Summit to Sea: Yunnan to Vietnam (14 Days) We love road journeys. They are by far our favourite way of traveling. We think the world of western China and the countries that border on this region – think Vietnam, Lao, Thailand, Myanmar, for example.
On the Road Experiences is all about sharing with like-minded travelers just how beautiful a road journey in these varied lands can be. Now turn the page to find out what we’ve come to love so much…
p2 p3 Itinerary Map …where you will travel… p. 006 Yes, it is possible… p. 008 Journey of Discovery… p. 010 Day-by-day… p. 084
In closing... Any car you like, so long as it is an SUV… p. 106 Adventures and discoveries in local cuisines p. 108 What’s included/Best Months to Go... p. 110
Photo credits p. 112 p5 Itinerary Map Day1 Day8 Arrival in Kunming – Dien Bien Phu to Mai Chau – Preparing for your journey and onto Wonderful roads & vistas on the Lijiang way to Mai Chau
Day2 Day9 In and around Lijiang – Mai Chau – Enjoy the many beautiful sights and In and around Mai Chau activities in this UNESCO World Heritage Old Town Day10 Mai Chau to Yen Cat – Day3 On the way south...on the Ho Chi Lijiang to Xizhou – Minh Highway Along the Tea Horse Trail to Xizhou and the shores of Lake Erhai Day11 Yen Cat to Dong Hoi – Day4 In beautiful countryside toward From Xizhou to Dianchi Lake – Central Vietnam Returning to Kunming and beyond Day12 Day5 Dong Hoi to Hue – Dianchi Lake to Menglun – To the capital of old Vietnam Into Xishuangbanna, where China and South East Asia meet Day13 Hue to Hoi An – Day6 Arriving in Hoi An, a quiant old Menglun to Muang La – town by the ocean Crossing the border into northern Lao Day14 Hoi An – Day7 Life must go on...? Muang La to Dien Bien Phu – Through tropical forest to Vietnam p6 p7 Yes, it is possible...
A driving holiday in this part of the world is indeed possible. We take care of everything. All you need to do is come, drive and enjoy a rare adventure!
This beautiful itinerary is unique in the world. It will take you from one UNESCO world heritage site “the old town of Lijiang” in Yunnan to another located on the shores of the South China Sea, the old town of Hoi’an in Central Vietnam. A driving journey along this route counts among the finest in the world: along winding mountain roads, some of Asia’s best highways and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh national road from the edge of Tibet, where the air is fresh and invisible, to the beaches of subtropical Vietnam. All along this superb itinerary you will enjoy the best accommodation available, staying in some of Asia’s loveliest hotels and travel through an area steeped in the cultures of many different ethnic minorities and through some of the region’s most stunningly beautiful countryside.
On the Road Experiences has paved the way for you to cross borders in your own properly insured SUV, so that you can enjoy the romance of a classic overland journey – crossing the Mekong on a local car ferry, winding your way along lush country roads – without any of the logistical headaches that typically accompany such journeys...
p8 p9 p11 LIJIANG is touristy, but there ARE HIDDEN GEMS to DISCOVER…”
Jade Lake not far from Lijiang...
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain seen from the Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang… p13 The lovely winding alleys of LIJIANG’S OLD TOWN are a UNESCO World Heritage site...”
Lijiang Old Town p15 At the RIGHT time and in small alleys, LIJIANG as it used to be…”
Undiscovered Lijiang p17 Where DR. Joseph Rock lived and worked to INTRODUCE northwest YUNNAN to the outside word…”
Naxi minority lady in Yuhu, near Lijiang p19 A small section of the ANCIENT TEA HORSE TRAIL…”
In Shaxi… p21 Beautiful BACK ROADS…the best places for a coffee or tea stop!”
On the way to Shaxi… p23 Take a lake shore DRIVE and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL sunset reflections…”
Lake Erhai, Xizhou, near Dali p25 VIEW from your hotel TERRACE...”
Xizhou p27 XISHUANGBANNA is a FERTILE land…”
Rubber trees in Xishuangbanna p29 XISHUANGBANNA, where TEA thrives…”
Tea trees in Xishuangbanna p31 XISHUANGBANNA, the home of Yunnan’s DAI MINORITY …”
Dai minority village in Xishuangbanna p33 XISHUANGBANNA, home as well to MANY smaller MINORITIES…”
Aini minority lady in Xishuangbanna p35 Golden-robed MONKS in XISHUANGBANNA are a commonplace...”
A young monk in Xishuangbanna p37 Over TEN THOUSAND plant species are found here in this GARDEN...”
Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden p39 Explore MINORITY villages along the road sides…”
Laos, on the way to Muang La p41 VIEW from the road side...”
Travelling through northern Lao p43 A GEM of a hotel in the MIDDLE of NOWHERE...”
Muang La Resort p45 Muang La is perched beside a GLISTENING RIVER in the REMOTE HILLS of northern Laos…”
In Muang La... p47 Your COMPANION on the road...”
Northern Vietnam, on the way South p49 One of many MINORITIES in Northern Vietnam…”
Northern Vietnam, on the way South... p51 MARKET DAYS are always a great OPPORTUNITY to see local life...”
One of many minorities in Northern Vietnam p53 Mai Chau LIES in a beautiful VALLEY...”
In and around Mai Chau p55 Sol Bungalows, a HIDDEN GEM in the middle of PADDY FIELDS...”
In and around Mai Chau p57 PADDY FIELDS and the canonical Vietnamese STRAW HATS everywhere...”
In and around Mai Chau p59 LOVELY ENCOUNTERS in the paddy fields...”
In and around Mai Chau p61 ENJOY an evening with the LOCALS and RICE WINE...”
A White Thai Village dinner p63 Roads, mountains,Roads, Berge, transport,Transport, people...”people...”
Images of Ho Chi Minh Highway p65 Roads, mountains, transport, people...”
Images of Ho Chi Minh Highway p67 Roads, mountains, transport, people...”
Images of Ho Chi Minh Highway p69 Right by the OCEAN...”
The Sun Spa Resort in Dong Hoi p71 Ocean, BOATS and our CARS...”
Fish Market in Dong Hoi p73 As LIVELY a place as you can IMAGINE...”
Fish Market in Dong Hoi p75 Where the KING used to give AUDIENCES...”
In Hue’s Citadel p77 A boundary of KINGDOMS and CLIMATE, often fought over, sometimes tragic but never losing it’s ABILITY to INSPIRE AWE...”
The Hai Van pass p79 Another UNESCO World Heritage site...”
As last in Hoi An p81 FINISHING off by the SEA...”
Hoi An p83 p85 Day 1 Day 2 Arriving in Kunming In and around Lijiang and preparing for your Driving Distance & Duration Lijiang is home to the Naxi car up – but beware of altitude Driving Distance & Duration journey Distance: NA minority – introduced to the sickness at the top (5,600 Depends on your chosen activity Duration: NA West by Austrian-American metres)! Alternatively, there You will need to arrive in Following dinner in Kunming, botanist, Joseph Rock, who are many wonderful hiking and Kunming, the capital of China’s you will return to the airport for lived in the valley between 1922 horse-riding trails to nearby Elevation Elevation Yunnan province, before your 1-hour flight to Lijiang. and 1949. He spentmuch of his villages and in the countryside Highest Daytime: Depends on 2:30pm. After arrival, we will Highest Daytime: 2470m time in the region studying the surrounding Lijiang. We will your chosen activity take you to China Driving A short transfer will take you Overnight: 2470m Naxi, whose culture he feared be happy to make suggestions Overnight: 2470m Licensing office. Don’t worry, from Lijiang airport to your would be extinguished by the and arrangements for you and there are no medical tests, hotel, which lies just near of encroaching Han Chinese our staff can accompany you Hotel Hotel except for a simple eye test the old town of Lijiang. Then culture. Luckily for us, many should you whish. Interncontinental Lijiang, (which is easily passed), and you will surely look forward to a InterContinental Lijiang (*****) aspects of Naxi culture are then, within a few minutes, you good night’s rest. Lijiang (*****) still visible in Lijiang – elderly Today’s breakfast and dinner is will receive your temporary ladies walk the streets proudly included in the journey price, lunch Chinese driving license. wearing their traditional and activities are entirely up to you. costumes – but Lijiang’s beauty and atmosphere are spoiled after dark by the noise and neon of the ‘bar street’.
Fortunately the very touristy section of Lijiang is confined to just a few streets and it is easy to lose the crowds down quiet back streets.Enjoy a stroll around Lijiang’s old town – a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site – and shop for souvenirs, or visit the nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take the cable p87 Day 3 along even more winding and Day 4 Full Itinerary Along the tea horse narrow roads, to cross the Cang Today you will drive along Shan (Cang Mountain) to Xizhou Returning to Kunming excellent highways back trail to Xizhou and the towards Kunming and on to your overnight stop for the day; Driving Distance & Duration and beyond Driving Distance & Duration shores of Lake Erhai the mountain pass you will drive a wonderful country hotel on Distance: 195 km the other side of the city. First Distance: 360 km Short Itinerary Short Itinerary will top out at 3,100m. On a good Duration: 6-7 hours however, spend the morning Duration: 4-5 hours For those joining the shorter day, the views from the top are Spend the day around Dianchi in Xizhou – either linger over (Depending on traffic toward itinerary, today you will arrive beautiful. Tonight you will stay Elevation Lake, or venture further afield a home-cooked breakfast or Kunming) to Yunnan’s famous ‘Stone in Kunming and process your in the Linden Centre, a lovingly Highest Daytime: 3100m stretch your legs on a gentle converted Bai-minority Forest’ area of karst scenery walking tour of Xizhou. Setting temporary driving licenses, Overnight: 1600m – we will show you the beauty Elevation before driving south to the new mansion. Sit and enjoy the out mid-morning, you will drive of this region away from the Highest Daytime: 2100m Intercontinental Dianchi Lake view of the nearby Cangshan Hotel to the town of Chuxiong, where crowds… In the evening, you we will stop for lunch, before hotel. Mountains and Lake Erhai from Linden Centre, Xizhou (****) will join those on the full Overnight: 1800m the Linden Centre’s roof terrace. continuing along excellent itinerary, ready for your journey roads in the afternoon to Full Itinerary into South-East Asia together… the superb Intercontinental Hotel Today you will be taking to the Hotel, located on the shores InterContinental Dian Chi roads of China. of Dianchi Lake, 20 kilometres south of Kunming itself. Lake (*****) In the morning, you will drive from Lijiang to Shaxi, formerly a stop on the Tea Horse Road – an ancient trade route that carried Yunnan’s fragrant tea into the arid highlands of Tibet. Shaxi is a small town, but its centre is very well preserved and a delight to explore. You will be driving on small country lanes, that will begin to give you a first glimpse of China’s countruside.
After eating lunch in a former coaching inn in the old town of Shaxi, you will then set out, p88 Day 5 Into Xishuangbanna, where China and South-East Asia meet
In the morning you will drive In the afternoon, you will from the Intercontinental continue driving on the onto the Kunming – Jinghong Kunming – Jinghong highway highway. In the beginning, you for approximately 3.5 hours. The will likely experience morning air and vegetation will become Kunming rush hour, but after more and more subtropical. Driving Distance & Duration an hour or so the traffic will The last part of today’s drive become thinner, the air cleaner will be on excellent national Distance: 665 km again and the highway better. In road to the Anantara Hotel in Duration: 8 hours fact, the highway from Kunming Menglun, which lies right next to Jinghong is one of the nicest to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Elevation highways we’ve ever driven on. Botanical Garden. After this long Highest Daytime: 1800m day, you can enjoy the facilities Overnight: 580m The number of tunnels and of this beautiful hotel. bridges – including one of the Hotel tallest in the world – and the We propose dinner for you at a Anantara Xishuangbanna engineering that’s gone into it is local restaurant that offers Dai (*****) impressive. After approximately minority cuisine dishes that are four hours of driving (and a fascinating blend between gradually losing altitude from Thai and Chinese. But if you’ve Kunming’s 1,800m), you will had enough Asian dishes, the have lunch in a small town hotel offers good international called Mojiang. Don’t expect fare as well. anything fancy, but it will have to do for the day…it’s really the best en route this morning. p90 Day 6 possible, but it will nonetheless and along villages to the have their own language and notion of a retreat assumes The cooking is fabulous and take a bit of time: here in heart of northern Laos and customs. its full meaning. offers a menu with a mix of Crossing the border South-East Asia, crossing a hidden gem in the middle Lao and Thai flavours, but into northern Lao borders is still an event where of nowhere called Muang Equi-distant from China Before dinner, why not enjoy with distinct and different in much of Europe or America La Resort in Oudomxay and Vietnam, the resort the swimming pool? The overtones. After dinner, it has become a non-event. Province, in the far north is situated on the edge of pool lies on a small island in continue with another drink In the morning you will depart Crossing borders is not only of Laos. Within the fertile a small traditional village the middle of a river facing and relax to the sound of for the China-Lao border, an event, it is a romantic one… crickets in the gardens – the which you will reach after rainforest, the region is home with around 100 inhabitants. the resort, connected only where nostalgia blends with via a bamboo bridge. Or try perfect way to ease into the about an hour and a half. to over 500 villages where Surrounded by rain-forest, adventure to deliver a powerful one of the bar’s delicious relaxed rhythms of South- on the banks of a river and emotional mix. traditional life still prevails, drinks, for example one that East Asia… We have prepared all the albeit in varying forms; there with only 5 wooden villas and border formalities well in is an icy mint cocktail? Very Once in Laos, it’s a 4 hour drive are 23 ethnic minorities who 10 bedrooms, built following refreshing! advance to make the border live in Oudomxay and each traditional architecture, the crossing as smooth as through subtropical forests
Driving Distance & Duration Distance: 240 km Duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation Highest Daytime: 600m Overnight: 400m
Hotel Muang La Resort, Oudomxay (****)
p92 p93 Day 7 Day 8 tiny, quaint villages...always good Through tropical Wonderful roads & for a photo stop! Driving Distance & Duration Driving Distance & Duration vistas on the way to By early afternoon you will arrive forest to Vietnam Distance: 180 km Distance: 350 km Mai Chau in Mai Chau, which is home to Duration: 4-5 hours Duration: 6-7 hours Today you will continue your Dien Bien Phu offers not many the Sol Bungalows, a gem of journey through Northern Lao choices for accommodation. Elevation Today you will be driving an inn surrounded by lush rice Elevation through some of the most paddies, emerald mountains toward Vietnam. After around 3 We have chosen the best hotel Highest Daytime: 400m Highest Daytime: 600m available for you, but please enjoyable country roads of and bamboo trees. This lodge hours of driving on back roads Overnight: 220m through the rain forest, you note that the Muang Thanh Hotel northern Vietnam, because offers nicely appointed rooms and a wonderful swimming pool will arrive at the Lao/Vietnam Hotel is one of the two basic Muang Thanh Hotel, Dien this area is hardly ever visited Hotel by tourists and because the overlooking the paddy fields. Sol border. Again we have prepared hotels along this itinerary. Bien Phu (***) Sol Bungalow, Mai Chau Bungalow will be your home for all the border formalities for roads are free of traffic. This the next two nights. Dinner will (*****) you and crossing the border remoteness also means that you will see and can come be at Sol Bungalows. into Vietnam should be quite in contact with “hill tribes” straight forward. – whose lives have changed very little, seemingly for Once in Vietnam, the landscape centuries. You will encounter continues to be hilly and the some people who are not roads rather winding, but encountered anywhere else largely very well paved. It is just and others which strike a close a short drive from the border to resemblance with minorities Dien Bien Phu, your destination in China. Regardless of your for the night. Once you arrive interest in the details of these you can visit and explore Dien ethnic groups, one can’t help Bien Phu’s historic sites as it but be moved by how friendly is the site of the Vietnamese they are. victory over the French in 1954. It is home to a range After our lunch in Son La the of wartime attractions along route to Mai Chau winds its way with a fascinating food market, through further the northern which you will also have time hills of Vietnam. As you climb, to explore in the evening. you will drive through some p94 p95 Day 9 of weaving as practiced by Day 10 transport and vehicles laden the White Tai minority, which with impossible freights. In and around Mai migrated here from Yunnan’s On the way to South... Driving Distance & Duration Driving Distance & Duration Chau Xishuang Banna area many Ho Chi Minh Highway In the late afternoon, you will centuries ago. If you are Depends on your chosen arrive in Yen Cat, a small town Distance: 180 km You’ve been on the road for interested in a cooking class to activity Today you can make a leisurely in Nghe An province. You will Duration: 5 hours quite some time. Today is a day learn some of Vietnam’s famous start into your day since we will stay in Dai Lam Hotel which is of leisure. How would you like dishes, you can do so as well. nothing but a stop-over on the Elevation only have to depart late in the Elevation to fill it? It can be as simple as We will guide you toward morning. way south. The hotel is basic, settling in with a good book by whatever will make this day Highest Daytime: Depends on but it is the best – really! – that Highest Daytime: 800m the lodge’s pool in the morning away from driving the most your chosen activity The road from Mai Chau heads we could find along this part of Overnight: 120m and enjoying a lazy brunch. Or enjoyable for you. Overnight: 220m east in the direction of Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Highway. you can fill it with any number before it heads south. Before Speaking of dinner, tonight we Hotel activities that range from short long you will get to one of have a bit of surprise in store for villages walks to full-day treks, Hotel Vietnam’s most pleasant roads, Dai Lam Hotel, Yen Cat (***) you...a dinner in a remote village exploring the valley in which Sol Bungalow, Mai Chau the Ho Chi Minh Highway, of Thai people. What’s on the Mai Chau is located by bike or which is in fact not a real menu we’ll keep to us for now! (****) kajak (combined with a river- highway – it is not divided side picnic), from visiting the and has only one lane in each Today’s breakfast and dinner are Mo Luong Cave to involving direction – but it is wide, very yourself hands-on in the making included; lunch and the activities you choose will be up to you. smooth and more or less of handicraft if you want to traffic free. The Ho Chi Minh acquire a taste of the techniques Highway runs from Vietnam’s very north all the way to the south and the route roughly coincides with the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War. On your journey south you will drive along some of the most picturesque sections of this highway. Not only is the surrounding landscape very pretty in many places, you p97also get to see many forms of p97 Day 11 In beautiful country- side toward Central Vietnam
Today’s drive south into central place catholic churches. Some Vietnam will take you back onto are so grand you can’t imagine the Ho Chi Minh highway, which how they’ve ever made it here; runs inland and to the west even more surprising is how of national road 1a. Route 1a, radiant and immaculately while running along the ocean maintained they are...as if and thus would seem to be they were the pope’s winter preferable, is choke- full with residences! Driving Distance & Duration unpleasant traffic and hence to Distance: 406 km be very much avoided. By late-afternoon you will Duration: 7-8 hours arrive at Sun Spa Resort Elevation Ho Chi Minh Highway, on the in Dong Hoi. Its four-star Highest Daytime: 500m other hand, is largely traffic section is comfortable, but not Overnight: 13m free and meanders through outstanding. Instead, you will rice fields and hilly limestone check into one of the new five Hotel terrain that is a pleasure to star villas which are delightful Sun Spa Resort, Dong Hoi drive through. What’s more, its and will ensure a good night’s (*****) unhurried pace prompts one rest all the better to be ready to stop and take photographs for the following day’s early many a time or all manner of morning excursion to Dong life and transport on the road. Hoi’s lively fish market.
Today you can also see For dinner we have arranged witnesses to the strong French a seafood BBQ for you which influence in this region: rather befits your arrival by the these witnesses are large, seaside. (Of course, if you do magnificently constructed and not like seafood, there are other seemingly completely out-of- choices!) p99 Day 12 To the Capital of old Vietnam
Today, we recommend you After only around three hours Hue cuisine. From there, it begin the day with a visit to – ok, it may take four if you will be only a few minutes’ Dong Hoi’s fish market early in take lots of photos – you will drive to La Residence, a gem the morning when it is liveliest. arrive in Hue, the old capital of of a hotel in the heart of Hue, The smells, the sheer volume Vietnam. where you will stay for the of fish and people, the variety night. In the afternoon you of seafood, the busy-ness, you UNESCO as a cultural treasure may want to enjoy the pool or Driving Distance & Duration will love it ... if you love fish worthy of protection, the tombs head out to Dong Ba market Distance: 170 km markets! (If not, today’s a of the Hue Kings and the city’s where you can buy many iconic Duration: 3 hours great day to sleep in a bit ...) stunning imperial citadel retain Vietnamese products, including Elevation the majesty and elegance the beautiful whitish straw Highest Daytime: 100m hats worn by many women By mid-morning, you will of the Imperial Dynasty. The Overnight: 15m depart for the short drive, for renown of the former Imperial who have to do work out in the the last time on Ho Chi Minh Capital is born of much more open. Hotel Highway, down south toward than history and scenic beauty. La Residence, Hue (*****) Hue. Around half- way to Hue, Famed for the quality of its You will eat dinner at a you will come to the River Ben cuisine, artisanal handicrafts, charming restaurant. Hai, which runs west-to-east education system and unique from the border with lao into local aesthetic, Hue is known the South China Sea. It marks throughout Asia as a cultural the 17th Parallel of Vietnam treasure and a charming War infamy. It is a good time destination. to stop and contemplate for a while the sufferings of the You are invited for a private Vietnamese during this dark lunch at a very special place perod of modern history. in Hue, serving delectable p100 p101 Day 13 Arriving in Hoi An... quaint old town by the Driving Distance & Duration ocean... Distance: 160 km Duration: 3-4 hours In the morning, before (wet, humid and fertile in the departing from Hue, we suggest South, dryer and coller in the a visit to the Citadel which north). Elevation is, despite the damage it has Highest Daytime: 486m suffered during the Vietnam While the Hai Van pass road Overnight: 15m war, still very impressive, not isn’t long, it is extraordinarily least because it speaks of a beautiful and traffic free since glorious past. all heavy trucks (except for Hotel those carrying oil) nowadays Victoria Hotel, Hoi’An (*****) The drive to Hoi An takes take a tunnel under the around four hours. Since it mountain pass. runs along National Route 1A it will feel considerably busier After descending back down than before. A little more than from the Hai Van pass to the half-way to Hoi An, you will get coast, it is a relatively short off Route 1A to drive across the drive along the ocean, skirting Hai Van Pass which has gained down town Da Nang, Central or for souvenirs. ocean’s waves breaking over the fame because it was featured by Vietnam’s largest city, to Hoi An. beach just beneath your room – Top Gear I a list of the world’s In 1999 Hoi An was declared a (Please note that lunch today and the a chance to recollect and dream finest roads. More importantly, World Heritage Site by UNESCO afternoon is free for you to arrange about your drive from the edge Hai Van pass leads across a as a well-preserved example of yourself; of course, we’ll be more than of Tibet to the South China Sea. mountain range that juts out a Southeast Asian trading port happy to give you recommendations!) perpendicular. This range has of the 15th to 19th centuries, been a natural dividing line ( with buildings that display Your last dinner together with along the 18th parallel) between a unique blend of local and the other travelers will be kingdoms (Hindu in the South foreign influences. Hoi An is special...and then, when you andBuddhists in the north once the perfect spot for last-minute tuck yourself in at night at the upon a time) and climate zones shopping, whether for yourself Victoria Hotel, you will hear the p102 p103 Day 14 Life must go on...
As always happens on our journeys, you, too, will likely feel that this journey has been far too short. Is this really the end? If you do have a few more days, why not stay on in Hoi An for a few more days to enjoy the superb Central Vietnamese cuisine, wandering through Hoi An’s lovely streets or just enjoying the beach.
When you’re ready to leave, we will take you to Da Nang airport (or the train station) and hope that you will return soon to join another journey.
p104 p105 Choice of Cars
We include in the package price good-and-bad-weather gear. an SUV we procure from Avis Also, they reinforce the feeling or Hertz or another reputable of adventure, exploration and car rental company. Most discovery…which is, in the of the SUVs are Toyotas, but end, the mood of journeys in on occasion Mitsubishis or this region, no matter how other brands may also make comfortable or even luxurious an appearance. For some the night’s hotel may be. itineraries, we are able to offer you an option to upgrade your What’s more, they offer car to the new models from sufficient clearance when Audi. required and thus add a sense of safety and all-round ability. We wish the car rental markets (4-wheel drive capability is of China would be more hardly needed in China these developed and we could give days since all roads are either you more choice, but this is not very well-paved or, with good so: since we want to provide gravel, offer solid support.) well-maintained and well- insured cars, the choice is And so SUVs from reputable rather limited. brands are our car of choice!
But SUVs are in fact the right choice for driving journeys in ANY car, this part of the world because they are spacious enough to as long as accommodate a lot of luggage, photography equipment, and it is an SUV” p106 p107 Adventures and Discoveries in Local Cuisines
While this itinerary is not one of Wine and beer is always our ‘Foodie’-themed journeys, included in our meals for you we do believe that each one of to enjoy. (When we travel into our journeys should introduce high-altitude, we suggest you not only to hidden gems of moderation!) cultural and scenic beauty, but that sampling local cuisines is Finally, if you have special also a must. dietary requirements are particularly interested in the Wherever you travel with us, culinary aspect of one of our we will order, with very few journeys, please let us know. exceptions, dishes fresh and on location with an emphasis For private journeys, we can, on local produce. It is not of course, tailor the meal uncommon for our guides to experience to your taste (and venture into the kitchen to pick budget). this, that or the other vegetable and to ask the cook to prepare them in the finest possible way. (On occasion we do pre- order a meal: this will normally be the case only for special occasions!)
p108 What’s Included / Best Months to Go...
Generally speaking, our journey packages and • Other Essentials – we provide each car with prices are all-inclusive. Once you’ve paid and walky-talkies you arrive at the starting point, you really won’t • Travel Insurance – including 24-hour medical have to take out your wallet again. assistance, evacuation and repatriation • Cars – a modern SUV is provided for all emergency service driving days, expertly maintained and • Tips & Entrance Fees – basic tips and serviced by Avis, Hertz, or other reputable entrance fees for jointly attended activities are car rental companies, and covered by the included best insurance available, and hire car return from Hoi An to Kunming is also included • Activities, Meals, Transport during ‘free times’ as indicated in this Journey Dossier • International Journey Host, Guide and Support Vehicle – you will be accompanied • Top-up Collision Damage Waiver insurance by a registered Chinese tour guide, an On the JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Road in China host and a fully equipped lead car with a local support driver JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC What’s Not Included • Routes – we provide an extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary and “state-of- The only items not included in our prices are the-art” satellite navigation system with a flights to Kunming and back from Hoi An, your pre-programmed route for the journey. You • Airport Transfers – all airport transfers are • Meals – breakfast (a choice of Western and China, Lao and Vietnam visas, and personal will also receive a detailed pre-departure pack included Local is provided), and lunch and dinner are purchases (e.g., gifts, souvenirs). and route book for the journey included on all driving days, as are drinks. • Permits and logistics – all arrangements for Meals on non-driving days as specified above. • Driving License – You will require an the crossing of the China-Lao and Lao-Vietnam Prepare for a culinary adventure! International Driving Permit for Lao and borders for travellers and cars Vietnam. You will also need a temporary • Goodies – you will enjoy an On the Road Home- Chinese driving license for which all • Hotels – the best available or five-star Away-from-Home Kit containing wet towels, arrangements and fees are included. accommodation is included in each overnight anti-bacterial gel and basic toiletries, and a daily picnic basket containing fresh fruit, fruit • Fuel & Tolls – we provide petrol for the car stop juice, water, and a mixture of sweets and throughout the journey and pay all tolls nibbles p111 Photo Credits
© Joanna James - pages 34 © Mareen Windisch - pages 4, 46, 92, 95, 96, © Muang La Hotel – pages 42, 44 © Peter Schindler – Front and Back Cover, pages 2, 8,10, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 32, 38, 40, 48, 50, 52, 54, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 97-103, 106, 110, 114 © Ron Yue – 12, 14, 28, 30, 36, 112 © Sol Bungalow - 56 © Sun Spa Resort – page 70 © Victoria Hoi An - pages 82, 104 Unknown - 108-109
p112 p113 Contact Us
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A picture is worth a thousand words. True, but when it comes to a road journey, moving images are priceless. Please visit : http://www.ontheroadexperiences.com/en/video-gallery” p114 p115