Can anyone recommend an agency similar to Vietnamstay that can help in booking air/guides/drivers/hotels in Yunnan and Sichuan? In particular we would like to visit Lijiang,Yuanyang and possibly Dali and Dazu. We have a birding tour already booked for Northern Sichuan and the Shans and are just wanting to extend our trip. Thanks.

Here I am replying to my own post, but I found a good company and wanted to report back. I emailed 9 companies. Mostly because I emailed 3 or so, heard nothing, and had to keep trying. I actually only heard back from 3 out of 9 altogether.

Then, I heard back from Michael at China Connection Tours www.china-tour.cn Things took a great turn for the better. Even though I explained where I did and did not want to go - the others still sent me an itinerary that they felt suitable. They were pretty expensive and wanted all of the money upfront.

Michael listened and knew where we were trying to go and the best way to get there. He had good ideas on hotels and sights. Good prices on inter-China flights. I found one change (thank you to both janey and thursdaysd for the suggestion of Zhujia Huayuan Kezhan (also known as Zhu Family Garden Hotel). We had a visit planned there - but did not know you could stay there! He was very receptive to that hotel and quickly made the change. He emailed me promptly every night for the past 8 days until I finally made all of the plans. Adding this, taking away that. No problems at all. They have many testimonials and references on this site and other sites as well.

We now have a nice 11 day tour set up to Dazu, Yuanyang and Lijiang, before we begin our 3 + week birding tour in Sichuan. I mailed a small deposit to his representative in Houston and we are happily all set. They even have a very inexpensive Visa service they work with. And, now maybe I can get caught up on everything I have not done lately!

Connette,

Thanks for the information on china-tour. It's very hard to find information apart of the normal tourist places like Lijiang. I'm trying to research Zhongdian and Feilai Si and no body here seems to have been.

I had the same problem with most of the agency in China that I have contacted. All of them suggested alternative hotel or city so I look forward to trying China-tour.

Hanuman,

Interesting you would inquire. I don't know about Feilai Si, but Michael had some suggestions for Zhongdian: - he wrote: With regards to your specific interests, I would like to recommend the Songtsam Hotel in Zhongdian for you. For your reference, Songtsam Hotel is located at the foot of Songtsam Temple, endowed with unique scenic beauty. And all the rooms in the hotel are built with wood, characterized with classic Tibetan features. For more information, please refer to the following website:

http://www.songtsam.com/eng/index_eng.html

We are seeing some similar things in northern Sichuan, and we went to the lesser gorges before the dam, so we decided against at this moment because it seemed a bit repetitive, but perhaps he can help you as you mentioned. Good luck.

Thanks Connette,

I've been in contact with the Songtsam and they seem very nice and helpful. So much cheaper than the Banyan Tree Ringha as well which is making me rethink my plans there. The BT Ringha is something like 40 minutes drive out of town whilst the Songtsam is right in town!

Did you happen to see the recent Anthony Bourdain on the travel channel where he visited Zhongdian? If not, they rerun it again a lot - and it is probably on demand if you have that feature. We don't go until next year, so please post and give us the scoop after you return. I always prefer staying in town in a more regular place and getting a better feel of the locals too. We always remember people more than hotels when we think back on our trips.

I live in Bangkok so I doubt if I'll be able to catch the show! I've sent an email to china-tour since their web contact page is not working.

Will definitely post a trip report and let you know. Should be back by the end of October so look for it in November.