Explore Vietnam and Yunnan by private vehicle and high-speed rail, from Hanoi and Sapa’s rice terraces to Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang and Shangri-La, with authentic cultural encounters along the way.
  • Hike Sapa’s rice terraces and meet a H’mong family.
  • Walk Dukezong Ancient Town and see the giant prayer wheel.
  • Explore Ganden Sumtseling Monastery’s halls, murals, and gardens.
  • Learn to make yak butter tea with a Tibetan family.
  • Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge beneath Jade Dragon and Haba snow peaks.
  • Explore Lijiang Old Town’s canals, cobbled lanes, and wooden houses.
  • Try Dongba calligraphy with a Naxi family in Baisha.
  • Ride China’s high-speed rail through Yunnan’s mountains, valleys, and lakes.
Stay in a mix of hotels and guesthouses. Some hotels feature firmer mattresses and occasional smoke smells in China. Wi-Fi is usually available in reception and sometimes rooms. Rural guesthouses are family-run with basic facilities and may not provide towels; at times, groups use separate nearby houses.