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Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail

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Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail
Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail
Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail
New Release Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Rail
Our Price From
US$2,090
Save up To $330
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Hanoi
 Trip Finishes
Kunming
11 Day Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail Itinerary (Intrepid)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, China
Trip Style
Original
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CBSY

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 11 Day Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail. Explore rice terraces, alpine cities, Tibetan towns and plunging canyons on this 11-day adventure. Start in Hanoi’s alleyways slurping bowls of pho, then get to know H’mong culture on a hike through Sapa’s misty rice fields. After crossing into China, travel through the wrinkled peaks of the Hengduan Mountains on a bullet train to Shangri-La to make yak butter tea with a Tibetan family, visit a Buddhist monastery and spin one of the world’s largest prayer wheels. Hear the thunderous flow of the read more Jinsha River in Tiger Leaping Gorge, follow the footsteps of tea traders and learn how to write ancient Naxi Dongba characters. Wrap up in Kunming, AKA the City of Eternal Spring.

Itinerary

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel to meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do in Vietnam's storied capital. You could book the Hanoi Street Food Experience with Urban Adventures to sample local street eats from markets and food carts, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or explore the Old Quarter lined with shops, imperial temples and French architecture. This evening, maybe get to know your leader and group over dinner.

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Sapa – a misty mountain town on the slopes of the Muong Hoa Valley near the Chinese border. Take some time to relax at your hotel before regrouping for a sunset walk around the town with your local leader. Along the way, visit Sapa Church – built by French colonisers in the early 20th century and seen as a symbol of the town – and learn how the square in front of it has become a cultural hub and gathering place for the ethnic groups in the area. Then, check out the stalls at the night market and dig into a feast of grilled meats, seafood and corn at a local barbecue. (B/D)

Take a private vehicle to Tan Van Village this morning and lace up your walking shoes for a day hike through Sapa’s iconic rice terraces. With crisp air, paddies that cascade down the hillsides and the chance to meet traditional hilltribe villagers, you’ll soon see why this has become a quintessential image of Vietnam. Before heading back to Sapa town, meet a local H’mong family in their home and share a tasty home-cooked lunch. You’ll arrive back at your hotel in the mid-afternoon, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy a well-deserved rest. For dinner, maybe check out one of the town's many restaurants with your group. (B/L)

Today it’s time to hit the road to Lao Cai where you'll cross the border into Hekou, China. It's a short drive to the immigration office where you'll say goodbye to your Vietnam leader. You'll clear immigration by yourselves without your leader, and it could take some time, so a bit of patience can go a long way. Say ni hao (hello) to your new China leader who'll meet you once you cross the border, then jump on a private bus to Honghe City where you’ll board your first high-speed train to Kunming – the capital of the Yunnan province. Check into your hotel late afternoon before heading out for an orientation walk. For dinner, you could try over-the-bridge rice noodles – a signature Yunnan dish. (B)

This morning, take a bullet train from Kunming to Shangri-La – an alpine city in the heart of the Hengduan Mountains. The journey is long, but the views (especially on a clear day) of snow-capped peaks, valleys and lakes make it worth it. Then, take a private vehicle to your hotel and join your leader for a walking tour of Dukezong Ancient Town – one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan settlements in China that dates back to the 7th century. Most of the town was destroyed by fire in 2014, but immense effort has gone into restoring the original architecture – including the 21-m-tall prayer wheel, which is the largest in China and takes at least 10 people to turn. Take your time to wander the cobbled lanes and watch artists create intricate thangka paintings. The square comes alive in the evening with traditional music and line dancing – everyone’s welcome, so feel free to join in!

Today you'll take a private vehicle to the outskirts of Shangri-La to visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery – the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province. Wander halls decorated with elaborate frescoes depicting ancient Buddhist tales, take in the views of the surrounding countryside and enjoy the serenity of the nearby Lamuyangcuo Lake. Then, return to the city where you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local Tibetan family. Learn how to make traditional yak butter tea and share a home-cooked lunch. You’ll also see the family’s scripture or shrine room – a sacred and essential space in Tibetan households used for prayer, meditation and rituals. The rest of the day is free to relax. (L)

Take a private transfer this morning to Tiger Leaping Gorge – a dramatic canyon on the Jinsha River, where legend says a tiger escaped poachers by leaping across the water. Meet your local guide here to begin your hike through the gorge. This is one of the world’s deepest river canyons, with the Jade Dragon and Haba Mountains rising nearly 3800 m above the riverbanks. This trail takes you deep into the heart of it, along narrow switchbacks and cliffside paths with views of the surrounding peaks. Enjoy a well-earned rest this evening at a guesthouse overlooking Jade Garden Snow Mountain. Make sure your camera is charged as the sunsets here on a clear evening are gorgeous! Get a good night’s sleep, as another big day on the trail awaits tomorrow.

Continue hiking through the gorge in the shadows of the mountains. The trail is mostly downhill today, taking you past waterfalls and giant boulders. After finishing the hike, take a private vehicle to Lijiang – a UNESCO World Heritage city home to the Naxi people and several other ethnic groups. Freshen up in your hotel, then join your leader for an orientation walk in Old Town to learn about the city’s role in the Tea Horse Road, an ancient trading route from the seventh to the 20th centuries. Explore the maze of cobbled alleys, canals and traditional Naxi wooden houses. This evening, perhaps head out for dinner with your group and try some traditional Lijiang dishes – how about steam pot chicken or chickpea jelly? (B)

Take a private vehicle this morning to Baisha Old Town on the outskirts of Lijiang. The streets of this sleepy Naxi town are lined with traditional architecture, murals, craft shops and cafes. After walking around, visit a local Naxi family in their home for a Dongba calligraphy class. Dating back to the 13th century, Dongba uses around 1000 pictographic glyphs to represent objects, actions or ideas, and is said to be one of the world's last living pictographic scripts. You have free time for the rest of the day. If you want to explore more, perhaps join an optional bike ride around Lashihai Lake.

Today you'll take a train back to Kunming, arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. There's plenty to do in Kunming – nicknamed ‘Spring City’ thanks to its mild climate, natural beauty and laidback vibe. Explore manicured gardens and watch locals practising tai chi in Green Lake Park, learn about Yunnan’s ethnic groups at the Village of Ethnic Culture or rub shoulders with university students along Wenlin Street. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and group for an optional farewell dinner and raise a toast to a great adventure!

With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. You’re free to leave any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kunming, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Inclusions

  • Hike through Sapa’s famous rice terraces and get to know H’mong culture and traditions over a delicious home-cooked lunch with a local family.
  • Ride a high-speed train to Shangri-La City to explore the halls, murals and gardens of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, then learn how to make yak butter tea with a Tibetan family in their home.
  • Hear the roaring Jinsha River as you hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge – one of the world’s deepest river canyons – where the snowy peaks of the Jade Dragon and Haba mountains rise almost vertically above the canyon.
  • Visit the historic towns of Lijiang and Baisha, once key stops on the Tea Horse Road, and try your hand at writing ancient Dongba characters with a Naxi family.
  • Experience one of the world’s best high-speed rail networks, where modern trains reach up to 350 kmh (217 mph) for comfortable and efficient travel across China.

  • Hotel (9 nights)
  • Guesthouse (1 night)

  • 4 Breakfasts included
  • 2 Lunches included
  • 1 Dinners included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
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Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)

Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Flexible Deposit

Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Definite Departures

Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Tuesday 03 Mar 2026 03 Mar 26 Hanoi
Friday 13 Mar 2026 13 Mar 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,475
US$2,160
Save $315
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 07 Apr 2026 07 Apr 26 Hanoi
Friday 17 Apr 2026 17 Apr 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,510
US$2,191
Save $319
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 05 May 2026 05 May 26 Hanoi
Friday 15 May 2026 15 May 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,178
Save $317
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 23 Jun 2026 23 Jun 26 Hanoi
Friday 03 Jul 2026 03 Jul 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,395
US$2,090
Save $305
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 07 Jul 2026 07 Jul 26 Hanoi
Friday 17 Jul 2026 17 Jul 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,595
US$2,265
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 11 Aug 2026 11 Aug 26 Hanoi
Friday 21 Aug 2026 21 Aug 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,595
US$2,265
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 08 Sep 2026 08 Sep 26 Hanoi
Friday 18 Sep 2026 18 Sep 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,178
Save $317
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 06 Oct 2026 06 Oct 26 Hanoi
Friday 16 Oct 2026 16 Oct 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,395
US$2,090
Save $305
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 13 Oct 2026 13 Oct 26 Hanoi
Friday 23 Oct 2026 23 Oct 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,415
US$2,108
Save $307
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 02 Mar 2027 02 Mar 27 Hanoi
Friday 12 Mar 2027 12 Mar 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,505
US$2,430
Save $75
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 06 Apr 2027 06 Apr 27 Hanoi
Friday 16 Apr 2027 16 Apr 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,505
US$2,430
Save $75
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 20 Apr 2027 20 Apr 27 Hanoi
Friday 30 Apr 2027 30 Apr 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,410
US$2,338
Save $72
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 04 May 2027 04 May 27 Hanoi
Friday 14 May 2027 14 May 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,410
US$2,338
Save $72
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 22 Jun 2027 22 Jun 27 Hanoi
Friday 02 Jul 2027 02 Jul 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,410
US$2,338
Save $72
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 06 Jul 2027 06 Jul 27 Hanoi
Friday 16 Jul 2027 16 Jul 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,700
US$2,619
Save $81
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 10 Aug 2027 10 Aug 27 Hanoi
Friday 20 Aug 2027 20 Aug 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,700
US$2,619
Save $81
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 24 Aug 2027 24 Aug 27 Hanoi
Friday 03 Sep 2027 03 Sep 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,700
US$2,619
Save $81
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 07 Sep 2027 07 Sep 27 Hanoi
Friday 17 Sep 2027 17 Sep 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,410
US$2,338
Save $72
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 05 Oct 2027 05 Oct 27 Hanoi
Friday 15 Oct 2027 15 Oct 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,505
US$2,430
Save $75
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 12 Oct 2027 12 Oct 27 Hanoi
Friday 22 Oct 2027 22 Oct 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,505
US$2,430
Save $75
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 03 Mar 2026 03 Mar 26 Hanoi
Friday 13 Mar 2026 13 Mar 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,805
US$2,490
Save $315
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 07 Apr 2026 07 Apr 26 Hanoi
Friday 17 Apr 2026 17 Apr 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,840
US$2,521
Save $319
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 05 May 2026 05 May 26 Hanoi
Friday 15 May 2026 15 May 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,825
US$2,508
Save $317
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 23 Jun 2026 23 Jun 26 Hanoi
Friday 03 Jul 2026 03 Jul 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,725
US$2,420
Save $305
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 07 Jul 2026 07 Jul 26 Hanoi
Friday 17 Jul 2026 17 Jul 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,925
US$2,595
Save $330
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 11 Aug 2026 11 Aug 26 Hanoi
Friday 21 Aug 2026 21 Aug 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,925
US$2,595
Save $330
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 08 Sep 2026 08 Sep 26 Hanoi
Friday 18 Sep 2026 18 Sep 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,825
US$2,508
Save $317
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 06 Oct 2026 06 Oct 26 Hanoi
Friday 16 Oct 2026 16 Oct 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,725
US$2,420
Save $305
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 13 Oct 2026 13 Oct 26 Hanoi
Friday 23 Oct 2026 23 Oct 26 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,745
US$2,438
Save $307
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 02 Mar 2027 02 Mar 27 Hanoi
Friday 12 Mar 2027 12 Mar 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,835
US$2,760
Save $75
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 06 Apr 2027 06 Apr 27 Hanoi
Friday 16 Apr 2027 16 Apr 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,835
US$2,760
Save $75
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 20 Apr 2027 20 Apr 27 Hanoi
Friday 30 Apr 2027 30 Apr 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,740
US$2,668
Save $72
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 04 May 2027 04 May 27 Hanoi
Friday 14 May 2027 14 May 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,740
US$2,668
Save $72
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 22 Jun 2027 22 Jun 27 Hanoi
Friday 02 Jul 2027 02 Jul 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,740
US$2,668
Save $72
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 06 Jul 2027 06 Jul 27 Hanoi
Friday 16 Jul 2027 16 Jul 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,030
US$2,949
Save $81
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 10 Aug 2027 10 Aug 27 Hanoi
Friday 20 Aug 2027 20 Aug 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,030
US$2,949
Save $81
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 24 Aug 2027 24 Aug 27 Hanoi
Friday 03 Sep 2027 03 Sep 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,030
US$2,949
Save $81
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 07 Sep 2027 07 Sep 27 Hanoi
Friday 17 Sep 2027 17 Sep 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,740
US$2,668
Save $72
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 05 Oct 2027 05 Oct 27 Hanoi
Friday 15 Oct 2027 15 Oct 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,835
US$2,760
Save $75
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 12 Oct 2027 12 Oct 27 Hanoi
Friday 22 Oct 2027 22 Oct 27 Kunming
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,835
US$2,760
Save $75
Solo (Own Room)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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