East Asia:
China and/or Vietnam
September 10th - 23rd, 2026
Explore China and Vietnam over 14 vivid days that blend city energy, cultural depth, and time to breathe. You can join us for the China section, the Vietnam section, or experience the full two country journey from start to finish. You will trace imperial history in Beijing, wander tree lined streets and glittering skylines in Shanghai, then slow the pace in Hanoi and Hoi An with markets, food tours, tailoring, and lantern light. This journey is created for travelers who value connection as much as sightseeing, especially Black queer folks and our broader community who want to feel held, not hurried. From Great Wall views to street food nights and beach afternoons, expect thoughtful pacing, local flavor, and plenty of moments that feel like joy.
Photos are examples; actual room may vary slightly based on availability and accommodation alignment.
The Accommodations
Settle into a progression of stays that match the rhythm of the trip. In Beijing you will stay in a central city hotel with easy access to historic sites, markets, and subway lines so you can slip between ancient courtyards and modern streets in a single day. In Shanghai you will rest in an elegant property along one of the citys classic boulevards, surrounded by cafes, boutiques, and leafy sidewalks that invite an evening stroll.
In Hanoi and Hoi An your stays will lean into calm and character, with comfortable rooms, daily breakfast, and easy access to the Old Quarter, riverside promenades, and nearby beaches. Each stop is chosen to offer a soft landing after full days out in the world.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CHINA
Day One
CITY FIRSTS
Land in Beijing and meet your local guide at the airport for a private ride into the city. After settling in you will have time to shake off the flight and maybe wander the nearby streets.
In the evening the group gathers for a classic Peking duck dinner, that sets the tone for the rest of the trip. It is a gentle first night focused on good food, soft landing, and getting to know your LBF travel crew.
Day Two
HUTONG STORIES
Step into the narrow lanes of the hutongs this morning and see how daily life is in these traditional neighborhoods. You will walk past local markets and small courtyards before visiting a classic courtyard style home to see how families have lived here for generations.
Later you move to imperial scale at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. With a guide to bring the history to life, you see ceremonial halls, intricate roofs, and quiet inner courtyards that once held the center of power for centuries.
Day Three
WALL + ART
Today is your Great Wall day. We will drive out of the city into the hills to reach a scenic section of the wall, ride a cable car up, and walk along the stone paths with views that stretch into the distance.
After lunch you return to the city for a very different kind of heritage, a hands-on workshop in traditional paper cutting. Local artists introduce the history of this craft and guide you as you create your own design to take home, turning a centuries old art form into a personal souvenir.
Day Four
CITY SHIFT
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Beijing with time to possibly do some last-minute shopping. It is a chance to pick up small treats or simply watch city life move. Later you board a high-speed train to Shanghai in 1st Class comfort.
On arrival we’ll meet our local driver and head to our new neighborhood, where tree lined streets, cafes, and historic buildings set a different mood. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner that introduces the rich flavors of local Shanghai homestyle cuisine.
Day Five
BUND GLOW
Today you see why Shanghai feels like many cities in one. Start with a walk along the famous waterfront promenade with its sweep of historic buildings on one side and futuristic skyline on the other. Then step into a classical garden with ponds and pavilions that show a quieter side of the city’s past, followed by time in the market next door.
Later you wander through a former foreign concession area with small boutiques and cafes that invite a pause. As the day ends, we head up to a sky-high observation deck for a full view of the lights and layers of Shanghai at night.
Day Six
FLAVOR LINES
This day leans into food and fun. You’ll join a cooking experience that walks you through local ingredients and classic dishes, with plenty of tasting as you go. Later you feel a different kind of thrill on a short ride on the magnetic levitation train.
Next is time at a major museum where you can explore ceramics, bronzes, painting, and more with an audio guide. Evening is intentionally flexible for you to follow your interests.
VIETNAM
Day One (or Day Seven if doing both)
NEW JOURNEY
You have some breathing room in the morning to pack, take a last walk, or grab coffee before your private transfer to the airport. If you’re only visiting China with us, then you’ll be heading home.
If visiting Vietnam with us, a direct flight carries you from Shanghai to Hanoi where a new guide brings you into the city. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner that introduces Vietnamese flavors. It is a soft landing into a new country with familiar faces at the table.
Day Two (or Day Eight)
FIT + FLOW
Sleep in a bit, then ease into a half day focused on style and self expression. You will visit a reputable tailor where you can choose fabrics, talk through cuts, and get measured for custom pieces that feel like you. This is a playful, affirming experience especially for folks who do not always see their bodies reflected in off the rack options.
The rest of the day is open for cafe time, rooftops, or wandering the Old Quarter at your own pace.
Day Three (or Day Nine)
HANOI FREESTYLE
This is a slower day by design. You can rest, journal, or explore Hanoi on your own, or join an optional city tour (at additional cost) that might include key historic sites, a ride through the Old Quarter, and a visit with a traditional water puppet artist. However you spend it, this day gives you space to decide what you need more of motion or stillness. Evening is open for your own dinner plans.
Day Four (or Day Ten)
STREET BITES
Morning and early afternoon are free for rest or exploring. Then we’ll dive deeper into Hanoi’s food scene with a guided street food tour. Your guide leads you through busy streets and hidden spots to taste dishes like grilled fish with herbs, bun cha with fresh greens, and local snacks you might never find on your own. Along the way you will hear the stories behind each dish, learn how locals actually eat.
Day Five ( or Day Eleven)
LANTERN LIGHTS
Fly south to Da Nang in the morning, then ride by private car along the coast to Hoi An. You will feel the pace shift almost immediately as riverside streets and yellow buildings come into view.
After check-in and a little down time, you’ll join a lantern making experience where local hosts show you how to assemble them. You’ll leave with your own lantern to carry home and a deeper sense of why this symbol matters so much.
Day Six (or Day Twelve)
LEARN + TASTE
Start the day with a visit to a local school where you can see classrooms, meet students, and gain a small window into daily life for young people here. With care and respect, this visit is about mutual curiosity rather than performance.
Later we head to a nearby village known for coconut groves and riverside life for a cooking class. We’ll shop, chop, stir, and finally sit down together to enjoy what you have made. The day blends community connection, food, and fresh air.
Day Seven (or Day Thirteen)
BEACHY VIBES
This is your full free day in Hoi An to soak up the coast. You might spend the day at a laid-back beach, book a spa treatment, or take a boat trip out to nearby islands for snorkeling.
For those who want to move slowly, simply claim a spot by the pool or on the sand with a book. Your guide can help arrange beach clubs, snorkel trips, or transport (at an additional cost) based on what the group is feeling.
Day Eight (or Day Fourteen)
SOFT GOODBYES
On our final morning you’ll enjoy breakfast, one last stretch of river or garden views, and a few quiet moments to reflect on our time together. Then a private transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight. The trip officially ends here, but our group chat, new recipes, tailored pieces, and shared memories will follow you home.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
Train Transfer from Beijing to Shanghai in 1st Class
Domestic Flight Transfer from Hanoi to Hoi An
7 Days 6 Nights in China at boutique hotels or similar
8 Days 7 Nights in Vietnam at modern hotel or similar
Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch and 3 Dinners (1 Lunch and 1 Dinner in China - 2 Dinners in Vietnam)
China Only
Walking Tour through the Hutongs
Tour of the Forbidden City
Half Day at The Great Wall of China
Traditional Chinese Paper-Cutting Workshop
Private Tour of Shanghai
Chinese Gourmet Cuisine Experience
Shanghai Maglev Train Experience
Half Day at the Shanghai Museum
Vietnam Only
Half-Day Tailor-Made Clothing Experience
Street Food Tour in Hanoi
Private Lantern Making Experience
Full Day Tour with Local School Visit and Cooking Class
Lesbifriends Swag Bag
Travel Guide
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to China and/or Vietnam and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. We offer a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage through our preferred provider, Allianz—just select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.
Any Applicable Vaccines
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for some lunches and dinners
Personal extras
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.
Pricing
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking. This discount code is only valid until June 21, 2026.
China Only
Double Occupancy
$2,800
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
China Only
Single Occupancy
$3,400
Deposit: $100
1 BED ONLY YOU IN THE ROOM.
Vietnam Only
Double Occupancy
$2,600
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Vietnam Only
Single Occupancy
$3,300
Deposit: $100
1 BED ONLY YOU IN THE ROOM.
China + Vietnam
Double Occupancy
$5,700
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
China + Vietnam
Single Occupancy
$7,000
Deposit: $100
1 BED ONLY YOU IN THE ROOM.
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
Understand that China and Vietnam are East Asian countries, and standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy eating, walking, and off-the-beaten-path ideas
You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and accept the different personalities you will encounter
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or dramatic or are just plain depressing to be around
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like Chinese and Vietnamese food; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You can’t easily walk up stairs; if you find walking tough, then this trip isn’t suited to you
You are looking for luxury; East Asian standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip on both arrival and departure days within the designated time windows listed below.
Depending on whether you’re coming to China, Vietnam or both please follow flight details below:
If just coming on the China leg of the trip: You must schedule your flight to arrive at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) on the designated arrival day no later than 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) on the designated departure day between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
If just coming on the Vietnam leg of the trip: You must schedule your flight to arrive at Da Nang International Airport (DAD) on the designated arrival day no later than 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Da Nang International Airport (DAD) on the designated departure day between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
If coming to China + Vietnam: You must schedule your flight to arrive at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) on the designated arrival day no later than 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Da Nang International Airport (DAD) on the designated departure day between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
If you arrive earlier on the arrival day, you are welcome to wait at the airport until your group’s scheduled pickup time so that you can join the included transfer. Otherwise, you are welcome to arrange your own transfer to the accommodations or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
The same applies for departure day. If your flight departs outside the included transfer window, you may coordinate your own transfer or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets so that ground transportation can be coordinated.
Entry Requirements for China
Passport: Six months of validity beyond your planned entry date and two blank pages required.
Visa: U.S. travelers must obtain a tourist visa. You can apply for a visa in advance online. Apply here.
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19 related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates or pre-departure tests are required to enter China. It is recommended to have health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay.
Entry Requirements for Vietnam
Passport: Six months of validity beyond your planned entry date and one blank page required.
Visa: U.S. travelers must obtain an e-Visa online. Apply here.
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19 related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates or pre-departure tests are required to enter Vietnam. It is recommended to have health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay.
Prior to Your Departure
Check if you need to update your passport, your expiration date needs to be more than 6 months from the date of the trip.
Sign up for China’s State Department and Vietnam’s State Department/Embassy alerts. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Money/Currency
China
The national currency of China is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY or RMB). Major hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas accept credit and debit cards, though Visa and Mastercard are not as commonly accepted as UnionPay, the dominant domestic network. Many smaller shops, markets, taxis, and rural areas prefer mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay, which travelers can now often use by linking an international card to a foreign-user account. Cash is still useful, so it’s smart to carry some yuan, especially outside major cities. Be sure to check with your bank about foreign transaction fees before traveling.
Vietnam
The national currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Large hotels, nicer restaurants, and tourist-focused businesses accept credit and debit cards (Visa is most widely accepted), but local markets, street vendors, and smaller shops are cash-only. ATMs are widely available in cities like Hanoi and Da Nang, though withdrawal fees may apply. Some places may accept U.S. Dollars, but expect change in dong and be prepared for varied rates. It’s best to carry some local currency for small purchases and tipping, and to check with your bank about international card fees before you go.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money, you paid for your vacation is even worse. Trip insurance is therefore highly recommended. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you, or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
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If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.
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Do you know someone who is interested in joining our trip but has not been to a Lesbifriend event or trip? Here is your chance to save a little money while bringing them on a trip of a lifetime!
For every traveler that you refer to our trip, you will receive up to a $150 ($25 cash, $50 current trip credit, or $75 future domestic trip credit, or $150 future international trip credit) referral bonus once that person pays in full. There is no limit to the number of people you can refer; the only condition is that anyone you refer has not already signed up with Lesbifriends.
Be sure to tell your friend to enter your name on the registration form under “Who Referred You.”