13 Days China-Vietnam Rice Terraces and Ethnic Culture Tour from Guilin to Hanoi
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures of South China and Northern Vietnam on this immersive 13-day tour. From the stunning rice terraces of Yuanyang and Longsheng to the vibrant markets of Sapa, this journey highlights the beauty of nature and the unique traditions of ethnic minorities. Enjoy scenic cruises, cultural interactions, and delicious local cuisine, making for an unforgettable adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Guilin and Li River: Take a picturesque cruise along the Li River, famous for its stunning karst landscapes.
- Yangshuo: Explore charming countryside, ride bicycles, and visit local farms.
- Longsheng Rice Terraces: Experience the incredible terraced fields and learn about the Zhuang and Yao cultures.
- Jianshui: Discover ancient architecture, including the Jianshui Confucius Temple and Zhu Family Garden.
- Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Witness breathtaking sunrises over the terraces and interact with the Hani people.
- Sapa: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of ethnic minorities, hike scenic trails, and visit local markets.
- Halong Bay: Cruise through the iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Brief Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive in Guilin
Day 02 Guilin – Yangshuo
Day 03 Yangshuo-Longsheng
Day 04 Longsheng – Guilin-Kunming
Day 05 Kunming-Shilin-Jianshui
Day 06 Jianshui-Yuanyang
Day 07 Yuanyang
Day 08 Yuanyang – Hekou-Lao cai-Sapa
Day 09 Sapa
Day 10 Sapa-Hanoi by Night Train
Day 11 Hanoi-Halong Bay
Day 12 Halong Bay-Hanoi
Day 13 Departure from Hanoi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive in Guilin
Arirrived Guilin ,the driver and guide will meet you in the airport or train station ,transfer to hotel ,stay overnight at Guilin
Day 02 Guilin – Yangshuo
In the early morning drive to Mopan hill wharf to take Li river cruise by boat,the cruise will take around 4.5 hours and lunch on the boat.you will enjoy the most beautiful mountain and clear water on the cruise.Upon arrival Yangshuo, some free time on the west street ,and then you can choose a bike ride to the nice countryside along the yulong river,visit a famer’s house .stay overnight in yangshuo or back to Guilin
Lijiang River originates from Cat Mountain in Xing’an County in the north of Guilin. It flows 437 kms down Guilin, Yangshou, Pingle and Wuzhou into the West River. Between Guilin and Yangshuo, Lijiang River travels 83 kilometres exactly like a jade ribbon winding among thousands of grotesque peaks. Along the river banks are the spectacular landscapes and elegant hills, the towering peaks, the variegated cliffs and odd-shaped crags reflected in the mirror of its crystal-clear water and the wonderful deep pools, running springs and flying waterfalls everywhere. The reflections of the hills in clear and greenish water are like bright and beautiful pictures. “One hundred miles Lijiang River, one hundred miles art gallery,” A lot of excellent poems and literal works in modern or ancient appreciate ger beauty. Han Yu , a great poet in Tang Dynasty, had written a popular poem to praise the beautiful scenery of Lijiang River. The river winds like a blue silk ribbon,While the hills erect like green jade hairpins.
Day 03 Yangshuo-Longsheng
Morning the guide and driver will pick you up then head to Longji Rice Terraces for the splendid rice terraces and local ethnic minority villages,it will take more than 2 hours from Guilin .then spend most of the day to hike around minority village..stay overnight at Longji guest house.
The scenery area of Longsheng Longji terrace with 700 years of history, built initially in Yuan Dynasty, consisting mainly of Ping’an Zhuang minority terrace and jinkeng Hongyao terrace is a famous scenery spot of Guangxi, the rime of Zhuang, Yao minority’s diligence and intelligence, the movement of the earth. The whole scenery area is picturesque, full of groups of waterfalls and takes on different verves in four seasons. The people of Zhuang, Yao minority here live in wooden buildings with cyan tiles from generation to generation, with man cultivating and woman weaving, simple and kind. Jinzhu Zhuang Village was honored “model of Northen Zhuang” by UNESCO. Huangluo Yao Village was awarded The Prize of Longest Hair of Group Female, a great number of cultural relics remain in Longji Zhuang Village up to now. The beautiful scenery of Longji are countless, able to make people forget to go back.
Day 04 Longsheng – Guilin-Kunming by High Speed Train
Get up early in the morning enjoy the sun rise in Longji terrace,walk around the village, transfer to Guilin Railway Station for your high speed train to Kunming.
Day 05: Kunming – Shilin – Jianshui
- Morning: Visit the Stone Forest, known for its unique limestone formations.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Jianshui, exploring local sites upon arrival.
- Overnight: Stay in Jianshui.
Day 06: Jianshui – Yuanyang
- Morning: Visit the Zhu Family Garden and the Jianshui Confucius Temple.
- Afternoon: Depart for Yuanyang, experiencing the scenic landscapes.
- Overnight: Stay in Yuanyang.
Day 07: Yuanyang
- All Day: Explore the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, witnessing sunrise and sunset views. Engage with local Hani communities and learn about their customs.
Day 08: Yuanyang – Hekou – Lao Cai – Sapa
- Morning: Depart Yuanyang for Hekou, crossing into Vietnam.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Sapa, settle into your accommodation.
- Evening: Explore the town and enjoy local cuisine.
Day 09: Sapa
- All Day: Hike to nearby villages, meeting ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dao, and enjoy stunning landscapes.
Day 10: Sapa – Hanoi by Night Train
- Morning: Last chance to explore Sapa.
- Evening: Board an overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong Bay
- Morning: Arrive in Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay.
- Afternoon: Board a cruise to explore the bay’s limestone islands and enjoy activities like kayaking.
Day 12: Halong Bay – Hanoi
- Morning: Continue your cruise, visiting caves and enjoying the stunning scenery.
- Afternoon: Return to Hanoi, with free time for shopping or sightseeing.
Day 13: Departure from Hanoi
- Final Activities: Depending on your flight schedule, visit local attractions or markets.
- Transfer: Head to the airport for your departure, concluding this unforgettable journey.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
