Leaving behind the bustling but nostalgic city of Hanoi, venture north as you spend time with the hill tribe minority groups of Northern Vietnam and Southern China.
Travel overland between Vietnam and China – a route almost completely untrodden. Witness spectacular vistas of terraced rice paddies, traditional homes, hidden cultures and flourishing traditions.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Private Departures 
Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel (30km, 40-60min). The capital of Vietnam is a charming city with a population of over six million. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks, and thriving Old Quarter, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s French provincial town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other Southeast Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets on its still surface.
Enjoy dinner at Cau Go Restaurant this evening, a restaurant hidden on the 5th floor of a small building overlooking Hanoi’s famed Hoan Kiem Lake. The restaurant is more than just a great view, however. The décor, like Hanoi itself, is a mix of old meets New in its chic lines and modern furnishings juxtaposed against antique fans, distressed French shutters and vintage staff uniforms. The chef takes a contemporary approach to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, beautifully presented in every dish of the country’s specialities. Here you will meet your tour leader and the rest of your group, and there will be a briefing introduction to the adventure that lies ahead! (B)
Overnight – Hanoi Pearl Hotel or similar
Today you will explore the city of Hanoi, with its ochre-coloured colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Stop at the old coffee shop in the Old Quarter to learn about the daily life of Hanoian. Then visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Tour the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar, considered by many to be one of Vietnam’s most iconic pagodas. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s House nearby, a simple wooden house in a tranquil setting where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Some of his belongings are on display and visitors can walk up the steps to see his bedroom. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
Next, drive 30 minutes from your hotel to a local house situated in a small alley of Hanoi to meet with a water puppet artisan. Water puppetry is a unique art that originated in Vietnam’s wet rice civilisation. Born into a family with a tradition of performing water puppetry in Nam Dinh province, Mr. Liem Phan acquired a passion for this folk art in his childhood. He inherited the talent and tradition from his father, and he has a profound passion for playing with puppets, making puppets by creating a mini stage for water puppetry and bringing his solo performances to several countries outside Vietnam. Sit down for a cup of tea and learn his stories about how the water puppet originated, and his memorable experience travelling to different corners of the world to bring Vietnamese culture and folklore to international friends. Witness a 30-minute show seeing lion dances, buffalo fighting, rice farming, boat racing, etc. at his private mini water puppet stage on the top floor of his house. After the show, get yourself into the artisan’s role to handle puppets in the water or join with Mr. Liem Phan to make and paint the puppets.
Following the water puppet show, you will be transferred to the Omamori Spa for a relaxing massage. Omamori Spa is a social enterprise, that provides a safe and dignified work environment for blind people. The specially trained Masseuses here are vision impaired and provide quite an experience with a level of gentleness and body awareness that differs from traditional practitioners.
This evening, depart from your hotel at 18:00 for a leisurely walk with your tour guide to the Old Quarter. Chit-chat with your guide to get an insight into street food in Hanoi & the typical culinary habits. Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Make a first stop at a local coffee shop to try the local brew. Then walk a little further to taste some typical Hanoi snacks such as Pillow cake and fried sweet cakes. Next, stroll through the streets lined with many food vendors and make your way to a steaming bowl of Pho Ga (Vietnamese noodle soup with chicken). This is practically Vietnam’s national dish and is a dish enjoyed morning, noon and night. Next move on to try Vietnam’s 2nd most popular food – the Banh Mi Pate or baguette sandwich with pate at Banh My Lan Ong, one of the most famous shops in Hanoi. Later head to Dong Xuan night market which is well known for all types of goods including souvenirs. Try your hand at bargaining for a good deal before heading off to Beer Corner in the old corner to try a cold glass of Bia Hoi (fresh draft beer) like a local. (B,D)
Overnight – Hanoi Pearl Hotel or similar
This morning after breakfast, you will leave the hectic pace of Hanoi and journey to the fresh mountain air of the Mai Chau valley (140km, 3.5hrs). There are great photo opportunities along the way, and you will have time to stop at a lookout for a great view of Mai Chau. If time permits, you may have the opportunity to help local farmers plant rice seeds in their fields.
Mai Chau is home to a variety of minority groups with their own unique culture and languages. Enjoy a traditional lunch with examples of local cuisine in the village of Pom Coong, where your local guide will introduce you to your hosts and provide information on the region’s people, lifestyles, customs and culture. This is a great opportunity to experience the local area, chat with your hosts and gain a real insight into life in this fascinating and picturesque region.
After lunch, there will be some time to relax before saddling up for a cycle trip to explore nearby villages. This picturesque ride takes you on small footpaths and through rice paddies surrounded by the spectacular mountains of the valley, you will also have many opportunities to interact with the locals as you cycle your way through the villages. (B, L)
Overnight – Mai Chau Ecolodge Hotel or similar
Today starts with an early morning departure for Moc Chau. En route, you will have the opportunity to visit a village of local H’mong people and witness the unique peach gardens and spectacular roads that twist around the mountains. Enjoy lunch in Moc Chau town, before continuing to Son La City (120km, 2hrs).
Upon arrival in Son La, visit the French colonial Son La Prison. Its inhabitants once included revolutionary soldiers and political prisoners, yet this notorious jail known as ‘hell on earth’ became somewhat of an institution of stamina and solidarity for the Vietnamese prisoners.
From Son La, you will visit Mong village, where you will immediately notice the spectacular scenery of mountains and rivers. The village is also surrounded by ancient forests and colourful orchid flowers. Each spring, apricot flowers, plum flowers and ban flowers show off their splendour, and during winter Vong Gai flowers bloom, filling the forest with a burst of bright red colour. Whilst in the area, feel the breeze in the air while immersing yourself in the local hot springs whilst overlooking the red stilt houses and Vong Gai flowers, a most relaxing way to ‘soak in’ the wonderful surroundings. (B,L)
Overnight – Muong Thanh Luxury Son La Hotel or similar
Following breakfast, you will depart for Dien Bien Phu (153km, 3.5-4hrs). The drive itself showcases the stunning scenery of north-west Vietnam, passing the lush, expansive terraced fields of corn, beans and bananas, as well as the many colourful roadside ‘shops’ as the locals sell their wares. You will have opportunities along the way to stop for photos, stretch your legs, and to visit local villages, where you can learn more about their unique cultures. You will then continue the drive through the impressive Pha Din Pass at the height of 1,500m, it offers a fantastic panorama of the charming valley encompassed by the year-round cloud, as well as passing roads of colourful wildflowers. You will arrive at Dien Bien in the late afternoon where you will have free time to relax, or you may wish to do some exploring around the city. (B,L)
Overnight – Muong Thanh Holiday Dien Bien Phu Hotel or similar
Today after breakfast you will continue your scenic journey north to Lai Chau (200km,6 hrs). Arriving in the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the back roads providing a great way to explore the real Vietnam, where you will likely see mostly rural dwellers, who are just as interested in finding out about you, as you are of them, and very few other travellers. (B,L)
Overnight – Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel or similar
Leaving the wild of Lai Chau, you will make your way toward Sapa (40km, 1.5hrs), driving through picturesque scenery and villages, and traversing Tram Ton Pass. At 1,900m, it is the highest pass in Vietnam and is often referred to as ‘Heaven’s Gate’, with its picturesque landscapes and sheer magnificence resembling a gate to the Heavens. You will have the opportunity to take a break here to admire the incredible views.
Option to stop en route to visit Tac Tinh Waterfall (10km) starting at the height of 130 meters from the Hoang Lien Son Range and ends with a 100-square-meter lake. Climb up for about 15 minutes to have the best view of the waterfall.
In the afternoon, you will head off on a guided moderate trek (approx. 2-3hrs, 4km) to the hill tribe villages of Ta Van & Giang Ta Chai. Sapa’s terraced rice fields are often considered as some of the most magnificent in the world. Depart Sapa for the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice fields in the area. If your visit is between May and October, it will coincide with the local planting and harvest time, a chance to see the local farmers in action. Hike to the Ta Van Village to visit the Zay, an ethnic group known for their brightly coloured clothing. Observe their way of life and the local traditions before continuing your trek featuring magnificent views of the terraced fields and impressive Mount Fansipan. Visit the Red Dzao village of Giang Ta Chai and notice the square piece of fabric on the back of the shirts worn by both men and women symbolising that they are children of God. The Dzao women also wear red turbans adorned with silver coins and red tassels. In the late afternoon, you will return to Sapa (20km, 1hr) where you can relax in your hotel. (B,L)
Overnight – Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel and Spa or similar
Today you will travel to the Bac Ha market (Sunday only) which is the largest minority people’s market in Northwest Vietnam. Alive with the bright colours and extravagant costumes of the local people, here you will meet different tribal groups such as Flower Hmong, Black Dzao, Tay and Phu La, as well as other minority groups who come from far and wide to buy and sell a wide variety of goods and livestock. You will have time to wander around the market, enjoy the atmosphere and have fun trying out your trading skills with the friendly local people.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a 2 hour walk to visit Ban Pho – A Flower Hmong village where the villagers live a simple life but are renowned for their kindness and hospitality. Situated on a mountain cliff side, the rooftops of nearly 500 village homes appear as nests along the escarpment. It’s here where the beauty of the highlands is most captivating, and paired with the serene village backdrop makes a lasting impression. (B,L)
Overnight – Ngan Nga Hotel in Bac Ha or similar
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the border town Ha Khau in the Hekou County of Honghe which is situated in the southeast of Yunnan and borders on Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province. Hekou derives its name from its location, it is the converging point of the Red River and Nanxi River and is a vital gateway for trade and travel between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
After seeing your Vietnamese leader, you will cross the border independently into China, where you will be greeted by your Chinese leader. On arrival in China, you will have a local lunch and then drive to Zheke village (approx. 4hrs) which is one of most traditional Hani villages in this region and is in the middle of the mountain, we can experience the local life and visit the rice terrace there.
Total distance travelled today is approx. 290km/5hrs with walking time of 1.5hrs. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Wanshan Hotel or similar
This morning you will rise early to make the most of the spectacular sunrise over the beautiful Yuanyang rice terraces in Duoyishu. The colours, shadows and the reflections on the water are constantly changing, creating an amazing way to start the day.
After breakfast, you will explore the local morning markets before spending the day trekking along the terraced fields and visiting some of the local minority groups on the way (visiting and walking time – 4hrs). The Yuanyang rice terraces are on the southern slopes of Ailao Mountain and are a masterpiece of the ingenuity of the Hani people with slopes varying from 15 degrees to 75 degrees, they extend to many towns along the south bank of the Red River. Known as ‘land sculpture’, these magical terraced fields have been officially acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Wanshan Hotel or similar
After breakfast, you will drive to Jianshui (approx. 4hrs), an ancient town in the Honghe Prefecture of Yunnan Province. With a history of around 1,200 years, the town enjoys a great reputation as a ‘Museum of Ancient Buildings and Residential Houses’. Here you will visit Tuanshan Village, which is built on a small plateau on a hill and surrounded by a rounded-top mountain. The cobblestone streets of the village are lined with ancient family mansions and gardens, lineage temples and historical courtyards. The valleys surrounding Jianshui are littered with old stone bridges, the crown jewel of which is undoubtedly the Double Dragon Bridge (or Seventeen Span Bridge). Built from local stone in the eighteenth century, it is nearly 150m long, paved in marble and the largest bridge of its kind in the province. There are also three elegant lofts on the bridge with the middle one known as the ‘Grand View Pavilion of South Yunnan’, as it offers beautiful views of the surrounding green fields, majestic blue mountains and sparkling clear waters. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Jianshui Lin An Hotel or similar
Today, you will journey towards Kunming City, making stops at Xiushan Hill in Tonghai Town, Xingmeng (Mongolian Village), and the Stone Forest (World Natural Heritage) along the way. Xiushan Park, with origins dating back to the Han Dynasty, features a rich array of traditional temples and pavilions in styles reflecting Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The park, covering Xiushan Hill, offers a lush setting and historical depth with various religious and cultural structures. Established in 1253, Xingmeng is the sole ‘Mongolian Village’ in Yunnan Province. Here, you will encounter a statue commemorating the arrival of the Mongolian cavalry and observe the Xingmeng Mongolians in traditional attire, practising their unique customs and daily routines.
The Stone Forest, renowned as the ‘First Wonder of the World,’ is a vast karst formation over 200 million years old. Spanning 400 square kilometers, this site features towering stalagmite-like pillars and an intricate network of labyrinths, presenting a breathtaking natural spectacle. As you walk through this landscape, you’ll be amazed by the striking stone formations and their grandeur. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Cachet Boutique Kunming Artim or similar
The day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Should you wish to continue your journey further and mingle with the remote Dulong tribe, please join our extension tour, Tribes of Yunnan. (B)
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
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