China to Vietnam Overland

Overview

Days: 7

Start: Kunming, China

End: Hanoi, Vietnam

Group Size: Max. 16

Age: Min. 12 Years Old

Category: Adventure/Classic*

This week-long adventure packs in the best of China and Vietnam in just seven days. Kick things off in China’s breathtaking Yunnan province, where the rice terraces are nothing short of magical. Then, cross the border and dive into Vietnam’s rural heart in Sapa, spending two days soaking up the local culture. Your grand finale? The electric streets of Hanoi! From epic landscapes to vibrant cities, this off-the-beaten-path journey delivers the best of both worlds. Plus, you can always tack on extra days to explore more of China or Vietnam.

Classic*: Tourist class hotels with character, mix of public and private transport at a great price

Group of women taking a selfie at a festival decorated with colorful lanterns.

Trip Highlights

Map illustrating a travel route from Kunming to Hanoi passing through Jianshui, Yuanyang, Hekou, Sapa in Vietnam, with bus icons indicating travel segments.
Street-side cafe with clothing and drink stands, red and blue chairs, and people under leafy trees.
Aerial view of terraced rice fields and small houses in a lush, green hilly landscape.
  • Marvel at the Yuanyang rice terraces, with views changing by light and shadow across carved mountainsides.

  • Learn local wisdom in a Tofu Workshop in Jianshui and see how this staple is made by hand.

  • Cross the China–Vietnam border and enter Sapa, where you’ll join a Hmong batik workshop with local artisans.

  • End with a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, soaking in street life and narrow lanes.

Terraced rice paddies on a hillside with green foliage and trees in the background

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kunming

    Arrive at any time and meet your group and local guide for a welcome meeting.

  • Day 2: Kunming/Jianshui - D

    China explorations await and its off to Jianshui. After an orientation walk, take an tour of the city. Visit the Xianghui Bridge, the Xianghui old train station, the Double Dragon Bridge, the Chaoyan Tower and the Zhu's Family Garden. Then enjoy a free evening.

  • Day 3: Jianshui/Yuanyang

    Start the day with a tofu workshop and watch how the locals make this popular dish. Afterwards, drive toward Yuanyang to visit the impressive Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the sunshine reflect off the carved out mountainside. We'll spend the day exploring this huge rice terrace from different viewpoints and do some gentle hiking through the greenery. This place is special to visit. In a country often associated with bustling, crowded and noisy cities, this picturesque and peaceful landscape will transport you to a whole new side of China.

    Day 4: Yuanyang

    Opt to rise early, and we recommend you do, to see the sun rise over the beautiful and peaceful Duoyishu Scenic Area. Take a short hike to the Pugao Old Village and see the local way of living. In the afternoon, we'll head to the main scenic area of the rice terrace with a chance to catch an epic sunset scene and meet some locals living in the field. Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform and admire the incredible view.

    Day 5: Yuanyang/Sapa - D

    Say goodbye to China this morning and drive to Hekou Border to cross into Vietnam. Your Chinese CEO will help you get to immigration but will stay in China. You'll meet your new Vietnamese local guide once you cross through customs. After arrival into Vietnam drive to the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. The first stop is at the Hmong Batik House for a painting experience with the local indigenous group, the Hmong people. Then we'll sit down together for an authentic and rustic hotpot dinner, a specialty of the Sapa regional cuisine.

    Day 6: Sapa - B, L

    With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces, picturesque villages tucked away in the hills and a rich culture unique to this region, Sapa is a must visit, off the beaten path part of Vietnam. Today, spend half a day trekking some of the best trails of the country. Hike through local villages, rice terraces and tea plantation. We'll stop part way on the trek to eat lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing the trek, head back to your hotel for the evening.

    Day 7: Hanoi - B, L

    After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Sapa this morning and drive to the bustling city of Hanoi. After a long drive, we'll leave our bags at the hotel and have lunch at KOTO Restaurant, which provides job training opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Then it's time to explore Hanoi and what better way than on the front of a cyclo. Have a seat as you zoom through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter. Your tour ends upon return to the hotel where your bags are being stored.

A lively street scene in Vietnam with a train passing through, colorful lanterns and flags hanging above, many people sitting and watching from a balcony and sidewalk, and an outdoor cafe environment.
Two men standing on a curved structure in a rice field with terraced hills in the background.

What’s included?

Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport: Train, private vehicle, walking, public bus, cyclo

Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights)

  • Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Mương Hòa Ho

  • Jianshui City Tour

  • Tofu Workshop

  • Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces

  • Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour

  • Hanoi Cyclo Tour

  • Transport to and from included activities.

Make it a private tour

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Flights

Our tour prices don’t include flights, as the price of these will change throughout the year. We are able to package your tour with flights and the price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.

Your Eventurus Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour.

Dates & Price

Guide Price $1,145 pp

Based on 2 adults sharing a room. Solo rooms available for extra cost.

Departure dates available every month

To enquire about dates or get more details, use the form below or book a video call with us

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Book a no obligation online call with us for a one-on-one service

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Tour Operator & Your Booking Partner

This tour is delivered by a carefully vetted international tour operator and curated by Eventurus, specialists in China travel and complex itineraries.

While the day-to-day operation of the tour is handled by the operator, Eventurus supports you throughout the booking process with:

  • Expert destination advice

  • Help choosing the right tour and departure

  • Assistance with visas, flights, and extensions

  • A single, reliable point of contact

This means you benefit from globally trusted operators combined with local expertise and personal service.

Why Eventurus?

Authentic Local Experiences

China specialists (not generic global agents)

Many Big Name Partners

Personal pre-trip planning & advice

Help with visas, flights, extensions, upgrades

Readily available point of contact