China to Vietnam: An Overland Adventure

China to Vietnam: An Overland Adventure

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7 Days From

$1149

China to Vietnam: An Overland Adventure

7 Days Starting in Kunming and ending in Hanoi

Visiting: Kunming, Jianshui, Yuanyang, Sa Pá

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

26150

Physical rating:

3 - Average

Age range:

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Trekking, Walking

From: $1149

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This week-long adventure packs in the best of China and Vietnam in just seven days. Kick things off in China’s breathtaking Yunnan province, where the rice terraces are nothing short of magical. Then, cross the border and dive into Vietnam’s rural heart in Sapa, spending two days soaking up the local culture. Your grand finale? The electric streets of Hanoi! From epic landscapes to vibrant cities, this off-the-beaten-path journey delivers the best of both worlds. Plus, you can always tack on extra days to explore more of China or Vietnam.

Highlights

  • Jianshui City Tour, Local Tofu Workshop in Jianshui, Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terrace, Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Kunming

Location: Kunming

Arrive at any time and meet your group and CEO for a welcome meeting.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2: Kunming/Jianshui

Location: Kunming

Meals Included: Dinner

China explorations await and its off to Jianshui. After an orientation walk, take an tour of the city. Visit the Xianghui Bridge, the Xianghui old train station, the Double Dragon Bridge, the Chaoyan Tower and the Zhu's Family Garden. Then enjoy a free evening.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Head out on a tour of the city of Jianshui. Visit the Qing Dynasty Xianghui Bridge and the historic Xianghui Old Train Station. Then drive to the Double Dragon Bridge, an ancient bridge was built in the years of the Emperor Qianlong with incredible views. At the confluence of the Lushui River and Tacun River, it looks like double winding dragons crossing the land. Explore the Zhu's Family Garden, called the Grand View Garden, a representative of Chinese residential houses of the Qing Dynasty. After the garden, walk through the Old Town.

Day 3: Jianshui/Yuanyang

Location: Jianshui

Start the day with a tofu workshop and watch how the locals make this popular dish. Afterwards, drive toward Yuanyang to visit the impressive Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the sunshine reflect off the carved out mountainside. We'll spend the day exploring this huge rice terrace from different viewpoints and do some gentle hiking through the greenery. This place is special to visit. In a country often associated with bustling, crowded and noisy cities, this picturesque and peaceful landscape will transport you to a whole new side of China.

ACTIVITY: Join a workshop and learn by watching the process of making this extremely popular Chinese dish.

ACTIVITY: Visit the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Explore different parts and scenic points, like the famed Tiger Mouth area. Admire the rugged, exaggerated terraces that seem like they could have been painted by an artist. Hike through local villages and experience local life.

Day 4: Yuanyang

Location: Yuanyang

Opt to rise early, and we recommend you do, to see the sun rise over the beautiful and peaceful Duoyishu Scenic Area. Take a short hike to the Pugao Old Village and see the local way of living. In the afternoon, we'll head to the main scenic area of the rice terrace with a chance to catch an epic sunset scene and meet some locals living in the field. Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform and admire the incredible view.

ACTIVITY: Visit the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Explore different parts and scenic points, like the famed Tiger Mouth area. Admire the rugged, exaggerated terraces that seem like they could have been painted by an artist. Hike through local villages and experience local life.

ACTIVITY: Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform. Arguably the most important part of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. You'll have the opportunity to hike through the levels of the terraces and speak to locals working in the field. This is also the best place to watch the sunset over the terraces.

Day 5: Yuanyang/Sa Pá

Location: Yuanyang

Say goodbye to China this morning and drive to Hekou Border to cross into Vietnam. Your Chinese CEO will help you get to immigration but will stay in China. You'll meet your new Vietnamese CEO once you cross through customs. After arrival into Vietnam drive to the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. The first stop is at the Muong Hoa Batik House for a painting experience with the local indigenous group, the Hmong people. Then we'll sit down together for an authentic and rustic hotpot dinner, a specialty of the Sapa regional cuisine.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Cross the land border from China into Vietnam.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Join the Hmong People, the local indigenous group for a hands on painting activity.

Day 6: Sa Pá

Location: Sa Pá

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces, picturesque villages tucked away in the hills and a rich culture unique to this region, Sapa is a must visit, off the beaten path part of Vietnam. Today, spend the whole day trekking some of the best trails of the country. Hike through local villages, rice terraces and tea plantation. We'll stop part way on the trek to eat lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing the trek, head back to your hotel for the evening.

ACTIVITY: Spend today trekking the most famous hiking area in Vietnam. Pass through local villages, beautiful rice terraces and plantations. We'll stop for lunch in Su Pan Village before continuing on to our final spot, Muong Hoa.

Day 7: Sa Pá/Hanoi

Location: Sa Pá

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Sapa this morning and drive to the bustling city of Hanoi. After a long drive, we'll leave our bags at the hotel. Then it's time to explore Hanoi and what better way than on the front of a cyclo. Have a seat as you zoom through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter. Your tour ends upon return to the hotel where your bags are being stored.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Take a seat on a cyclo for a tour of Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter. Let the driver navigate through the bustling streets and start taking some photos or just use the tour to help get familiar with the area.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotels (6nts)

  • Meals
    2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Muong Hòa Ho

  • Jianshui City Tour

  • Tofu Workshop

  • Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces

  • Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour

  • Hanoi Cyclo Tour

  • Transport to and from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (6nts)

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, public bus, cyclo.

Meals Included

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Group Size

Max 16, avg 14.

Mode of Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, public bus, cyclo.

Check out our Q&As

  • What's Included

    Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Mương Hòa Ho. Jianshui City Tour. Tofu Workshop. Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour. Hanoi Cyclo Tour. Transport to and from included activities.

  • Highlights

    Jianshui City Tour, Local Tofu Workshop in Jianshui, Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terrace, Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour.

  • Group Size Notes

    Max 16, avg 14.

  • Meals Included

    2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

  • Transport

    Train, private vehicle, walking, public bus, cyclo.

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (6nts)

  • My Own Room

    Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

  • Emergency Contact

    Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.



    AIRPORT TRANSFER



    If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:



    Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please call or go to the information centre and ask the staff there to help to call our local G Adventures Transfer provider directly at: +86 18122213686 – if the driver cannot arrive anytime soon, please take a taxi to your start point hotel.



    If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense.



    EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS



    G Adventures Local Tour Operator (China):

    Head Office: +86 18122213686

    Beijing Office: +86 010-65128789 or +86 13379009576



    G Adventures Local Representative (Vietnam)

    Ms. Thuan

    Emergency number: +84 88 844 9969



    If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.



    Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100

    Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000

    Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000

    Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618

    Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307

    Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

  • Packing List

    Documents:
    • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
    • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
    • Passport (required) (With photocopies)
    • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
    • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

    Essentials:
    • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
    • Binoculars (optional)
    • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
    • Cash, credit and debit cards
    • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
    • Ear plugs
    • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
    • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
    • Fleece top/sweater
    • Footwear
    • Hat
    • Locks for bags
    • Long pants/jeans
    • Moneybelt
    • Outlet adapter
    • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Shirts/t-shirts
    • Sleepwear
    • Small travel towel
    • Sunglasses
    • Swimwear
    • Watch and alarm clock
    • Waterproof backpack cover
    • Windproof rain jacket

    Health & Safety:
    • Hand sanitizer (required)
    • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
    • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

    Warm Weather:
    • Sandals/flip-flops
    • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
    • Sturdy water shoes/sandals
    • Sun hat/bandana
    • Swimwear

  • Optional Activities

    No optional activities

  • Minimum Age

    You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

  • International Flights

    Check-in times and baggage allowances
    estrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

  • Group Leader

    CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    G Adventures was established in 1990

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

Reviews of this operator

Lynsey M, UK  

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This tour was very good. I would reccomend it. It is great to see the difference in the three countries, Iguassu Falls definitely a highlight on my whole South America trip.

Connie McKain Albright  

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10-Jan-2023

This was our first trip with G Adventures. We took the 8 day trip around Galapagos on their ship Yolita II. The guide, Adrienne, was knowledgeable and very pleasant. Each day had a variety of activities to choose from so you could fill your day or pick and choose what you wanted to do. The guide knew where to look for various animals so we saw an abundance of wildlife - lots of different sea birds, sea lions, a few kinds of iguanas, and many kinds of fishes. The only negative, and it's not G Adventures fault, is that the little ship rocks and rolls and night which can make sleeping challenging.

Trustpilot
Tina. G, Canada  

DAK

08-Nov-2021

The tour was great! Our guide Peter was very knowledgeable and gave us just the right amount of information about the sights and animals we were seeing. He was also very personable and had a great sense of humour. Our cook was great as well! They were both flexible and accomodated our requests to spend longer looking at some animals, to visit craft markets, etc. The lodge accommodations both inside and outside Kruger National Park were fantastic.

Sandra Salter  

I have taken four trips with G…

18-Dec-2022

I have taken four trips with G Adventures. The Guides have been so knowledgeable and friendly. Each trip has been thoroughly planned. The trips have been once in a lifetime experiences.

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Jil S, Canada  

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08-Nov-2021

The tour was excellent! I think there was something for everyone on this tour... lots of hiking and nature walks for nature lovers, a plethora of optional activities for the adventurous and lots of downtime for the ones who just want to relax. I loved it!

Fergus Lawrence Park   Uk

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18-Dec-2023

Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.

Fergus Lawrence Park   Uk

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18-Dec-2023

Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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