The Grand Tribal Tour
China
17
2,815
autumn
Overview
This unique Asia tribal private tour highlights the immense ethnic and cultural diversity of the rugged mountainous region of southern China, northern Vietnam, and northern Laos. The journey ventures through rarely visited areas of exceptional natural beauty, and includes some light hikes along breathtaking trails. Traversing regions inhabited by colorful minorities, the tour includes visits to historic sites that shed light on how these ethnic groups' heritage intertwines with the national and regional complex history. We invite you to join this unique Asia tribal tour and indulge in the culture and cuisine of three very different yet similar countries while experiencing the indigenous people's unique heritage and traditions.
Highlights
- Guizhou's Minority Heartlands. Tunbao stone villages, Bouyei communities, Miao highlands, and the iconic Huangguoshu Waterfall.
- Karst Landscapes and Deep Gorges. Maling Gorge, Ten Thousand Peak Forest, Dragon's Palace caves, and the Stone Forest of Yunnan.
- Yuangyang Rice Terraces. Sunrise and sunset over sculpted mountain terraces and visits to vibrant weekly minority markets.
- Crossing Borders by Land. From China into Vietnam, then through Laos, ending in northern Thailand.
- Northern Vietnam's Tribal Valleys. Sapa and Lai Chau regions with Hmong, Tai, Lu, and other hill tribes, plus remote local markets.
- River Life in Laos. Long boat journeys along the Ou River, passing villages that still depend entirely on the waterway.
- Remote Lao Highlands. Muang Ngoi, Nong Kiaw, and Muang Sing with full day hikes to villages rarely reached by travelers.
- Markets as Social Centers. San Thang, Muong Lay, Yuanyang, and Muang Sing markets where trade, news, and community life meet.
Itinerary
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Guiyang
Day 1
Arrival At Guiyang
Huangguoshu Waterfall
Day 2
From Guiyang to Huangguoshou Waterfall
Xingyi
Day 3
Huangguoshou - Xingyi
Shilin
Day 4
Xingyi - Shilin
Jianshui
Day 5
Shilin - Jianshui
Yuanyang
Day 6
Jianshui - Yuanyang
Yuanyang (2)
Day 7
Yuanyang
Lao Cai
Day 8
Crossing Over To Vietnam
Lai Chau Valley
Day 9
Lai Chau Valley
Muong Lay
Day 10
Minority Market By Muong Lay
Dien Bien Phu
Day 11
From Muong Lay To Dien Bien Phu
Muang Ngoi
Day 12
Through The Jungle And On To Laos
Nong Kiaw
Day 13
From Muang Ngoi To Nong Kiaw
Muang Sing
Day 14
Nong Kiaw - Muang Sing
Muang Sing (2)
Day 15
Muang Sing
Chiang Rai
Day 16
Muang Sing - Chiang Rai (Thailand)
Chiang Rai International Airport
Day 17
Departure From Thailand
Dates & Pricing
Rates for the Grand Tribal Tour are quoted in US Dollars.
Note: Grand Tribal Private Tour rates are valid all year round, but are not valid for trips that occur (in whole, or in part) during Chinese national holidays:
New Year (1-3 Jan 2025)
Chinese Spring Festival (28 Jan-03 Feb 2025)
Qingming Festival (4-6 Apr 2025)
Labor Day Holiday (1-3 May 2025)
Dragon Boat Festival (30 May-02 Jun 2025)
Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day (1-8 Oct 2025)
Trips@Asia reserves the right to change Grand tribal prices and programs due to changes in flight schedules, airfares, and other local circumstances.
Prices are based on twin share occupancy.
Rates for private groups of 2 travelers and above:
2 travelers- US$4,710/ person
4 travelers- US$3,206/ person
Dates | Status | Price | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 | available | $ 2,815 | Per Person (For a group of 6 or more) $620 Single Room Supplement |
Additional Information
Inclusions
- Accommodation at select hotels including breakfast
- Transfer by private A/C vehicle
- Meals as indicated in the program
- English speaking guide for each area as per program
- Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned on the program
Exclusions
- International travel to Guiyang (China) and from Chiang Rai (Thailand)
- Travel Insurance
- PCR/COVID tests, or any tests that might be required for international or domestic travel
- Expenses that might incur due to the results of COVID tests before, during or after the tour
- Chinese tourist visa
- Vietnamese tourist visa
- Lao tourist visa
- Thai tourist visa
- Excess luggage
- Gratuities
- Expenses of personal nature (food and drinks beyond those provided, laundry, etc.)
- Anything not clearly mentioned in the program
Accommodation
- Guiyang - Regal Hotel 4-star
- Huangguoshu- Huangguoshou Guesthouse 5-star
- Xingyi - Crowne Hotel 4-star
- Shilin- Yinruilin International 4-star
- Jianshui - Lin'an Hotel 4-star
- Yuanyang - Oness Resort 4-star
- Sapa - BB Sapa 4-star
- Lai Chau - Muong Thanh 2-stars (best available)
- Dien Bien Pu - Muong Thanh 3-star (best available)
- Muang Ngoi - Riverview Bunaglows 3-star (best available)
- Nong Kiew - Nongkiew Riverside 2-star (best available)
- Muang Sing- Phou lu Bungalows 3-star (best available)
- Chiang Rai - Wieng Inn Hotel 4-star
Note: Note: the listed hotels are tentative. The final hotel list shall be confirmed upon booking and deposit payment.
Is this trip right for you?
You want real cultural immersion. This trip focuses on everyday life, not performance or staged encounters.
You enjoy long overland journeys. Expect winding mountain roads, border crossings, and full travel days.
You are comfortable with simple accommodation. Many nights are in modest hotels or basic bungalows.
You enjoy walking and village hikes. Easy to moderate hikes are part of most days.
You value markets over monuments. Weekly markets and village visits are central to the experience.
You are curious and patient. Schedules adapt to weather, road conditions, and local rhythms.