Operated by G Adventures

China to Vietnam: An Overland Adventure

From

CAD 1,317

Duration

7 days

Countries

Vietnam, China

Activity

moderate

The adventure

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.

At a glance

Duration

7 days

Route

Kunming → Hanoi

Countries

Vietnam, China

Activity level

moderate

Style

Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Overland & Road Trips, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Side view of anonymous male fisher in oriental boat fishing in rippled lake against old construction and mountain

Your journey through

Vietnam & China

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time and meet your group and CEO for a welcome meeting.

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

Day 2China explorations await and its off to Jianshui

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.

Day 3Start the day with a tofu workshop…

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.

Day 4Opt to rise early

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.

Day 5Say goodbye to China this morning and drive…

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 Hmong 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.

Day 6With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces

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 half a 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.

Day 7After breakfast at the hotelHanoi

Hanoi

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 and have lunch at KOTO Restaurant, which provides job training opportunities for disadvantaged youth. 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.