Review Trip Tour Dali – Kunming: A Long but Rewarding Journey!
Just a heads-up: This is my personal experience after the trip, so if your experience differs, that's perfectly normal! 😄
1. About Getting There – An "Across Borders" Adventure
Gotta be honest: this tour felt like a marathon. I flew from Da Nang to Hanoi, then took a bus from Hanoi to the Lao Cai border. After immigration, it was another 10+ hours on a high-speed train to Kunming. Sounds exhausting, right? But China's high-speed trains are seriously impressive. The ride was so smooth, I barely felt like I was moving. Tired, yes, but once on the train, I could rest and even sleep soundly!
2. About the Food
Being a true Malaysian for over 30 years, I'm used to subtle flavors and less oily food. So, encountering spicy and oily Chinese dishes was a bit of a culture shock 😅. But the big plus was that the tour guide and company were incredibly considerate, constantly asking for feedback to adjust the flavors to our liking. Even though I wasn't used to it, I appreciated the care and effort from the tour organizers, so I still enjoyed it.
3. About the Scenery – Kunming is Like a "Chinese Version of Cameron Highlands"
The weather in Kunming and Dali is cool and pleasant, much like Cameron Highlands. Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and so much fruit! Every meal had at least two types of boiled vegetables – a lifesaver for those who aren't fans of Chinese food. The vegetables were fresh and delicious, providing a refreshing break. If you can overlook the long travel time, I think this destination is worth experiencing.
4. About My Travel Companions
Going on a tour without speaking Chinese was a bit worrying, but luckily, the tour guide team was amazing. The driver, the Malaysian tour guide, and the local tour guide were all enthusiastic, lovely, and incredibly helpful. Thanks to them, I learned more about Chinese culture and customs through humorous and interesting stories. Especially loved the accommodation – warm blankets, comfy beds, and chilly weather, making it so easy to sleep well that I didn't even want to go out anymore 😴.
5. Conclusion – Traveling is About Experiencing, Not Comparing
I'll always remember what the tour guide said: "There are three types of travel: spiritual, relaxation, and experiential." And this trip was definitely experiential. I went to learn more about Chinese culture, food, and lifestyle. Experiential travel means accepting differences; you can't expect them to cater to your exact habits.
So, if you're considering a tour like this, be clear about what you want: relaxation, spiritual enrichment, or an experience. That way, you won't end up with expectations that clash with reality and regret spending the money and time.
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