Tours > China Tour > Yannan & Vietnam Border land - 12day trip

12 DAYS, YANNAN & VIETNAM BORDER LAND
Trip code: CN-YVN12
 Departure date: On Saturday

Embark on an overland adventure, from a remote and little visited region in Yunnan to the spectacular mountains of Northwest Vietnam.
The south-east corner of Yunnan has some of the region's most traditional and off-the beaten track minority areas. For anyone who wants to avoid the hordes of travelers in Dali or Lijiang, the traditional architecture of
Jianshui and the superb terraces of Yuanyang are well worth the effort of getting there. Across the border in Vietnam, the area around Sapa boasts the spectacular scenery of the Hoang Lien Mountain Range and is home to diverse hill tribe communities. Trek to isolated villages, spend time with the local ethnic people and experience their traditional lifestyles.

itinerary in brief:
 Day 01: Arrival Kunminh
 Day 02: Kunming - Jianshui
 Day 03:  Jianshui - Yuanyang
 Day 04:  Yuanyang
 Day 05:  Yuangyang - Hekou - Lao Cai - Sapa
 Day 06:  Sapa - Hau Thao - Ta Van (2 Days Sapa Trekking) (B,L,D)
 Day 07:  Ta Van - Lao Cai - Sapa
 Day 08:  Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi
 Day 09:  Hanoi City tour
 Day 10:  Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruises
 Day 11:  Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi
 Day 12:  Departure

DAY 01 Sat : Arrive - Kunming
Upon arrival, met & and transfer to Jin Quan Hotel or similar. Long eulogized as ‘the city of eternal spring’ due to its year round pleasant climate, Kunming is arguably the most opened and relaxed of China’s provincial capitals. This afternoon, we take you to roam the endless number of stalls which make up the Bird & Flower Market and a visit to the 1200-year-old Yuantong Temple. Be treated to a welcome dinner tonight.
(Dinner included)

DAY 02 Sun : Kunming - Jianshui
This morning, drive about 4 to 5 hours through the mountainous and outstanding Yunnan countryside to Jianshui. Arguably the most traditional town remaining in south-east Yunnan, Jianshui charms with its old-style architecture, friendly folk, famous purple pottery and lack of tourist hordes. We will go on a short tour of the town, visiting the Zhang Jia Garden, the Old wells as well as the local market.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 03Mon : Jianshui - Yuanyang
This morning we visit the Zhang Village, a 30min drive away. This cluster of Qing Dynasty ancient wooden houses (more than 200 houses) is well preserved and gives an excellent insight into the traditional Chinese architecture. Return to Jianshui for lunch. Late afternoon, we drive about 3 hours to Yuanyang, the heart of the spectacular rice terraces.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 04Tue : Yuanyang
The region around Yuanyang is dominated by the Hong He (Red River), which begins near Dali and flows into Vietnam at Hekou. On the south side of Hong He rises the fog-shrouded Ailao Mountains, which contain some of the most stupendous rice terraces in the world. These majestic terraces were carved out by the Hani minorities more than 1000 years ago. We will spend a full day exploring the area and the surrounding villages of Yi, Dai and Hani settlements.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 05 Wed : Yuangyang - Hekou - Lao Cai - Sapa
From Yuanyang, we drive 6 to 7 hours to Hekou. Clear customs/immigration at Hekou and enter Vietnam at Lao Cai, where we will be met by our Vietnam guide. From Lao Cai, we drive to Sapa. At an elevation of 1500m, Sapa is a former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in the plains became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sapa. Overnight at Victoria Sapa Hotel
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 06 Thu : Sapa - Laochai- Ta Van (B,L,D)
Following breakfast at the hotel we embark on a lovely  walk  that will take us along small paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is a absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way at a family in Ta Van village. We continue onto  Caumay village an Supan villages, home of Red Dzao people we our jeep take us back to Sapa. At leisure to enjoy Sapa town and hotel facility Overnight at Victoria Sapa Hotel
(Breakfast and lunch  included)

DAY 07Fri : Ta Van - Lao Cai - Sapa
Hill tribe peoples from surrounding villages don their best clothes and flock to the Sapa Market on Saturday. Spend today at leisure to explore its colourful market, or simple relax at any of the many cafes and enjoy the magnificent mountain views all around. In the afternoon, drive to Lao Cai to catch the overnight train back to Hanoi
(Breakfast included)

DAY 08 Sat : Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi
We breakfast and bid farewell to friendly local people for a transfer back to Lao Cai for the Victoria Express  train journey back to Hanoi. The scenic  train journey leaves at  10:20 and takes us along the most spectacular country along Red river. We arrive back to Hanoi  8:30pm. Overnight at Guoman Hotel **** .
(Breakfast and lunch included)
(Breakfast, Dinner included)
DAY 09 Sun : Hanoi
City tour to  visit Ho Chi Minh’s former residence and mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, the Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Ethnology. Spend the rest of the day on your own exploring the Old Quarter or walking along peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. Overnight at Guoman Hotel **** .
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 10 Mon : Hanoi - Halong Bay Junk Cruises
This morning we will depart Hanoi at 0830 for a four-hour drive through the Red River     Delta to Ha Long City. Arrival in Halong City we transfer to  a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site.
·         12h30 : Board our junk, check-in registration
·         13h00 : Have lunch with welcome wine.
·         14h00 : A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay to visit Thien Cung cave , Dau Go cave, round over Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island and a swim at Titov beach. Enjoy dinner on board while watching sunset. Fishing with seine, drinking Vietnamese wine, and spending a night on the junk.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 11 Tue:  Halong Junk cruises - Hanoi
Rising to the sound of ocean coming to life for another lovely day. We breakfast over sunset:
·         8h00 : Have breakfast.
·         9h00 : Visit Bai tu long Bay , Teapot island , Chopstiks island , Bai tho mountain.
·         11h00 : Return to Halong city and have lunch on board. Wen the disembark and
transfer back to Hanoi. Arrival Hanoi airport by 3.3pm in time for your flight to Danang. Overnight at Quochoa Hotel ****
(Breakfast and lunch included)

DAY 12 Wed: Depart Hanoi
The journey ends with your departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
(Breakfast included)
 

PRICES PER PERSON:

COST INCLUDES

• Accommodation on twin/double share basis;

• Soft sleeper of overnight trains

• Meals as stated;

• Halong Bay cruises

• All tours & transfers as stated;

• Hike arrangement with guide

COST EXCLUDES

• Airport taxes;

• Visa;

• Travel insurance;

• Personal & other expenses not stated.

HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS
Dali
Asian Star: A 3-star hotel with all modern amenities and good view of surrounding mountain.
Lijiang
Jiananchun: A tourist class hotel converted from one of the traditional houses right in the heart of Old Lijiang.
Kunming
Harbor Plaza: A 5-star hotel in the city center (www.harbour-plaza.com).
Sapa
Victoria Sapa hotel - 4star
Hanoi
Quochoa hotel  - 4 star