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.

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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.

See Hotel
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.

See Hotel
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.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Capella Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Capella Hanoi

Designed by "staritect" du jour Bill Bensley and inspired by the Hanoi Opera House, the new Capella Hanoi will incorporate the capital's historic and opulent colonial-era architecture. Located within Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district, the property is comprised of 47 palatial-style guest rooms, lavishly decorated in contrasting dark and light tones with lashings of color, signature of Bensley's aesthetic.
Four Seasons Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Hanoi

The new Four Seasons Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of Vietnam's capital, with views extending out across the lake and into the Old and French Quarters of the atmospheric city. The location affords walking distance to major attractions, including museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. Inspired by the French colonial aesthetic, the decadent 95 rooms and suites are joined by modern hotel facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, spa and meeting spaces, as well as an all-day dining venue, lounge and scenic rooftop bar. The Four Seasons Hanoi joins the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An as the brand's second hotel to open in Vietnam.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This richly historic 364-room French colonial masterpiece built in 1901 is one of Vietnam's finest hotels, with luxuriously appointed rooms, attentive staff and gracious service. It is ideally located in central Hanoi and houses a beautiful interior garden. Excellent French cuisine is served at Le Beaulieu, and Hanoi specialties are offered at Spices Garden. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center with cardio machines and weights, as well as a swimming pool and spa offering massage treatments. All of the guest rooms have broadband Internet access and are decorated in an opulent, neo-classical style.

Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Private Junk Cruise

Private Junk Cruise

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. What better way to enjoy Halong Bay than sipping a cold drink on the deck of your own private junk as the sun goes down?

Suggested Hotels For Days 5–6

Capella Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Capella Hanoi

Designed by "staritect" du jour Bill Bensley and inspired by the Hanoi Opera House, the new Capella Hanoi will incorporate the capital's historic and opulent colonial-era architecture. Located within Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district, the property is comprised of 47 palatial-style guest rooms, lavishly decorated in contrasting dark and light tones with lashings of color, signature of Bensley's aesthetic.
Four Seasons Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Hanoi

The new Four Seasons Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of Vietnam's capital, with views extending out across the lake and into the Old and French Quarters of the atmospheric city. The location affords walking distance to major attractions, including museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. Inspired by the French colonial aesthetic, the decadent 95 rooms and suites are joined by modern hotel facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, spa and meeting spaces, as well as an all-day dining venue, lounge and scenic rooftop bar. The Four Seasons Hanoi joins the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An as the brand's second hotel to open in Vietnam.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This richly historic 364-room French colonial masterpiece built in 1901 is one of Vietnam's finest hotels, with luxuriously appointed rooms, attentive staff and gracious service. It is ideally located in central Hanoi and houses a beautiful interior garden. Excellent French cuisine is served at Le Beaulieu, and Hanoi specialties are offered at Spices Garden. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center with cardio machines and weights, as well as a swimming pool and spa offering massage treatments. All of the guest rooms have broadband Internet access and are decorated in an opulent, neo-classical style.

Overnight Express Train

Overnight Express Train

Guests traveling between Hanoi and Lao Cai can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience through Northern Vietnam aboard a luxurious overnight express train. Premium sleeping cabins feature wood-paneled and equipped with air conditioning and reading lights. 

Suggested Hotels For Days 7–8

Hotel de la Coupole Sapa
Preferred Hotel

Hotel de la Coupole Sapa

Sapa is a verdant, mountainous town located in northern Vietnam known for its rich ecological and cultural diversity stemming from its proximity to the Chinese border. With picturesque rice terraces and forested hills surrounding the town — and the Fansipan, the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, located nearby — a stay in Sapa will leave visitors feeling like they’ve escaped to an old-world settlement that dates back to the colonial era of French Indochina. The Hotel de la Coupole Sapa, a luxury hotel that fuses design elements of elegant French colonial style with the colorful touches of native hill tribes, stands as the only five-star international hotel in Sapa. The Hotel de la Coupole features 249 accommodations, an on-site shopping mall, and a selection of bars and restaurants. Other amenities include air conditioning and heating (more sought-after than one might think in a mountain climate famed for occasional “four-season days”), numerous meeting and banquet rooms, and a Spa and Fitness Center complete with a sauna and massage parlor. And for those wishing to venture out and explore the surrounding mountains, waterways, and lush slopes, local guides are easily hired, and transportation is conveniently arranged either through the hotel or by local means.

Topas Ecolodge

Topas Ecolodge

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. Amenities are kept to a minimum to ensure the hotel does not generate too much waste. The restaurant specialises in hearty Vietnamese fare and is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner, on a buffet or set menu basis. The lounge offers drinks, books and games.

Suggested Hotel For Days 9–10

Twelve Manor Terraces Lodge

Twelve Manor Terraces Lodge

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. The hotel has an in-house restaurant, sun terrace, and bar, as well as open-air baths.

Suggested Hotel For Day 11

Lin An Hotel

Lin An Hotel

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. Rooms are equipped with essential toiletries, bathtubs, mini bars, and inviting beds while the hotel furnishes massage services, a sauna, and even an on-site karaoke lounge. Both Chinese and International dining options are available along with conference rooms and other services essential for business travelers.

Suggested Hotels For Days 12–13

Amandayan Resort
Preferred Hotel

Amandayan Resort

The Aman Group’s 28th resort in their ever-expanding portfolio of luxurious accommodation just happens to be one of their most impressive to date, spread over a hectare of land on a hill perched above the Old City of Lijiang - a World Heritage Site. The quaint winding lanes of the town below are an image of classic China, and the breathtaking luscious green mountains and snow-capped peaks provide the perfect backdrop. The hotel itself is relatively small; with only 35 suites the resort is kept quiet and peaceful, just like the surrounding countryside and historic town below. Even the smallest of accomondation options here start at close to 800 square feet, and Yunnan pine wood from Shangri-La is used throughout to create an inviting, cozy log-cabin feel. Modern conveniences are in ample supply too, both inside the range of rooms and throughout the rest of the resort. Guests can find no less than three superb dining options including a signature Chinese restaurant, as well as a luxurious spa, an on-site cinema and an impressive indoor heated swimming pool – difficult to resist jumping in after a day of sightseeing in Lijiang.  

Banyan Tree Lijiang
Preferred Hotel

Banyan Tree Lijiang

Banyan Tree Lijiang sits just south of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with 55 deluxe mountain-view villas. The hotel is constructed in the regional Naxi style of architecture with its distinct rooflines and courtyards. Each villa is decorated in contemporary Naxi style and has a heated pool, jet pool and Internet connection. The Bai Yun Restaurant serves Chinese Cantonese banquet style meals with local musical accompaniment. Asian and Western-style cuisine are offered in a choice of indoor and outdoor settings at the Ming Yue Restaurant. The Spa offers treatments featuring Asian healing and relaxation techniques as well as European rejuvenation therapies. There is a business center with fax and Internet services, a fitness center, yoga room, and tennis court. The Banyan Tree Lijiang is an approximately 40-minute drive from Lijiang Airport (LJG).

Songtsam Linka Lijiang
Preferred Hotel

Songtsam Linka Lijiang

Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prefecture-level city in northwest Yunnan that is close to 8,000 feet above sea level and known for both its old town of cobblestone streets and the incredible natural landscapes beyond its borders. Instead of situating itself in the middle of this touristic hub, however, the Songtsam Linka Lijiang is located Ciman, which is a small Naxi-ethnic village located nearby where traditional ways of living have persisted into the present. From the hotel, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the old town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Lashi Lake. The hotel itself is designed in a Naxi courtyard style and is decorated with exquisite Hui-style stone sculptures. Spacious, well-appointed rooms have balconies, comfortable beds, and are decorated in a cozy manner. There is a spa, a heated swimming pool, and a 24-hour fitness center on site, along with a library and a boutique shop. In terms of dining, there is a restaurant that primarily serves local Naxi dishes, but there are also some Western dishes available. Breakfast is served buffet style, and guests can enjoy tea or a selection of wines later in the day. There is also a café that serves a variety of drinks and snacks. Besides exploring the old town of Lijiang, travelers can also go on hiking trips through the surrounding natural landscape, or they can explore nearby Buddhist temples and other cultural sites.

Suggested Hotels For Days 14–15

Old Theatre Inn

Old Theatre Inn

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. With only five guestrooms, the Inn is able to pay a high level of attention to each guest. The Dancing Mule Cafe provides a small, simple menu that showcases local dishes and specialties and only uses ingredients fresh from the gardens and farms local to Shaxi. The architecture and setting of The Old Theatre Inn makes for a wonderful countryside stay in Shaxi.

Laomadian Lodge

Laomadian Lodge


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. The setting is rustic and cozy, and the rooms are situated around courtyards that maintain the feeling that it is an authentic and integral part of the ancient trade route.


Suggested Hotel For Day 16

Linden Centre
Preferred Hotel

Linden Centre

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at the Linden Centre, located in Xizhou, a pristine village just outside of Dali City. Set in a fully-restored Chinese residence, the Linden Centre features four courtyards, lush, well-manicured gardens, and tasteful rooms and suites that feature locally built furniture, comfortable, plush mattresses, clean bathrooms, and Wi-Fi access. There are two restaurants at the Linden Centre, one serving Chinese cuisine and the other serving Western dishes. Amenities include a library, movie room, exercise facility, a small museum, and a series of gardens with sweeping views of the nearby countryside. The Linden Centre is located about a half-hour’s drive from Dali’s Old Town.

Suggested Hotels For Day 17

Green Lake Hotel

Green Lake Hotel

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. There is also an in-house restaurant, shopping center, swimming pool, bar, and fitness center. The Green Lake is situated less than half an hour away from Kunming Airport and the Railway Station, and is within walking distance of downtown Kunming and Green Lake Park.
Sofitel Kunming

Sofitel Kunming


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. The hotel’s three restaurants serve a variety of French-influenced, international and local cuisine, so diners are spoiled for choice whether dining in or ordering room service. From the lobby bar to Voyage, the Sofitel’s elegant cocktail lounge, a refreshing selection of drinks are available amid sleek decor, and the hotel’s comprehensive amenities, from the spa and pool to the sporting facilities, are world class. 


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Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
See Itinerary
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.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

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