```html Shanghai & Wuzhen First-Timer's Adventures: 5 Days, 4 Nights
Shanghai & Wuzhen First-Timer's Adventures: 5 Days, 4 Nights
I. Visa
Visa application (around 1,900,000 VND per person) was done independently in Ho Chi Minh City.
II. Flights
Round-trip tickets with Vietnam Airlines cost approximately 6,127,000 VND per person. This included a direct flight at a convenient time, with 23kg checked baggage and 10kg carry-on. Booked via Trip about 3 months prior to departure.
III. Accommodation
Booked via Trip (approx. 2,551,000 VND/person)
- Jinglai Hotel (Shanghai People's Square Nanjing Road Pedestrian) (~1,300,000 VND/night/room): Its prime location right next to Nanjing Road pedestrian street was its only redeeming quality. The hotel was tiny, without an elevator, and staff didn't assist with luggage.
- Wuzhen Homestay (~1,500,000 VND/night/room including breakfast): This was fantastic. The room was exceptionally clean, the host incredibly friendly, and breakfast was delicious and plentiful. Luggage was brought directly to the room. While rooms in Wuzhen are perceived as expensive, the service made it worthwhile. Amenities were comprehensive and thoughtfully prepared. Upon checkout, we even received a small, charming tag as a gift. Entrance tickets were cheaper when booked through the homestay, and, most importantly, we had the privilege of wandering around Wuzhen in the early morning before the external tourists arrived. This allowed us to fully appreciate its beauty before the businesses woke up. If you are tired of going out, you can also order at the Homestay restaurant. Wonderful river view! Avoid wandering looking for bad and overpriced food.
- Maixinge Boutique Hotel (Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower) (~1,230,000 VND/night/room including breakfast): This hotel isn't right on Nanjing Road, but it's not too far and is convenient for those heading to Disneyland or the airport. The service was exceptional, rooms were clean, and staff were friendly. They spoke English or actively tried to communicate. They proactively helped with luggage, and breakfast was delicious and diverse. The hotel is close to the subway, and the surrounding streets are wide and beautiful. At checkout, we even received a complimentary box of local rose pastries.
IV. SIM Card and Entrance Tickets
Total cost: ~2,108,000 VND
- SIM Card: Purchased a 10GB SIM on Shopee for 250,000 VND. The network was fairly stable. I used only 3GB in 5 days as I spent most of the time visiting. The seller suggested 7GB, but I bought 10GB to be safe. Battery drained quickly, so remember to bring a power bank.
- Disneyland: Purchased on Trip.com for 1,431,000 VND per person.
- Wuzhen Entrance Ticket: Purchased directly at the check-in desk for approximately 427,000 VND per person.
V. Transportation
Approx. 1,723,000 VND per person
- Metro and Maglev: Used the Maglev train for quick airport-city center transfers. Used the metro for some routes, but if you're in a group, consider DiDi (China's rideshare app) as metro stations can be vast. The metro is recommended for Disneyland as it's distant and the metro avoids traffic and provides a direct, cheap route.
- DiDi: Affordable and convenient. Many options are available. For four people, "Express" is recommended (avoid the cheapest option or taxi). For six, a 6-seater vehicle is suitable. Cars are new and clean. When booking, wait for the "Driver Found" message instead of continuing to select options, as the app is already processing the request. Ensure location accuracy.
- 9-Seater Private Car (Shanghai to Wuzhen & Return): Booked through a contact found in a review group. Cost 1900 RMB (approx. 844,000 VND/person) for 8 people + 4 small suitcases. The service included hotel pick-up and drop-off, and assistance to the Wuzhen check-in location. The Mercedes was new, spacious, clean, and punctual, and the driver was friendly. A very good option for larger groups who prefer comfortable transport.
VI. Useful Apps
- Trip: For booking flights, hotels, and Disneyland tickets. Offers good prices and fast, helpful customer support.
- Alipay: For booking rides and making payments.
- Wechat: For communicating with booked services.
- Xiaohongshu: For finding information on food, check-in spots, and poses. Even English keywords work.
- Meituan: For reviewing restaurants and finding addresses. Extremely useful for finding nearby shops and restaurants.
- Metroman: For metro navigation. User-friendly interface with journey information and fares. Requires knowing station names.
- Maps: Used Apple Maps for directions.
- Disney Resort: App to check the map of Disneyland, rides waiting times, performance times.
- Google Translate: Sometimes translations can be confusing.
VII. Food & Drink
Approx. 4,000,000 VND per person
- Zhuang Shi Long Xing Crab Noodles (Nanjing East Road): Popular among Vietnamese TikTokers. Offers only crab noodles and xiaolongbao.
- Dahuchun Pan-Fried China (Sichuan Middle Road): Michelin-recommended. Offers wontons and dumplings.
- Miss Jane Shanghai Restaurant (Jing'an Temple): Located near Jing'an Temple.
- Haidilao Hot Pot: Offers an amazing range of choices with attentive staff.
- Lamb Noodles in Wuzhen: Delicious noodles, but the lamb had an overpowering odor.
- Starbucks Wrap and Matcha Latte: Enjoyed while waiting for transportation in Wuzhen.
- Shake Shack Burger: Great in Xintiandi.
- Fried Chicken Near Tron in Disney: Delicious and Generous Portion.
- Milk Tea: Molly Tea was the favorite. This drink has a beautiful cup, aroma, and smoothy flavor!
- Convenience Store Finds: Korean banana milk is cheaper.
- Fruit: Enjoyed delicious, juicy fruit.
- Water: The tap water is drinkable and tastes great.
VIII. Itinerary
- Day 1: Flight delayed due to weather, arriving at 3:00 PM. Immigration took 20 minutes. Checked into the hotel around 7:30 PM. Had noodles next to the hotel and explored Nanjing Road.
- Day 2: Had breadfast and drink on Wukang Road then going to Wuzhen. Explore Wuzhen in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Played around in the ancient town in the morning. At 13:30, return to Shanghai. In the evening go to Xintiandi - Chenghuang Temple - The Bund.
- Day 4: Disneyland day. After the show at 8 PM we went to Haidilao.
- Day 5: Shopping in Nanjing Road.
Tips
- Disneyland: Visited at 9:00 AM and purchased merchandise at the shopping house near the entrance. Had an outside lunch. Find a seat to see the parade at 11:30. Play games at the end of the parade. Waiting lines are about 30-40 min. Find an area for the show at 6:30 PM.
- Consider renting a stroller to push your personal belongings to avoid carrying.
- Mall, Disney, Wuzhen, large restaurants, airport, Maglev stations are all in great condition, neat and clean.
- Most restaurants and toilets will have more than enough paper for you.
- Going out early saves a lot of time from crowded places.
- If there is a language barrier, then use google translate.
China is vast, so you may not be able to discover it all in one trip. Select your favorites places only! Have a nice trip!
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