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Sanya-Dali 10-day self-driving tour

Starting from Sanya, we're hugging the coast before heading north toward the karst mountains and the Vietnam border.

10days
21stops
DAY01

Sanya City Center → Sanya Bay Sunset

Overnight in Sanya Bay Sunset
  1. 09:00
    Sanya City Center· start
  3. 11:00
    Yalong Bay
  5. 18:00
    Sanya Bay Sunset· overnight
Island Flavors
  • Hainan Coconut Chicken · Sweet, clear broth with tender Wenchang chicken. Pure comfort.
  • First Market Seafood · Pick your catch and have it cooked nearby. Total chaos, total flavor.
Daily Spend
Gas & Parking
$45
DAY02

Riyue Bay → Xinglong Town

Overnight in Xinglong Town
  1. 10:30
    Riyue Bay· start
  3. 16:00
    Xinglong Town· overnight
Local Sips
  • Xinglong Coffee · Strong, local roast with a hint of condensed milk.
Budget
Hot Springs Resort
$80
DAY03

Haikou Port → Zhanjiang

Overnight in Zhanjiang
  1. 11:00
    Haikou Port· start
  3. 18:00
    Zhanjiang· overnight
Mainland Eats
  • Zhanjiang Oysters · Famous across China. Fresh, grilled with garlic and chili.
Transit Costs
Car Ferry Fee
$65
DAY04

Zhanjiang Departure → Yangshuo Arrival

Overnight in Yangshuo Arrival
  1. 08:00
    Zhanjiang Departure· start
  3. 16:30
    Yangshuo Arrival· overnight
Quick Bites
  • Guilin Rice Noodles · Sour bamboo shoots and crispy pork. The ultimate road food.
Road Costs
Highway Tolls
$40
DAY05

Xingping Li River → Ruyi Peak

Overnight in Ruyi Peak
  1. 09:00
    Xingping Li River· start
  3. 14:30
    Ruyi Peak· overnight
Yangshuo Classics
  • Beer Fish · Yangshuo's signature dish. Fresh river fish braised in local beer.
Activity Fees
Ruyi Peak Ticket
$35
DAY06

Yangshuo Departure → Daxin Town

Overnight in Daxin Town
  1. 08:30
    Yangshuo Departure· start
  3. 16:00
    Daxin Town· overnight
Border Eats
  • Zhuang Minority Pork · Smoked and seasoned with local mountain herbs.
Fuel
Gas
$50
DAY07

Detian Waterfall → Tongling Grand Canyon

Overnight in Tongling Grand Canyon
  1. 09:00
    Detian Waterfall· start
  3. 14:00
    Tongling Grand Canyon· overnight
Border Fusion
  • Vietnamese Spring Rolls · Since you're on the border, the fusion food here is top-tier.
Entry Fees
Waterfall Entry
$25
DAY08

Daxin Departure → Kunming Arrival

Overnight in Kunming Arrival
  1. 07:30
    Daxin Departure· start
  3. 18:30
    Kunming Arrival· overnight
Kunming Comfort
  • Crossing the Bridge Noodles · Kunming's most famous dish. Hot broth, fresh ingredients.
Transit Budget
Gas & Tolls
$75
DAY09

Kunming Flower Market → Dali Old Town

Overnight in Dali Old Town
  1. 09:00
    Kunming Flower Market· start
  3. 15:00
    Dali Old Town· overnight
Dali Snacks
  • Dali Baba · Crispy, savory flatbread stuffed with meat or rose jam.
Accommodation
Old Town Stay
$60
DAY10

Erhai Lake Drive → Dali Airport

  1. 09:00
    Erhai Lake Drive· start
  3. 16:00
    Dali Airport
Final Feast
  • Erhai Sour & Spicy Fish · Local lake fish with a kick. The perfect final meal.
Final Costs
Airport Drop-off
$20
Heads Up
  • Day 4: 6h driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 6: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 8: 8h driving — plan rest stops
  • Ferry booking is essential
  • Bring rain gear for the canyons