China & Vietnam: Beijing to Sapa Adventure

This 18-night tour by G Adventures navigates a route from Beijing through some of China’s most familiar sites to the mountains of northern Vietnam. It begins in the Chinese capital with visits to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and a walk among Beijing’s Hutongs. The Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an provide well-worn highlights, while visits to Shaxi, Dali and Kunming offer quieter glimpses of southern China, including time in traditional old towns and gentle hikes.

Crossing into Vietnam, the focus moves to the colourful landscapes and culture of Sapa and the streets of Hanoi. A day’s trekking near Sapa showcases the rice terraces, while a cyclo tour in Hanoi adds a pacey contrast, with the city’s bustle close to hand. Along the way, local experiences include a lunch with a family in Xi’an and a batik workshop with the Hmong people. Transport varies between private vehicles, train, plane and on foot.

G Adventures’ small-group escorted style means practical travel made easier by a Chief Experience Officer, but there’s room to explore at your own pace when time allows. Internet in mainland China can be restricted, so keeping in touch requires patience or preparation.