For Vietnamese travelers seeking breathtaking autumn scenery within a mid-range budget of 10 to 20 million VND, several international tours offer flights and access to Asia's most vibrant fall foliage, as suggested by local travel agencies.

Getting lost in Beijing's autumn splendor

Itinerary: 5 days, 4 nights, from 12.9 million VND

Destinations: Beijing, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall

Dao Mai Dung, Deputy Director of Nam Thanh Travel, recommends autumn as the prime season to explore Northeast Asia, with Beijing being a top choice for fall foliage viewing.

Autumn at the Great Wall of China. Photo: Pinterest

Autumn at the Great Wall of China. Photo: Pinterest

China's capital boasts iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, along with the Summer Palace and the Ming Tombs, all must-see destinations for many travelers.

Beyond these, visitors can explore Wangfujing, a bustling shopping street offering a variety of Chinese delicacies, from Peking duck to candied hawthorns, and shopping options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. A favorite among Vietnamese tourists is the historic Tong Ren Tang pharmacy.

Golden autumn at the Shaolin Temple

Itinerary: 5 days, 4 nights, from 19.9 million VND

Destinations: Xi'an, Luoyang, Terracotta Army, Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Shaolin Temple

Pham Van Bay, Deputy Director of Vietravel Hanoi, suggests the Xi'an - Luoyang tour as a fresh option for those wanting to explore lesser-known but equally captivating destinations in China.

The highlight of this tour is a visit to the Shaolin Temple, birthplace of the world-renowned Shaolin martial arts.

The itinerary also includes the ancient capital of Chang'an (now Xi'an), the Terracotta Army, and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Other notable stops include the Luoyang City National Heritage Park (Forbidden City of the Tang Dynasty) and the White Horse Temple, China's first Buddhist temple. Evening entertainment activities are also included.

Autumn in Xi'an, from September to November, offers ideal travel conditions with mild temperatures, sunny days, and vibrant foliage perfect for photography. The early autumn months (September-October) are particularly recommended for their pleasant weather.

'Paradise on Earth': Jiuzhaigou Valley

Itinerary: 6 days, 5 nights, from 12.4 million VND

Destinations: Chengdu, Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Autumn in Jiuzhaigou Valley, China. Photo: Pixabay

Autumn in Jiuzhaigou Valley, China. Photo: Pixabay

The star attraction of this tour is Jiuzhaigou Valley, whose year-round scenery is often described as "paradise on Earth." Must-sees include Panda Lake, with its striking blue-green waters, and Five Flower Lake, a shallow, multicolored lake featuring ancient tree trunks visible beneath its crystal-clear surface.

Fans of the classic television series "Journey to the West" will appreciate Pearl Shoal Waterfall, a sloping limestone area with a 28-meter waterfall featured in several scenes.

Evenings offer the "Jiuzhaigou Eternal Love" show, a 60-minute performance showcasing the culture, history, and traditions of the Tibetan and Qiang people. This outdoor spectacle features over 300 performers and utilizes 5D technology like vibrating seats, LED lights, lasers, and a mobile water stage.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Chung, a representative of Etrip4u, a travel agency specializing in China tours, reports a 30% increase in bookings for fall foliage tours this year compared to last year. China accounts for 45% of these bookings, South Korea 35%, and Japan 20%.

Autumn pear and apple picking in Seoul

Itinerary: 5 days, 4 nights, from 14.4 million VND

Destinations: Seoul, Nami Island, Everland

Dao Mai Dung of Nam Thanh Travel highlights the tour's affordability and access to top South Korean destinations. In addition to exploring Seoul, visitors can visit Nami Island, famed for its picturesque rows of golden ginkgo and red maple trees.

Rows of ginkgo trees in vibrant autumn colors on Nami Island, South Korea. Photo: Wallpaper

Rows of ginkgo trees in vibrant autumn colors on Nami Island, South Korea. Photo: Wallpaper

This tour is also family-friendly, offering pear and apple picking at a local farm. Other activities include a kimchi-making class, trying on traditional hanbok attire, and visiting Everland, South Korea's largest outdoor theme park.

N Seoul Tower, perched atop Namsan Mountain, is a Seoul icon and a highlight for Vietnamese visitors. It's a popular spot for enjoying the autumn foliage, attracting both international tourists and locals.

Phuong Anh