Kunming Vietnam Overland Trip

After you arrive at Kunming Airport, please make your own way to the hotel. We recommend the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Kunming West. From the airport, you can take Subway Line 6 to East Bus Station, transfer to Line 3, and get off at Liangjiahe Station (Exit A), from which you can walk westward to get to the hotel in 10 minutes. The fare is CNY 7 (USD 1) and it takes about one hour. A taxi costs about CNY 100 (USD 14).

After check-in, you can have a good rest in the hotel and get ready for the coming China holiday tour. Or, if you can’t wait to feel the charm of Kunming, you may take bus No.104 to Grand View Park, also known as Daguan Park, which is named after one of China’s four most famous pavilions - Daguan Pavilion built in 1690 AD. Take a stroll around the park to admire the classical architecture, and breathe in the fresh air near Dianchi Lake.

Accommodation Suggestion: Holiday Inn Express Kunming West (3 stars)

Today, you are recommended to see the No. 1 attraction of Kunming - the Stone Forest. Take Subway Line 3 from the hotel to East Bus Station, where there are direct buses to get there in 1.5 to 2 hours, and the bus ticket is CNY 34 (USD 5). The Stone Forest, which is a one-of-a-kind karst forest, is composed not of trees but of countless stone pillars reaching tens of meters in height. 270 million years of continuous wind and water erosion help creating this natural wonder, earning it a place on the World Natural Heritage list and giving it the title “First Wonder of the World”. Walking among these massive stones, you may feel like stepping into another world. Besides stones, you could find other karst formations like the Long Lake and Zhiyun Cave with stalagmites and stalactites. After lunch, take a bus to return to the downtown.

Have a rest in your hotel, and late in the afternoon, you may take Subway Line 3 to Wuyi Road Station to go to the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways. It is a historical block features two graceful arches that were first built 400 years ago and now are famous landmarks of Kunming. Between the two arches is a cluster of restaurants, shops, and cafes. As night approaches, the archways will be brightly lit up, and the surrounding streets fill up with a variety of snack and handicraft stands. Maybe have a taste of local delicacies like roast rice cake and flower cake. After that, take Line 3 back to your hotel.

Accommodation Suggestion: Holiday Inn Express Kunming West (3 stars)

Today, you are advised to go to Jianshui, an ancient small town in southern Yunnan. Walk east from the hotel for 5 minutes to People’s West Road Station, and take bus no. 58 for an hour to Kunming Railway Station, which costs CNY 2 (30 US cents). A taxi ride there is about CNY 35 (USD 5). The morning high-speed train C552 (08:23/10:33) is recommended, so that you can reach Jianshui and get to the 4-star Lin An Hotel at around lunch time. Upon arrival, you can take bus no. 919 to Longjing Market Station for CNY 2 (30 US cents) to the hotel. If you take a taxi, it will cost about CNY 30 (USD 4).

After settling down, you may spend some time exploring the surroundings. The hotel is located right next to Jianshui Ancient Town which is over 1,200 years old. Walk southeast from the hotel for 10 minutes to the Zhu Family Garden in the town, which is praised as the “Grand View Garden of Yunnan”. Used to be the private mansion of a wealthy family over a hundred years ago, it houses 214 extravagant rooms and 42 well-preserved courtyards, leaving Jianshui precious architectural, historical and cultural heritage. All these Chinese-style houses in the garden are lavishly adorned with intricate carvings and patterns, with fine furniture inside, taking you back to the old times and leaving endless imagination about the luxurious life of the Zhu Family. Go further into the ancient town, you could see Jianshui Confucius Temple, which is one of the largest ancient Confucius temples in China, and is a witness to Jianshui’s past cultural prosperity. Also, there are a lot of restaurants and food stalls for you to satisfy your appetite. Finally, you could walk back to your hotel.

Accommodation Suggestion: Jianshui Lin An Hotel (4 stars)

Today, you are recommended to further explore the historical sites of Jianshui. You can pay a visit to Tuanshan Village, which can be reached by taking bus no. 19 from Jinguanglou Station near the hotel for CNY 5 (70 US cents), or hailing a taxi at a cost of about CNY 35 (USD 5). Tuanshan Village, whose history can be traced back to 1376 AD, is one of China’s best-preserved walled Yunnan village compounds, and has been listed as a World Monumental Architectural Heritage by World Monuments Fund. Here you can witness the centuries-old traditional dwellings, temples, and ancestral halls, and admire the distinctive black-tiled roofs and white walls. Don’t miss the highlight of the village - Zhang’s Garden, in which the main building is delicately decorated with carved beams and painted rafters.

On the way back to your hotel after the sightseeing, you can make a stop at Double-Dragon Bridge, which is an architectural wonder built with huge stones, with three elegant pavilions on it. It is also called Seventeen-Arch Bridge because of the 17 semicircular arches which make it especially beautiful when the reflection in the still water shows perfect symmetry. Wandering along the bridge, you can look into the distance and enjoy a leisurely time.

Accommodation Suggestion: Jianshui Lin An Hotel (4 stars)

This morning, you can take bus no. 19, costing CNY 2 (30 US cents), from Jinguanglou Station to get to Jianshui Bus Station, or take a taxi there for CNY 15 (USD 2), for the intercity bus to Yuanyang, a scenic county to experience ethnic culture and see stunning rice terraces. It takes about 2 hours to reach Yuanyang Nansha Bus Station. After arrival, you can choose to stay at Yunti Hotel in Yuangyang Old Town. Since there is no suitable bus route to the hotel, you could take a one-hour taxi there for about CNY 100 (USD 14).

After a short break in the hotel, you are recommended to take a taxi costing about CNY 30 (USD 4) to visit Qingkou Hani People’s Folk Customs Village, which is one of the best-kept traditional villages of Hani ethnic culture. For the past 1,200 years, generations of Hani people have lived here, building vast terraced fields amidst the Ailao Mountains, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From a distance, Qingkou Village looks like a cluster of wild mushrooms growing on the hillside. As you enter the village, your eyes could be caught by the yellow, mushroom-like houses. Descending from the village into the rice terraces, you could take a deep breath of the fresh, moist air and find inner peace in the rural countryside. Explore Central Square and Hani Culture Museum to get a better understanding of the traditional lifestyle and customs of Hani people.

Accommodation Suggestion: Yunti Hotel, Yuanyang (3 stars)

Today, if you want to dig deeper in local people’s everyday life, going to a morning market is a nice option. Markets in Yuanyang are incredibly diverse and dynamic. You may have a chance to encounter locals wearing handmade traditional clothing, see a variety of wild vegetables and exotic fruits you can’t even name, and have a taste of the ethnic food and snacks that are hard to find elsewhere. Alternatively, if you look forward to an in-depth exploration of the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Yuanyang, maybe go to Duoyishu Scenic Area. The public transportation is not convenient, so you can take a taxi there, or charter a local car with a driver, which costs around CNY 500-700 (USD 70-100) per day. We suggest you get up early to catch a splendid terrace sunrise of Duoyishu Terraces. It is especially stunning during November to April because the fields are irrigated with a lot of water and reflect brilliant golden sunlight resembling scattered mirrors, which attracts numerous photographers every year. In the afternoon, you may extend your tour to Azheke Village. You can get there either by car or by a 2-hour hike from Duoyishu Terraces. It is a primitive Hani village with beautiful mushroom houses hidden in the peaceful mountains. Take a stroll among the village and appreciate the rural sceneries.

Accommodation Suggestion: Yunti Hotel, Yuanyang (3 stars)

This morning, walk west from the hotel for 5 minutes to Xinjie Bus Station, from which you can board a long-distance bus to Hekou. The bus is available at 7:30, 10:10, 11:00 and 11:30, and the bus duration is about 4 hours. We suggest you take the first bus so as to reach Sapa intraday. Upon arrival in Hekou, cross the border to reach Lao Cai in Vietnam. For a better environment and service, you are advised to proceed to Sapa and stay at Hotel Sapa Square Affiliated by Melia. You may take a one-hour taxi from Lao Cai to the hotel, and the cost will be around USD 20.

After checking in, have a good rest at the hotel, or step out to explore the town. Cat Cat Village is a popular choice, which is a 7-minute drive from the hotel. The village is named after its beautiful CatScat Waterfall but actually there aren’t many cats. It’s a Hmong ethnic village with traditional stilted houses, terraced fields, streams, and valleys. You could take some time to explore the stores and stands selling handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs, enjoy the picturesque scenery, and maybe rent a Hmong costume to be a tribal local yourself. At dusk, take a walk around the town of Sapa to see the French-style churches and buildings, and enjoy a nice dinner at a chic restaurant.

Accommodation Suggestion: Hotel Sapa Square Affiliated by Melia (3 stars)

Today, further immerse yourself in Sapa’s beauty by taking a trek through the traditional villages and rice terraces. You could choose a suitable trekking route for yourself, going to Ta Phin Village or Sin Chai Village. Home to 3 major ethnic groups, Sapa is a cultural hub where you could meet with hospitable locals, know about their customs and traditions, and watch some singing or dancing performances. In addition, the trek features fascinating views of the surrounding mountains and the sky and clouds, which offer a delightful color contrast particularly on sunny days.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel to get your luggage and take a one-hour taxi to Lao Cai Railway Station, costing about USD 20. From there you are suggested to take the overnight Fanxipan express train (21:30/05:30+1) to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

Accommodation Suggestion: Overnight Train

Upon arrival in Hanoi this morning, you need to find a way to your hotel. Lotusama Hanoi Hotel is highly recommended. You can take a taxi at a cost of about USD 1 for about 10 minutes to get there. After having a break at the hotel, you may start your Hanoi exploration from Hoan Kiem Lake, which is one kilometer away from the hotel. It is renowned not only for its emerald green water, but also for the rich history behind it. Its name literally means “the lake where a sword is returned.” Legend has it that in the 15th century AD, Vietnam’s national hero and King, Le Loi (1385-1433 AD), got a sword in the lake one day. The sword was considered holy and then used to defeat the enemy in a battle. Later, the King returned it to the lake’s golden turtle. The lakeside is lively from morning till night, bustling with tourists admiring the scenery and historic buildings, as well as locals doing exercise and strolling. You could then take a walk around the Old Quarter, which is north of Hoan Kiem Lake, to feel the sounds and flavors of Hanoi. The streets and alleyways here began to take shape as early as the 11th century AD, and the Old Quarter is now one of the busiest commercial districts in Hanoi. Both traditional Vietnamese and European-style buildings can be seen, giving the area an exotic and retro charm. Each street has a certain theme of selling different items like shoes, silverware, tea, etc., packed up with street vendors and motorcycles. Find yourself a cafe to have a sip of Vietnamese coffee, or try some local snacks like spring rolls and rice noodles.Next, continue your tour to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Former Residence of Ho Chi Minh. From the Old Quarter, you can get there by taking a taxi at a cost of about USD 2.5. Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) is one of Vietnam’s most revered revolutionary leaders and prominent politicians. After his death, the mausoleum was built for people to pay their respects. Near the mausoleum is the Presidential Palace, also Former Residence of Ho Chi Minh, which offers a glimpse into the life of this leader. Don’t miss the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, which was first built for a dream of the King in 1049 AD. Dedicated to the Guanyin Bodhisattva, the pagoda was built on a thick and round stone pillar with a diameter of 1.25 meters (4 ft.), resembling a blooming lotus flower.

► Tip: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed at a certain time every year, so please check in advance if you want to visit. Besides, note that photographing and video recording are prohibited inside the mausoleum.

For the next two days, you are recommended to book a two-day Ha Long Bay tour package with The Sinh Tourist (91 Thuoc Bac Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi). Here is some contact information for your reference. Hotlines: (+84) 977001984 and (+84) 947001984.

Accommodation Suggestion: Lotusama Hanoi Hotel (3 stars)

This morning, you’ll be picked up from the hotel by the Sinh Tourist, or get to the agreed site by yourself. After a 3 to 4 hours’ ride, you’ll reach the cruise pier, where your Ha Long Bay tour starts. 

If you have ever visited Guilin in China, you are sure to be captivated by Ha Long Bay, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Often called the “Guilin on Sea,” it is also proud of the typical karst landscape. Thousands of rocky peaks, or islands, punctuate the vast sea of Ha Long Bay. Some of the larger islands house spectacular karst caves and primitive human artifacts. Some are home to small fishing villages, offering a chance for you to interact with the locals and learn about the life and work of fishermen. For the cruise of the day, you could take an excursion on some of the uninhabited islands, explore the mysterious caves or enjoy onboard entertainment. Watch a stunning sunset on the deck and have a good night on the cruise.

Accommodation Suggestion: Ha Long Cruise Ship with the Sinh Tourist

Wake up in the morning light of a sunrise over the sea, and enjoy another half-day cruise on Ha Long Bay. Feeling the soft breeze, get immersed in the breathtaking views of the rock formations, islands and caves. At around noon, the cruise will come to an end, and you’ll then be sent back by the Sinh Tourist to Hanoi.

Accommodation Suggestion: Lotusama Hanoi Hotel (3 stars)

Your 13 days budget China tours from Paris France is coming to an end. Please get to the airport and take your departure flight. If you are leaving in the late afternoon or evening, you can store your luggage in the hotel when checking out, and explore Hanoi Old Quarter a bit more. 

► Transportation Tips from Hotel to Airport:
You can either take a taxi or take a bus from the suggested hotel to Hanoi Airport. The taxi fare is about USD 20 and the ride will be an hour. The bus route is: walk 10 minutes from the hotel to 3A Phan Dinh Phung Station to take Bus No.143, then get off at Nga 4 Cau Vuot QL5 Station and transfer to Bus No. 90 to the airport. The cost is VND 25,000 (around USD 1) and it takes approximately 2 hours. 

► Departure Flight Information for Your Reference:
There is one direct flight flying from Hanoi to Paris: VN019 (23:30/07:00+1) from Vietnam Airlines. If you want a cheaper choice, you can take China Eastern Airlines MU5076 (02:20/06:35) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and transfer to China Eastern Airlines MU569 (12:55/07:15+1) to Paris after a stopover of 6 hours.