zHill Tribes of China + Vietnam

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to the Green Lake Hotel in the heart of town just a few minutes walk from lovely Green Lake Park.

Set out in your private 4x4 vehicle with our professional driver and guide for the overland journey to Jianshui. Upon arrival, check in to the Jian Shui Lin’an Hotel – wonderfully located close to the historic landmarks of Old Town. Tour the splendidly restored courtyard home and garden of an aristocratic Qing Dynasty family and visit Wen Miao Temple, the largest Confucius temple in the province.  Meals B+L

With its defensive walls and gate towers, Jianshui retains the traditional style of a Ming Dynasty town. With your private guide this morning, you’ll walk along the ancient streets of Old Town to see the centuries-old buildings which have been so carefully preserved. Visit a local shop to see how tofu is made and then journey to Yuanyang, famed for the breathtaking vistas of its terraced rice fields. Check in to the Yuanyang Yunti Hotel for a 2-night stay.  Meals B+L+D

Built 1,000 years ago by the Hani people, the famed rice paddies of Yuanyang turned a barren valley into a self-sustaining eco-system of terraced plots that now cover the slopes. Today’s specially planned exploration will showcase the region’s breathtaking beauty as it evolves with the shifting light of day.  You’ll explore up and down the valley beginning early in the morning as the sun rises and its first golden rays strike the terraced valley slopes. You’ll enjoy authentic encounters with village families and local farmers and have plenty of time to take in the awe-inspiring scenery.  Meals B+L

Departing Yuanyang this morning, you’ll cross the border into northwest Vietnam to explore the forested valleys of Lao Cai province. Join your private guide for a hike through the fragrant pine forests to visit Suoi Ho, a village of the Black Hmong people that enjoys a commanding hilltop location with stunning views of the valley’s terraced rice paddies. Meet the residents, learn about their unique tribal traditions and witness everyday scenes of village life. Continue your hike to Ma Tra and relax with local villagers over a cup of green tea. Rejoin your private car and driver, and make your way to the deluxe Victoria Sapa Resort where you’ll check in for a 3-night stay.  Meals B+L

After breakfast, you’ll journey into the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley to Ta Van, a small village inhabited by the Giay people.  A scenic guided walk offers plenty of time to admire and photograph the terraced rice paddies that cascade down the mountainside - one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking vistas. Along the way, you’ll stop in the home of a delightful woman named Ms. Moo; take in the scenery as she shares insight into the daily lives and cultural ways of her people, the Black Hmong. Those who wish can reinvigorate with an herbal foot bath, a tradition among the Hmong. Continue your trek to the village of Lao Chai where you’ll learn about the region’s beautifully painted batik fabrics. This hands-on experience is a fun way to gain deeper insight into a vanishing Black Hmong tradition; it also supports a sustainable tourism project that was developed to assist local families and to ensure the continuation of this indigenous art form. Walk with your guide back to the main road where your car and driver will be waiting. Return to the Victoria Sapa Resort for another night.  Meals B+L

Today’s private excursion begins with a visit to the beautiful Silver Waterfall, where you’ll have captivating views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests of Hoang Lien National Park. Continue to Chu Va, a mountain village where you’ll learn about the tribal ways of the Red Hmong. Stop in Binh Lu for lunch before a guided hike that will take you through picturesque rice fields and farming settlements to Pa Pe, a village inhabited by the Lu and Thai people. Return to Sapa for a relaxing evening at your deluxe resort.  Meals B+L

Depart Sapa after breakfast and journey overland to Lao Cai province where you’ll spend some time exploring the Muong Hum market. On Sundays especially, this market is bustling with a wide variety of tribal villagers who come from across the region to barter, sell and buy. This is a great opportunity to engage with a variety of indigenous groups including people from the Phu La, Tu Di, Black Dao, Red Hmong, Giay and Black Hmong. Sit down to lunch in a restaurant near the market and then journey to a Ha Nhi village where you’ll spend time with residents getting to know their ways. Return to Lao Cai to board the overnight train to Hanoi. There is a dining carriage where you can enjoy an evening meal. Then settle in to your comfortable berth and fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the rails.  Meals B+L

You’ll be greeted on arrival at the rail station and escorted to the landmark Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi’s finest 5-star hotel. Enjoy breakfast and time to refresh before a city tour beginning with the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century and dedicated to Confucius. Then discover the city’s vibrant culinary scene with your personal guide. This is your chance to dive into the colorful streets, bustling with a variety of street vendors, and to sample delicious local fare including pho noodles and banh mi sandwiches. After lunch, a traditional Vietnamese cyclo is the best way to experience the rhythms and charms of Hanoi’s Old Town. Along the winding streets, ancient homes and temples are interspersed with a wide variety of shops selling everything from daily staples to souvenirs. This evening’s dinner is followed by a Water Puppet performance.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, head to Ba Dinh Square where solemn sentries silently guard the imposing marble and granite mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. Nearby, you’ll see the simple cottage where he lived. At the Ho Chi Minh Museum, you’ll gain further insight into the man and his life. Then marvel at the elegant French Colonial style of the Governor’s Palace and see the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda. This afternoon is yours to explore, enjoy or shop as you wish.  Meals B

Our private car and driver will take you to the airport today for your onward journey.  Meals B