Q: When is the best time to travel to China?

A: April to November are the best months for travelling through China. Outside of those months temperatures can fall well below 0 degrees Celsius, especially in the north. The ideal months are those of spring and autumn: April-May and September-October. Many of Travel Indochina’s tours are focused around the south where climatic variations are less severe. Beijing experiences very cold conditions in December, January and February. Please ensure clients are aware of the weather conditions they will experience in the various parts of China they are planning to visit.

Q: How much English is spoken in China?

A: As China continues to open up to the outside world more and more people are learning English. In our hotels, most staff members can speak moderate English. However, on the streets and in local restaurants very few people can speak English and street signs and menus are mostly written in Chinese characters. With the help of our local guides and tour leaders these communication problems are easily overcome.

Q: What kinds of transport are used on tour?

A: For road journeys and inner city touring, Toyota Coaster buses are generally used. These are modern, spacious, comfortable, well maintained, safe vehicles - good for small group travel. In cities and towns we use a combination of boats, bicycles (optional) and we also like to walk the streets and through the villages. All China tours involve at least one domestic flight. Flights are on modern Airbus 320 or Boeing 737’s. China tours also involve at least one first class rail journey.

Q: What is train travel like in China?

A: Train travel is a fun, interesting and a comfortable way of moving around China. All rail journeys are in first class compartments -except Kunming to Hekou on the Beijing to Hanoi & Beyond the Clouds tours (conditions are basic but the best available). Accommodation is in shared, four berth, soft sleeper cabins that are air-conditioned. Sheets and blankets are provided and are generally of good standard. Western style washrooms and toilets are located at both ends of the compartment. Meals and drinks can be purchased in the train’s restaurant carriage. Please note: porters are not always available at railway stations, so travellers must be prepared to carry their own luggage.

Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour?

A: Chinese cuisine incorporates a number of styles with each region having its own distinctive flavors. We eat at quality Chinese restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork, duck and vegetable dishes. Some travellers prefer a mixture of International (Western) and Chinese food while touring. There is now international cuisine available in most places we visit, including the hotels we use. However, international options are limited in more isolated areas, especially on the Silk Road tour. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of western buffet, continental and Chinese styles. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available, with options more limited on the Silk Road.

Q: How much money will I spend per day touring?

A: Approximately US$15 per person for day to day living. China is a country that offers great value for your money. For around US$15 you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good restaurants, as well as refreshments (non-alcoholic) during the day. You will notice a major price difference for food between the major cities and provincial towns. Eating Western food will add to your food bill – as will some of the flash Western and Chinese restaurants in major cities.

Back to Top