Hanoi to Hong Kong - Overland Trip
2 ½ weeks: Hanoi to Hong Kong (IMT-AAHK)
Intro
This tour takes us through northern Vietnam and into some of the more beautiful and remote areas of south-west China, passing through the homelands of a wide range of ethnic minority groups and some spectacular scenery.Maximum Group Size
18Arrival Transfer
Airport transfer to hotel day 1Fully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leaderTransport
Private and public bus, taxi, trainActivities
Extensive walking at sites and villages, optional hiking in Chengyang and Sapa Accommodation 14 nights simple hotels and guesthouses, 3 nights sleeper trainMeals
No meals included. Allow US$8 per dayEntrance Fees
Not included. Allow US$20 for all sites listed as part of the itineraryLocal Payment
Must be paid in cash on day 1 of your tourItineraries
Day 1, HANOIArrival day.
Day 2, HANOI - SAPAA free day to discover the sights of Hanoi before boarding our overnight train to Sapa.
Day 3, SAPAMorning arrival. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to climb up Ham Rong Mountain for panoramic views of Sapa and its surroundings. We return via the Dao village of Ta Phin, situated in a wide valley surrounded by rice paddies. Dao women are particularly striking as they wear large red turbans covered with old coins or jewellery.
Day 4, SAPAAn optional 5-6 hour easy hike takes in hilltribe villages of the Hmong, Zay and Red Zao, all of whom wear distinctive tribal clothing. The scenery is spectacular, with steep rice terraces and lush hills. Other options for the day are also available.
Day 5, SAPA - MENGZIWe take a bus to the border town of Lao Cai and cross to Hekou in China. A short bus ride brings us to Mengzi, previously the main trading post between the Qing Dynasty and French Indochina.
Day 6, JIANSHUIWe travel by bus to Jianshui, the home of many traditional and restored Chinese buildings.
Day 7, TONGHAIWe take a private bus to Tonghai, visiting the Yuanyang rice terraces along the way.
Day 8, KUNMINGIn the morning your tour leader will arrange an excursion to a nearby village, home to a minority group far from their traditional homeland. In the afternoon we take a bus to Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring.
Day 9, KUNMINGA full free day in Kunming, with the opportunity to visit Shilin Stone Forest. In the evening you can enjoy one of the lively restaurants or bars.
Day 10, KUNMING - KAILIA free day to catch up on creature comforts before our evening train to Kaili.
Day 11, KAILIArrive in Kaili in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the lively markets.
Day 12, KAILIA full day's exploration of the surrounding countryside. Visit several Miao villages and other scenic spots.
Day 13, KAILI - CONGJIANGA morning bus ride through some stunning scenery brings us to the riverside town of Congjiang.
Day 14, CONGJIANG - CHENYANGTransfer by bus to Sanjiang and then on to nearby Chenyang, a Dong village famous for its original and very beautiful Wind and Rain Bridge. In the evening we enjoy a local song and dance performance.
Day 15, CHENYANGThe chance to hike to other villages in the valley, relax or explore the local handicrafts.
Day 16, CHENYANG - GUANGZHOUA free day to take advantage of the local scenery. Evening transfer to the train station for the night train to Guangzhou.
Day 17, GUANGZHOU - HONG KONGAfternoon arrival in Guangzhou. We then take the express train to the bustling and cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong in time for dinner.
Day 18, HONG KONGTour ends.
Last updated: 10th March 2008
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