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Day 1-10: China Highlights Tour (Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Xi'an, Beijing)
Welcome to China. For a first-timer, this country can feel like a different planet. We are focusing on the "Golden Route" plus one natural wonder that you have definitely seen in movies.
Day1-2: Shanghai Arrival & Shanghai City Tour
Your journey begins in Shanghai, the city of the future. After you land, head straight to The Bund. This is the most famous visual anchor in the city.
On one side of the river, you have historic British colonial buildings from the 1920s; on the other side, you have the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui, including the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world. Seeing this contrast at night is mind-blowing.
Spend your second day exploring the mix of old and new. Walk down Nanjing Road, which is like the Times Square of China, buzzing with shoppers and neon lights. Then, escape the noise at Yu Garden.
This is a classic Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty, complete with koi ponds and zig-zag bridges. It feels like stepping back in time right in the middle of a modern metropolis.
Day 3-6: Zhangjiajie
Next, you will fly inland to Zhangjiajie. You might not know the name, but you know the look. This National Forest Park was the inspiration for the "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie "Avatar."
You will spend two full days exploring these quartz-sandstone pillars that look like they are floating in the clouds. Take the Bailong Elevator (the highest outdoor elevator in the world) up to Yuanjiajie to see the iconic "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain."
If you are brave, walk across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, which hangs 300 meters above the valley floor. It is terrifying but offers the best views.
Before leaving, take the incredibly long cable car ride up Tianmen Mountain to see "Heaven's Gate," a massive natural hole in the mountain that looks like a portal to another world.
Day 7-8: Xi'an Tour
Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. The main reason you are here is to see the Terracotta Warriors. This is one of the greatest archaeological finds in history.
Imagine an army of 8,000 life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, buried for 2,000 years to protect the first Emperor of China in the afterlife. The crazy part? Every single soldier has a unique face.
In the evening, head to the Muslim Quarter. This is the best place for street food in the city. It is loud, crowded, and smells like cumin and grilled meat. Try the Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).
Before you leave for Beijing, take a walk or rent a bike on top of the Ancient City Wall. It is one of the few complete city walls left in China, and riding a bike on top of it at sunset gives you a perfect view of the city.
Day 9-10: Beijing & Great Wall Tour
You finish the China leg in the capital, Beijing. This city is all about imperial power. You start at Tian'anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, which leads you into the Forbidden City.
For 500 years, this massive palace complex was off-limits to common people. For the best view, climb the hill in Jingshan Park right behind the palace; from there, you can see the golden roofs stretching out for miles.
Finally, you cannot leave China without hiking the Great Wall. Avoid the crowded Badaling section and go to the Mutianyu Great Wall instead. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for a reason.
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South Korea (Day 11-16): Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan
After the grandeur of China, you take a short flight to South Korea. This leg of the trip is a mix of ancient dynasties and the pop-culture energy of K-Pop and K-Dramas.
Day 11-12: Seoul
You start in Seoul, a city that never sleeps. Your first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, and if you have ever watched a historical Korean Drama (K-Drama) on Netflix, this place will look very familiar.
Pro Tip: If you rent and wear a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) from a nearby shop, you get into the palace for free. It sounds touristy, but everyone does it, and the photos look amazing against the colorful palace walls.
Next, walk to the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village. This is a real neighborhood where people still live in traditional wooden houses with curved tile roofs.
For a break, head to Insadong, a street famous for traditional tea houses and art. Finally, you must end your night at Gwangjang Food Market. This market became world-famous after appearing on the Netflix show Street Food: Asia.
Day 13: Gyeongju
From Seoul, you take the high-speed KTX train to Gyeongju. Koreans call this city "the museum without walls" because there is history everywhere you look. It was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for nearly 1,000 years.
The most striking sight here is the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. These are the tombs of ancient kings and queens. It looks surreal, almost like a scene from Teletubbies, but deeply sacred. At night, make sure to visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Day 14-16: Busan
Before leaving the historic north to head to the coast, you stop at two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
These are the pinnacles of Buddhist art in Korea. Seokguram is particularly impressive—it is a stone Buddha statue sitting inside a man-made cave on a mountain, looking out toward the sea.
Then, you arrive in Busan, Korea's second-largest city. It is famous for the movie Train to Busan, but don't worry, there are no zombies here—just great beaches and seafood. You must visit Gamcheon Culture Village. It is often called the "Santorini of the East" or the "Lego Village."
For a different vibe, go to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Finally, dive into the local life at Jagalchi Fish Market. It is the largest seafood market in Korea. You can buy a live fish downstairs and take it upstairs to a restaurant where they will cook it for you immediately.
Japan (Day 16-30): Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Tokyo, Mt.Fuji, Hakone
After the K-Pop energy of Seoul, you hop across the sea to Japan. This is the "Golden Route," a classic itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.
Day 17-18: Osaka Arrival & City Tour
You land in Osaka, known as the "Kitchen of Japan." The locals here have a motto: Kuidaore, which translates to "eat until you drop." Start your morning at Osaka Castle, a majestic white fortress surrounded by stone walls and moats that gives you a glimpse of the samurai era.
But the real magic happens at night in Dotonbori. The canal is lined with massive, illuminated 3D signboards—a giant moving crab, a huge pufferfish, and the famous "Glico Man" runner.
For a view of this sprawling city, head to the Umeda Sky Building, which looks like a floating garden in the sky, or shop till you drop in the covered arcade of Shinsaibashi.
Day 19: Nara Day Trip from Osaka
Take a short 40-minute train ride to Nara. You are here for one reason: the deer. Nara Deer Park is home to over 1,000 wild deer that are considered sacred messengers of the gods.
They are famous on social media because they have learned to bow to tourists to ask for "deer crackers." It is cute, chaotic, and a unique photo opportunity.
Inside the park stands Todaiji Temple, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. It houses a massive bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) that is 15 meters tall.
Day 20-22: Kyoto Culture Tour
Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan. Start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright orange Torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain. It is the most iconic image of Japan.
Next, see Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. It is a Zen temple where the top two floors are completely covered in real gold leaf, reflecting perfectly in the pond below.
Head west to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you can walk through towering bamboo stalks that block out the sky—it feels like walking into a different world. In the evenings, wander through Gion, the historic entertainment district.
If you are lucky, you might spot a real Geisha or Maiko (apprentice) in full kimono and white makeup hurrying to an appointment.
Day 23-25: Bullet Train to Hakone
Experience the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). It travels at 300km/h and is incredibly smooth. You get off at Hakone, the best place to see Mt. Fuji.
You will take a "pirate ship" cruise across Lake Ashi and a ropeway up to the Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic zone where you can eat eggs boiled in sulfur water until they turn black (legend says eating one adds 7 years to your life).
At night, you must stay in a Ryokan (traditional inn). You will sleep on tatami mats, wear a yukata robe, and soak in an Onsen (hot spring).
Day 26-29: Tokyo Metropolis Tour
You end the East Asia leg in Tokyo, the biggest city on Earth. It is a sensory overload. Head straight to Shibuya Crossing. Watching thousands of people cross at once without bumping into each other is mesmerizing.
For a mix of old and new, visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa with its giant red lantern, and then go to Akihabara, the center of "Otaku" (geek) culture, filled with Anime shops and maid cafes. Wake up early one morning for a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, where the fish is as fresh as it gets.
Day 30: Flight from Tokyo to Hanoi
You head to Narita or Haneda airport and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Vietnam Discovery (Day 31-44): Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Southeast Asia. Vietnam is a loud, energetic rock concert. You will see millions of motorbikes, taste incredible street food, and explore some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
Day 31-32: Hanoi City Tour
You start in Hanoi, the capital with a 1,000-year history. The heart of the city is the Old Quarter, a maze of 36 ancient streets where each street originally specialized in a specific trade, like silver, bamboo, or silk.
Two things you must do here to prove you have been to Hanoi. First, visit the famous Train Street. This is a narrow residential alley where a massive train squeezes through twice a day, brushing past the cafes just inches from your nose. It is a thrill you can't find anywhere else.
Second, drink Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung). It sounds strange, but it tastes like liquid tiramisu.
Day 33-34: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
From the city, you drive to the coast for Vietnam's crown jewel: Ha Long Bay. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Legend says dragons descended from heaven and spat out jewels that turned into these islands.
You will board a boat for an overnight cruise. Drifting between thousands of massive limestone pillars rising from the emerald water is mystical. You can kayak through hidden caves, hike up Titop Island for a panoramic view, or just join a Tai Chi class on the deck at sunrise.
Day 35-37: Flight to Da Nang & Hoi An Ancient Town
Next, fly central to Da Nang to see a viral sensation: the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills. You have definitely seen this on Instagram—a gold walkway held up by two giant stone hands emerging from the mountain.
Then, take a short drive to Hoi An, arguably the prettiest town in Vietnam. This ancient trading port is a UNESCO site famous for its yellow colonial walls and thousands of colorful silk lanterns.
Don't miss the Basket Boat tour in the nearby coconut forest, where locals spin the round boats like a disco ride—it is hilarious fun.
Day 38-40: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). You are here to learn about the Vietnam War (which they call the American War). The War Remnants Museum is heavy and emotional, but necessary to understand the country's resilience.
For a physical history lesson, take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This is a massive underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers to hide during the war. Back in the city, lighten the mood by visiting Tan Dinh Church—it is painted entirely bright pink.
Day 41-43: Mekong Delta Experience
Finish your trip in the Mekong Delta, where you will explore river life by boat. Wake up early to see the busy Cai Rang Floating Market and taste fresh tropical fruit in local orchards.
Day 44: Bus or Flight to Cambodia
You can take a short flight or a long bus ride across the border to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to see the world's largest religious monument.
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Day 45-48: Cambodia (Siem Reap & Angkor Wat Temples)
You have seen cities, mountains, and oceans. Now, get ready for the time machine. You are entering the gateway to the ancient Khmer Empire.
Day 45: Siem Reap Arrival & Sunset
You arrive in Siem Reap, a dusty but charming town that exists almost entirely to serve visitors to the temples. After checking in, spend your first evening seeing something truly special: Phare, The Cambodian Circus. It is widely considered one of the best evening shows in Southeast Asia. Later, head to Pub Street. The name says it all.
Day 46: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Small Circuit
Today is the big day. Your alarm will go off at 4:30 AM, but do not hit snooze. Watching the sun rise behind the five lotus-shaped towers of Angkor Wat is a bucket-list moment. It is the most famous photo in Cambodia for a reason.
After sunrise, your driver will take you on the "Small Circuit." You will see Bayon Temple, famous for its hundreds of giant stone faces smiling serenely down at you.
Then comes the highlight for movie fans: Ta Prohm. It became world-famous as the filming location for Angelina Jolie's "Tomb Raider."
Day 47: Big Circuit & Tonle Sap Lake
On your second day, you explore the "Big Circuit." Start at Preah Khan, a massive temple complex that feels like a maze of corridors. It is less crowded than Angkor Wat, so you can often have entire sections to yourself.
You will also see Neak Pean, a unique small Buddhist temple sitting on an island in the middle of a man-made lake.
In the afternoon, take a break from the stones and head to the water. Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. You will take a boat to see the Floating Villages.
Day 48: Flight to Laos
You head to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang in Laos.
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Day 49-52: Laos Relaxation (Luang Prabang)
You are landing in Luang Prabang. This entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It sits between two rivers and is full of golden temples and French colonial houses. It is the best place in Asia to do absolutely nothing.
After you check in, relax for a bit. The vibe here is very chill. In the late afternoon, head to the center of town to climb Mount Phousi. On your way down, walk through the Hmong Night Market.
Wake up before the sun comes up (around 5:30 AM). You are going to see the most famous image of Laos: The Alms Giving Ceremony.
After breakfast, visit Wat Xieng Thong. This is the most important temple in Laos. The roof sweeps low to the ground, and the walls are covered in gold and colored glass mosaics. Rent a private longboat for a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River.
Take a day trip to visit the number one nature spot in Laos: Kuang Si Waterfalls. The waterfall has many levels. You can hike to the top or just swim in the cool blue pools at the bottom. On last day in Laos, take a flight to Bangkok.
Day 53-60: Thailand Finale (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket)
You made it to the final country! Thailand is the perfect place to end your 2-month adventure. It is easy, fun, and famous for being the "Land of Smiles."
Day 53-54: Bangkok City Highlights
Start at the Grand Palace. This was the home of the Thai King for 150 years. Inside, you will see Wat Phra Kaew, the home of the Emerald Buddha. It is the most sacred statue in Thailand.
Next, walk to Wat Pho. You are here to see the Reclining Buddha. It is a giant gold statue of Buddha lying down. It is 46 meters long—that is bigger than a blue whale!
In the evening, take a ferry across the river to see Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn). At night, visit a market. If it is the weekend, go to Chatuchak. It is the largest weekend market in the world. If it is a weekday, go to Jodd Fairs for vintage clothes and spicy pork ribs.
Day 55-57: Flight to Chiang Mai
Fly north to Chiang Mai. The vibe here is much slower than Bangkok. On your first day, drive up the mountain to see Doi Suthep. It is a stunning golden temple that overlooks the whole city.
Back in the city, walk around the Old City. It is a perfect square surrounded by a brick wall and a moat (water channel).
The highlight of Chiang Mai is the animals. You must visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary. This is the global center for elephant protection. Please do not ride them. We love elephants here, so we treat them with respect.
Day 58-59: Flight to Phuket & Island Hopping
For the last part of your trip, fly south to Phuket. You deserve a rest. Phuket is Thailand's biggest island. If you want parties and nightlife, stay in Patong Beach. If you want something quieter but still fun, stay in Kata Beach. Spend your first day just swimming and drinking fresh coconuts.
On your last full day, take a speedboat tour to the Phi Phi Islands. You have definitely seen photos of this place. The water is emerald green, and tall limestone cliffs rise straight out of the ocean. The boat will stop at Maya Bay.
This is the famous beach from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. It is crowded, but it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Day 60: Departure from Phuket
Congratulations! You did it. You traveled through 7 countries in 60 days. Phuket International Airport is very big and has flights to almost anywhere in the world.
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