Example Itinerary

Tribes & Traditions: Ancient Vietnam and China

Duration
18 days / 17 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Tribal
Destinations
Vietnam, China

This cultural experience of a lifetime will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of both Vietnam and China. Travel through small villages, minority quarters, and bustling cities as you embark on this 19-day itinerary full of adventure. The trip will first take you through Hanoi, Halong Bay, Lao Cai, Sapa, Matra, Hekou and several small villages in Vietnam. For the second half of your adventure, travel through Yuanyang, Jianshui, Shilin, Kunming, Lijiang, Shaxi, Shuanglang, Dali and Kunming in China. Go where few travelers have been able to go, and discover a whole new world for yourself.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Remote Borderlands: Where Vietnam meets China is Yuanyang county, known for its stunning scene of terraced hills and rice paddies. It is off-the-beaten-track which helps preserve the area's natural beauty.
  • Lijiang Old Town: This well-preserved ancient city retains a charming small town atmosphere with flowing canals, narrow meandering lanes, and wooden traditional homes and shophouses.
  • Sapa Hilltribes: In the northern mountains of Vietnam live the Black Hmong ethnic group, their villages dotting the terraced dramatic landscape. Meet the tribes as you traverse the area.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Hanoi

Arrive in the exciting ancient city and capital of Vietnam-- Hanoi. Settle in to your new surroundings and relax after a long flight. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Theatrical Splendor: This glamorous hotel turns a stay into an experience. Over a thousand pieces of operatic memorabilia and thematic interiors ensconce guests in Bill Bensley’s vision of opera’s golden days passed.

Location: Just a mere steps away from the iconic Hanoi Opera House, the Capella Hanoi sits in the prestigious Hoan Kiem quarter, offering guests convenient access to cultural highlights, shopping, and restaurants.

Curated Culture: Capella Hotel Group’s focus on cultural experiences is a cornerstone at each of its properties. From intertwining local culture in the property design to bringing local cuisine to its house restaurant and bar menus, Capella’s Culturists further enhance guests’ stays with complimentary Rituals and Programming curated to furture explore the local culture.

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Capella Hanoi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The hotel has its own bomb shelter used in the American War (1964-1975).

Relaxation: Enjoy complimentary tai chi and yoga classes.

Food: A wide range of dining choices from seafood and chocolate high tea buffets to French, Italian and Vietnamese cuisine.

Opera: The hotel offers guests complimentary front row tickets to the famous nearby Hanoi Opera House.

Read More
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Hanoi

Enjoy a full-day tour of Hanoi. Stroll through the Old Quarter’s narrow tree-lined streets. Visit the eerie Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and then continue on to the One Pillar Pagoda, the National Fine Arts Museum, the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, and finish up your day at the Museum of Ethnology.

Hanoi
Hanoi

Day 3

Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi this morning for Halong Bay. The 3.5-hour journey takes you across the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta. After you arrive in Halong, board an authentic Vietnamese junk. This is the perfect way to see the stunning sites of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Binh Phong Mountain. Fall asleep to the lull of the waves from your cabin on the junk.

Hotel Options
About

The best way to explore the vast karst-strewn waters of Halong Bay is aboard a private junk cruise, which allows you to spend two or three days discovering the area from the comfort of your own luxury cabin, with a crew at your service and superb onboard dining. You'll spend your nights moored in a quiet area of the bay and your days cruising the waters observing the spectacular scenery, as well as visiting local fishing villages, kayaking and swimming.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Halong Bay

Rise early this morning to watch the stunning tangerine sunrise with the backdrop of Halong Bay’s mountainous landscape. Cruise along the gorgeous Bai Tu Long Bay in your traditional wooden vessel. Enjoy dinner and cocktails aboard the ship’s top deck this evening and spend one more night floating along in Halong Bay.

Day 5

Hanoi

Depart Halong this morning for the drive back to Hanoi. This afternoon, go for a leisurely bicycle tour along some of Hanoi’s quieter streets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show depicting scenes of rural life in Vietnam. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Theatrical Splendor: This glamorous hotel turns a stay into an experience. Over a thousand pieces of operatic memorabilia and thematic interiors ensconce guests in Bill Bensley’s vision of opera’s golden days passed.

Location: Just a mere steps away from the iconic Hanoi Opera House, the Capella Hanoi sits in the prestigious Hoan Kiem quarter, offering guests convenient access to cultural highlights, shopping, and restaurants.

Curated Culture: Capella Hotel Group’s focus on cultural experiences is a cornerstone at each of its properties. From intertwining local culture in the property design to bringing local cuisine to its house restaurant and bar menus, Capella’s Culturists further enhance guests’ stays with complimentary Rituals and Programming curated to furture explore the local culture.

Read More
Capella Hanoi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The hotel has its own bomb shelter used in the American War (1964-1975).

Relaxation: Enjoy complimentary tai chi and yoga classes.

Food: A wide range of dining choices from seafood and chocolate high tea buffets to French, Italian and Vietnamese cuisine.

Opera: The hotel offers guests complimentary front row tickets to the famous nearby Hanoi Opera House.

Read More
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Preferred Hotel
Hanoi
Hanoi

Day 6

Overnight Train

Drive east out of Hanoi and across the lush countryside into the Bat Trang Ceramic Village. Here you can observe how local artisans have crafted ceramics and pottery for centuries. If you would like, try for yourself to craft a vase to take back home. Continue on to visit the But Thap Pagoda and the surrounding quiet rural villages. This evening, board an overnight train to Lao Cai, one of the mountainous northern provinces that border China.

Day 7

Sapa

Meet with your local guide over breakfast at your hotel. Sapa is world renowned for its stunning landscape of vibrant tiered rice paddies and mountainous landscape. Travel through the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of Matra. Visit a local school and learn about the rare, quiet-kept culture. Stretch your legs with a hike through the area’s other fascinating local villages. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Aesthetics: The vibrant array of haute design elements will stun guests of the Hotel de la Coupole, where marble floors, elegant crown moldings, ornate light fixtures, and plush furnishings are aesthetic touches that come mandatory.

Variety: Whether in reference to the many room types or the numerous dining options and amenities, the Hotel de la Coupole brings no shortage of options to the table for guests to choose from.

Services: The Hotel de la Coupole is truly a five-star establishment in every sense — especially when it comes to service, which is extensive and thorough.

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Hotel de la Coupole Sapa Preferred Hotel
About

Located 18 kilometers from the town of Sapa, Topas enjoys an idyllic mountaintop location with stunning views over Sapa Valley. Its 25 individual lodges offer double or twin occupancy, and come with traditional thatched roofs and hot water.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Sapa

Stroll through the town of Sapa and see all of the local handicrafts on display at the Ethnic Market. Residents of the tiny villages that dot the province come here to display and sell their handicrafts. This is a good place to select a variety of authentic keepsakes as well as support a number of different villages. Shop and bargain your way through the authentic goods before relaxing back at your hotel this evening.

Sapa
Sapa

Day 9

Yuanyang County

Cross the Chinese border at Hekou and journey to the Yuanyang stunning rice terraces, around 4 hours away. These particular rice terraces are considered to be the most beautiful in China. Head to Laohui, or “The Tiger’s Mouth,” to witness one of the most stunning sunsets in existence. Check in to your hotel in Yuanyang come evening time.

Hotel Options
About

Perched on the edge of the famed rice terraces of Yuanyang, the Twelve Manor-Terraces Lodge offers unparalleled access to and views of this living UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each of its 16 rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 10

Yuanyang County

Rise early this morning to watch the sunrise at Duoyishu. Mornings here are brisk, so you can enjoy a hot cup of tea as you take in the scenery. After breakfast, visit a local market in the Hani Minority Village. This is a weekly stop for the Yi and Hani people. Next, enjoy a scenic trek from Duoyishu that finishes at Bada. Set amidst the rice paddies, grazing buffaloes and field workers, this is an incredible sight.

Day 11

Jianshui

Today you travel 2 hours to the historic garrison town of Jianshui, a small city that has retained the atmosphere of an ancient feudal village. Visit the Zhu Estate in the heart of the old town. The labyrinth of a house covers two hectares of bamboo groves. This is a fantastic example of traditional housing during the times of imperial China. Visit the Twin Dragon Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in China before returning to Jianshui.

Hotel Options
About

A historical focal point of Yunnan province, Jianshui County, previously known as Lin An, is beautifully preserved and allows tourists to experience such traditional attractions as the old city gate, hutong neighborhoods, a Confucian temple, a Qing Dynasty mansion, and the Seventeen Span Bridge which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The conveniently located Lin An Hotel offers guests easy access to these sites while also providing them with modern amenities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Jianshui
Jianshui

Day 12

Lijiang

Today takes you through the stunning natural landscape of Lunan. Here you will discover Shilin or “The Stone Forest.” Next visit the Black Stone Forests to wander through the maze of jagged peaks. Travel to the Kunming Airport, 3 hours from Jianshui, where you will fly to Lijiang and gain an incredible aerial view of the area, while also reaching your final destination of the day.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Tucked away next to the Old City quarter of Lijiang - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - this luxury resort sits atop a picturesque hill, surrounded Yunnan’s iconic snow-capped mountain backdrop.

History: This newly built hotel joins Aman’s long list of luxury resorts spread across the world, and is the third one to be established in China after the Summer Palace in Beijing and Amanfayun in Hangzhou.

Service: Attention to detail throughout this hotel continues all the way up to the high level of services. All guests are personally greeted and local experts at the downstairs reception and information desk are on call 24 hours every day.

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Amandayan Resort Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The hotel is just a short drive away from Lijiang’s “old town” of Dayan, which is a rich amalgamation of Lijiang’s culture and history.

Service: Having been awarded Best Luxury Hotel and Best Spa Resort in China at the 2007 China Hotel Starlight Awards, Banyan Tree Lijiang is well-known for its impeccable service.

Location: Sitting 2,000 meters above sea-level, with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain acting as a magnificent backdrop, the hotel’s location is dramatic and surreal.

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Banyan Tree Lijiang Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Explore: Lijiang’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by incredible wild spaces, meaning guests to this remote corner of the globe will have no shortage of sights to explore during their stay.

A Chance to Unplug: The Songtsam Linka Lijiang is located just outside of Lijiang in an intimate Naxi village that has a slow pace of life and invites visitors to set aside the pressures of modern life and enjoy the moment.

Style: The hotel’s unique combinations of Naxi-Dongba, Chinese-Hantang, and Tibetan-influenced art pieces infuse the hotel with a distinctive style.

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Songtsam Linka Lijiang Preferred Hotel

Day 13

Lijiang

Rise early to fully enjoy the city known as the “Big Inkpot,” since the canals weaving through the village are reminiscent of a knocked-over inkpot. Visit the Mu Palace, named for the Chinese Empire warlords who reigned during the Mongol Dynasty in the 13th century. 

Day 14

Shaxi

Climb the majestic Jade Dragon Mountain and enjoy the view from the top. You can climb to the very top peak, Ganzidou, for the highest view possible. Next, pause at the Yak Prairie and enjoy even more stunning views. Continue for 2 hours on to Shaxi, an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Here, you will check into your hotel to rest up for the night. We recommend either the Laomadian Lodge or the Old Theatre Inn.

Hotel Options
About

Situated along the route frequented by trading caravans that runs through Shaxi, the Laomadian Lodge provides comfortable accommodation in an authentic Bai setting. The guesthouse is in a 150 year old wooden house in the Bai style and consists of only 9 private rooms, each with it's own unique theme and decor.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The Old Theatre Inn is the premier choice for discerning travellers visiting Shaxi. The guesthouse aims to provide not only high quality accomodations, but also an experience for their guests in order to impress on them the cultural heritage of Shaxi.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Shaxi
Shaxi

Day 15

Shaxi

Spend the morning exploring the area at your own leisure. The paved avenues create a maze through the quaint old town. The exquisite Three Terraced Pavillion is a highly obscure building near the town’s Buddhist Temple. Spend the afternoon exploring Shibaoshan – “Stone Treasure Mountain.” This collection of temples, caves and boulders never fails to amaze visitors. The famous “Stone Treasure” that is shaped like female genitalia is believed to provide fertility to those who touch the stone.

Day 16

Dali

Sit back and watch as the countryside rolls by as you are driven the four-to-five hour journey to the Bai minority’s home of Dali. Stay at a famous local artists’ house in the village. The area is renowned for its unique, fantastic art. There’s an incredible market that runs five days a month that you may be lucky enough to experience. The lakeside province is said to have everything but the sea.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Located in provincial Yunnan, this courtyard house places guests in the foothills of the Himalayas.

History: The Linden Centre is a converted courtyard mansion where guests can take part in a wide array of local cultural pursuits, guided by the ethnic Bai community of Dali.

Service: This property accommodates only 28 people, so service is personalized, with activities crafted to fit the individual’s needs.

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Linden Centre Preferred Hotel

Day 17

Kunming

Begin the day by traveling to the Three Pagodas at the Chongsheng Temple. The mystical temple sits at the foot of the Changshan Mountains. Reach Kunming this evening, and check in to a hotel and relax.

Hotel Options
About

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Green Lake, one of Kunming’s signature landmarks, this hotel is a true, five-star resort. Each of the 365 comfortable, stylish guest rooms and suites feature plush beds, free internet access, air conditioning, and televisions.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

In the bustling capital of China’s southern province of Yunnan, the Sofitel Kunming offers easy access to and an escape from the central business district. The decor throughout the hotel is a blend of continental French chic with touches of local influence, and in the 397 rooms, 42 of which are suites, guests can relax in comfort, enjoying Sofitel’s signature bedding concept - the perfect balance of soft and firm.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kunming
Kunming

Day 18

Departure

You’ve reached the end of your adventure. Enjoy your morning in Kunming before being transferred by private vehicle to the airport to catch your departing flight.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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