China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

G Adventures · 13 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi
13 Days
From AUD $2969 Was AUD $3299
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(4 reviews)

China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

G Adventures · 13 days
5.0
4 Reviews

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Calling all adventure enthusiasts — this off-the-beaten-path, nearly two-week journey through China is the perfect way to dive into the heart of local life.

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Tả Van
  • People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu
  • Lijiang Old Town Visit
  • Black Dragon Pool Park
  • Shaxi Walking Tour
  • Dali Old Town
  • , Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour
  • 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

Accommodation

  • Hotel (12 nts)
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

  • Private Vehicle, local train, walking, cyclo.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Highlights

  • People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu
  • Lijiang Old Town Visit
  • Black Dragon Pool Park
  • Shaxi Walking Tour
  • Xizhou Old Town walking tour
  • Jianshui City Tour
  • Tofu Workshop
  • Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces
  • Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour
  • Hanoi Cyclo Tour.
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle, local train, walking, cyclo.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Chengdu, China

Finishes

Hanoi, Vietnam

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Chengdu

Welcome to China! Arrive at the starting hotel by 3:00 pm to join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting. Then head out to visit the People's Park & Tianfu Square then opt to join your group for an optional dinner together.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel
2

Day 2: Chengdu/Lijiang

Spend the morning free in Chengdu. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free morning in Chengdu.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
3

Day 3: Lijiang

After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, opt to head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walk through the charming old town of Lijiang, a World Heritage Site and home to the Naxi minority. Observe scenes from another era, with old men smoking pipes and women in their traditional costumes. Get lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town -- every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges. You can also spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and listening to the local Naxi music.Activity - Explore the gorgeous Black Dragon Pool, a pond in Jade Spring Park, which is a short walk from the Old Town of Lijiang. Take in a spectacular view of the region’s tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the many temples and pavilions in the park, including the Deyue Lou (Moon Embracing Pavillion), the Longshen Temple, and the Wufeng Tower. Tour the Dongba Culture Research Institute and the Dongba Culture Museum, which help to preserve local culture. Free_time - Enjoy a free evening in Lijiang.Accommodation - Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
4

Day 4: Lijiang/Shaxi

Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a walking tour of the city, hitting the main highlights. Each route will be different, but you can expect to see the best this city has to offer.Free_time - Enjoy a free evening in Shaxi Old Town.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Shaxi One Tree House
5

Day 5: Shaxi/Dali

We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Old town of Dali and enjoy its traditional architecture. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the minority cultures (mostly Bai but also with many Yi and Hui) and relax in this unique place.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join your CEO on a walking tour of charming Xizhou Old Town. Visit famous spots like Sifang Street and Yan Family Compound, a Traditional Folk Residences.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel
6

Day 6: Dali

This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend today in Dali however you'd like!Accommodation - Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel
7

Day 7: Dali/Kunming

Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Visit the Kunming Flower Market. Enjoy the exotic scents and vibrant colours of this lively flower market.Activity - Check out the brightly coloured pavillions, tree-lined walkways, and locals doing tai chi in centuries-old Green Lake Park (Cui Hu Park). Traverse the bridges that connect the park’s four small lakes, or relax with a visit to the many restaurants, shops, and tea houses lining the park's edge.Accommodation - King World International Hotel
8

Day 8: Kunming/Jianshui

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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head out on a tour of the city of Jianshui. Visit the Qing Dynasty Xianghui Bridge and the historic Xianghui Old Train Station. Then drive to the Double Dragon Bridge, an ancient bridge was built in the years of the Emperor Qianlong with incredible views. At the confluence of the Lushui River and Tacun River, it looks like double winding dragons crossing the land. Explore the Zhu's Family Garden, called the Grand View Garden, a representative of Chinese residential houses of the Qing Dynasty. After the garden, walk through the Old Town.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Jianshui Hotel
9

Day 9: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Explore different parts and scenic points, like the famed Tiger Mouth area. Admire the rugged, exaggerated terraces that seem like they could have been painted by an artist. Hike through local villages and experience local life.Activity - Join a workshop and learn by watching the process of making this extremely popular Chinese dish.Accommodation - Shengcun Yunti Hotel
10

Day 10: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Explore different parts and scenic points, like the famed Tiger Mouth area. Admire the rugged, exaggerated terraces that seem like they could have been painted by an artist. Hike through local villages and experience local life.Activity - Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform. Arguably the most important part of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. You'll have the opportunity to hike through the levels of the terraces and speak to locals working in the field. This is also the best place to watch the sunset over the terraces.Accommodation - Shengcun Yunti Hotel
11

Day 11: Yuanyang/Sa Pá

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 CEO 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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join the Hmong People, the local indigenous group for a hands on painting activity.Activity - Cross the land border from China into Vietnam.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Sapa Village Hotel
12

Day 12: Sa Pá

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Spend half of today trekking the most famous hiking area in Vietnam. Pass through local villages, beautiful rice terraces and plantations. We'll stop for lunch in Su Pan Village before continuing on to our final spot, Muong Hoa.Accommodation - Sapa Village Hotel
13

Day 13: Sa Pá/Hanoi

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Savour a meal of Western and Vietnamese cuisine at this restaurant while supporting a training program that prepares local disadvantaged youth for careers in the culinary arts.Activity - Take a seat on a cyclo for a tour of Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter. Let the driver navigate through the bustling streets and start taking some photos or just use the tour to help get familiar with the area.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $3299

AUD $2,969
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
10% Off

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Calling all adventure enthusiasts — this off-the-beaten-path, nearly two-week journey through China is the perfect way to dive into the heart of local life.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Jun 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Christine M.
Traveled, May 2025

05/16/2025

Our tour took us on a wonderful journey. We went to places we could never get to on our own and felt immersed in culture.

5.0
Mark F.
Traveled, May 2025

05/16/2025

It was a fantastic trip with great memories. Howard was a great CEO. I would highly recommend this trip to friends. Hopefully GAdventures increases the tour variety in china. I'd love to go to Zhangjiajie and Chongqing but only the 18 to 30 something.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990