Hong Kong to Hanoi - Overland Trip

2 ½ weeks: Hong Kong to Hanoi (IMT-AAKH)

Intro

This tour takes us through some of the more remote and beautiful areas of south-west China and on into northern Vietnam, passing through the homelands of a wide range of ethnic minority groups and some spectacular scenery.

Maximum Group Size  

18

Fully Escorted 

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader

Transport 

Public bus, private coach, sleeper train, taxi.

Activities 

Extensive walking at sites and villages, optional hiking in Chengyang and Sapa

Accommodation  

14 nights simple hotels and guesthouses, 3 nights sleeper train.

Itineraries

Day 1,HONG KONG

Arrival day.

Day 2,GUANGZHOU – CHENGYANG

Free time in vibrant Hong Kong. Later we take the express train to Guangzhou and transfer to our overnight train.

Day 3,CHENGYANG

Transfer to Chengyang, famous for its beautiful ‘Wind and Rain’ bridge. In the evening enjoy a performance by the local Dong community.

Day 4,CHENGYANG

The chance to hike to other villages in the valley, relax or explore the local handicrafts.

Day 5,CONGJIANG

A free morning before catching the bus to Congjiang. The route through this remote region follows a series of river valleys, with views that few travellers get to see.

Day 6,CONGJIANG - KAILI

We take a morning bus to Kaili and arrive for a late lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the lively markets.

Day 7,KAILI (MIAO VILLAGE)

A full day's exploration of the surrounding countryside and villages, each with its own unique handicrafts. We finish the day in a Miao village, where we spend the evening in a local guesthouse.

Day 8,KAILI

A free morning to explore the village and surrounding areas. In the afternoon we return to Kaili for the overnight train to Kunming.

Day 9,KAILI - KUNMING

Arrive in Kunming, the 'City of Eternal Spring'. Perhaps take a trip up into the hills to see the Bamboo Temple. In the evening, you can enjoy one of the lively restaurants or bars.

Day 10,KUNMING

A full free day in Kunming with the opportunity to visit Shilin Stone Forest.

Day 11,TONGHAI

We take a short bus ride to Tonghai. We visit a nearby village, home to a minority group far from their traditional homeland.

Day 12,JIANSHUI

We take a private bus to Jianshui visiting the Yuanyang rice terraces along the way. Jianshui is an interesting town with a unique character worth exploring.

Day 13,MENGZI

A short bus ride brings us to Mengzi, previously the main trading post between the Qing Dynasty and French Indochina.

Day 14,SAPA

We take a bus to the border town of Hekou and cross to Lao Cai in Vietnam, after which there is a short bus ride to Sapa.

Day 15,SAPA

An 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 16,SAPA - HANOI

In the morning there’s the chance to climb up Ham Rong Mountain for panoramic views of Sapa and its environs. 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. We return to Lao Cai to catch the overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 17,HANOI

We arrive in Hanoi very early and check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is free so you can relax or head out and explore.

Day 18,HANOI

Tour ends.



Last updated: 30th October 2008

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