Guiyang – Shuitouzhai – Kaili – Xijiang – Rongjiang – Jiabang – Zhaoxing – Danian – Chengyang – Ping’an – Xingping – Yangshuo – Guilin
Hello Serge,
It took us a few weeks to get our feet back on the ground and give you an update on our trip to Guizhou and Guangxi.
We were delighted with the whole tour (in the truest sense of the word). This trip was a true discovery of minorities. We feel we owe this, of course, to our guides, but also to the Asian Roads organisation (this is our 3rd trip with you).
We were particularly impressed by these minorities in Guizhou. Our guide Lucas was able to show us these villages lost in the mountains. His organisation was faultless and he was an experienced driver who often became a site machine driver on roads under construction. We regretted that our very limited knowledge of Chinese prevented us from communicating with him.
We have no criticisms to make about this part of the trip. However, we would like to make a comment on the exchange or withdrawal of money by credit card.
You warned us that it might be difficult to change or withdraw money during this tour. We almost got caught out because we couldn’t find any international banks between Rongjiang and Yangshuo. We think we really need to stress this point to future travellers.
The foray into Couleurs de Chine was an excellent idea. As well as discovering the association, Pierrick, Mignon and Tom (from the Pays Miao association) gave us some very moving moments with the ‘Shaman’. We’ll always have a goddaughter from this trip.
For Guangxi, thank you to Florence for her kindness. We have no criticisms to make. The landscapes are magnificent and the hotels were really well chosen (as they were for Guizhou). After 12 days of immersion in Miao country, we were surprised by this return to ‘tourist reality’. Another good point for the hotel in Yangshuo (Moondance) and its young, welcoming and efficient team.
Thanks again to you, Serge, for organising this trip (and for referring us to our two travelling companions, with whom we shared so much throughout). We’re going to have to go back with Asian Roads next year (Bali is on the programme)!
Sincerely
Anne and Philippe