expect on your first trip to China:

  • Toilet paper. The majority of public restrooms (with the exception of higher-end restaurants and hotels) don’t carry toilet paper, and so you may want to carry around your own packet, or some tissues.
  • Service. The expectation that you will be waited on hand and foot is a uniquely American ideal. In China, like many other places, service is not quite so good. On a similar note, the Chinese do not tip, and won’t expect them from you.
  • Spitting. You might be shocked the first time you see an old Chinese man hock a loogie onto the street, but the Chinese do not use tissues. In fact, they are equally disgusted by the way that we Westerners “keep” our mucus!
  • Small talk. In most Western cultures, having a conversation with a stranger about your marital status, economic status, or personal history can seem incredibly invasive; these topics are not off limits for the Chinese.

Affordable Asia & Traveling China on the Cheap

There are two general, competing views on traveling to China:

  1. Buying a flight to Asia is really expensive, and so is having a decent vacation in one of China’s crowded, rapidly expanding cities.
  2. Traveling Asia is really cheap, and China is no exception, from its abundant street food and mass production.

The truth actually lies somewhere in between. If you want to live life to the fullest in one of China’s premiere cities -- Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong -- eating like a king, and then resting your weary bones in a luxury hotel, you can expect to pay similar prices to any big Western city.

There are, however, ways to travel China affordably. Here are some of our recommendations:

  • Step outside the cities. As is the case any other country, prices in big cities (especially touristy ones!) are significantly higher than anywhere else
  • Public transportation. China not only has a cheap and effective taxi system within its cities, but an effective and very affordable rail system. If you plan to travel within the country, a ticket on a sleeper train will not only save you the cost of a hotel room, it will be at least half the price of a flight!
  • Check your credit card fees. This rule stands for all international travel -- make sure you are using a credit card with minimal, or no, international fees when making payments. Or sign up for WeChat, which is the most common method of payment in China, and only uses your phone.
  • Eat like the locals. Not only is this food likely to better, and is guaranteed to be authentic, eating Chinese food in China is much cheaper than eating any other foreign food. When in Rome! Another tip if you are eating a single portion of food, ask for your meal “xiao pan.” This will cut the size of meal, and reduce the price as well.

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