Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Kunming to Mengzi
- Day 2 Jianshui County
- Day 3 - 4 Honghe - Samaba Rice Terraces
- Day 5 Kunming
Together with Vinetree Honghegu Resort and Tian Zi Yun Resort, we’re excited to bring you a journey through the largest rice terraces in the world. Travel along the China-Vietnam transboundary railway and immerse yourself in the traditions, history, and backcountry of the charming Red River Valley, its Hani people, and their ingenious ways of bringing water to their rice terraces.
About this Journey
Venture to southeast Yunnan to discover the history and traditions of the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, home of the Hani and Yi ethnic groups and the world’s largest rice terraces.
Tour Highlights
- Spending an afternoon with Hani villagers learning how to harvest rice and fish in the lower-lying rice terraces
- Riding a train along one of the oldest transboundary, Yunnan-Vietnam railways
- Waking up to panoramic views of the world's largest rice terraces
- Learning how to make delicate bamboo embroidery with the local Hani women inside their traditional mushroom-shaped homes
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kunming to Mengzi
Visit Bisezhai Railway Station, one of the oldest railway stations in China that was built by the French in the early 1900s • Enjoy “Crossing the Bridge” noodles — possibly the most famous Yunnan snack that originate here
Day 2 Jianshui County
Travel to Jianshui County and discover its 1,200-year-old history, with visits to the Confucian Temple and Zhu Family Garden • Visit the markets that carry local specialty products, including Jianshui tableware • Learn how to make traditional tofu • Ride a train to Tuanshan Village to explore centuries-old Han- and Yi-style architecture
Day 3 - 4 Honghe - Samaba Rice Terraces
Sip late afternoon tea at a local bookstore and watch the sunset descend over the cascading rice terraces • Join local artisans in making handmade traditional bamboo embroidery inside their mushroom-shaped homes • Set off to Samaba Rice Terraces • Spend an afternoon with Hani villagers in the rice terraces, harvesting rice and fishing • Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a Hani feast
Day 5 Kunming
Drive to Kunming to prepare for your departure home
Recommended Hotels
Vinetree Honghegu Tented Resort, Honghe
Luxury BoutiqueSituated above Honghe Rice Terraces – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vinetree Honghegu Tented Resort is a restoration of an abandoned stone village. The exclusive oasis boasts dreamlike luxury tents and offers panoramic views of the shimmering rice terraces throughout, including its outdoor deck and infinity pool.
Ting Zi Yun Resort, Jianshui
BoutiqueA renovated century-old guesthouse centrally located in Jianshui Town, Ting Zi Yun Resort blends modern comforts and rustic charm. Revel in the courtyard’s traditional architecture of white-washed cement walls and eved roofs to elegant details in the wood carvings and door panels. After a day of exploring the town, kick up your feet to a perfectly prepared cup of tea, brewed with the courtyard’s well water which is said to offer the perfect balance of pH and minerals for teamaking.
Photos
Photos Fishing in the rice terraces Hani bamboo embroidery Samaba Rice Terraces
Details
Recommended seasons
春
Spring
秋
Fall
What’s Included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
- Ground transportation, including airport transfers
- Services of an English-speaking local guide
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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