Join this fascinating twelve-day tour starting from Yunnan province in China all the way to Vientiane, the capital of Laos and finishing back in Guangzhou city in China. Immerse yourself in tea plantations hiking Nannuo Mountain, experience life in local villages and indulge yourself with the flavour and aroma of Pu'er tea. In Laos explore Luang Prabang, the Jewel of the Mekong and Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong River. End the tour in the sprawling port city of Guangzhou strolling by the Pearl River.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Pu’er: located in the southwestern part of Yunnan Province known as China’s ‘tea capital’. Pu’er is one of China's richest areas of biodiversity and the largest green oasis on the Northern Tropic.
Xishuangbanna: known for Dai culture, distinctive temples and tropical rainforests. A perfect destination for trekking through the jungle to remote villages.
Luang Prabang: a small gem of Southeast Asia located in northern Laos at the heart of a mountainous region, known as the spiritual and cultural capital of Laos.
Guangzhou: modern metropole that sits on the bank of the Pearl River. It used to be China's busiest trading centre, now it combines the old colonial-era heritage with the essence of modern architectural landmarks, such as Canton Tower or Zaha Hadid's Opera House.
Day 1: ARRIVAL KUNMING (20km – 30min)
Arrive at Kunming by flight or by train, meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the area or visit the famous Stone Forest (optional excursion, not included).
Stone Forest excursion: Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head to Stone Forest (about 2h driving from Kunming). Known for its remarkable karst formations, the Stone Forest has magnificent, strange, and unique natural scenery. With its touching legend of Ashima and unique minority culture, it is no doubt a must-see for Kunming tourists. Lunch included.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2: KUNMING – PU'ER (3hrs by train, included)
After breakfast get on a private transfer to Kunming railway station for a morning rapid train to Kunming. Upon arrival, transfer to Nakeli village, which used to be an important station on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. From around a thousand years ago, the Tea-Horse Road became a trade link from Yunnan to Tibet, and to Central China via Sichuan Province. It is believed that it was through this trading network that tea first spread across China and Asia from its origins in Pu'er County in Yunnan. It is also sometimes referred to as the Southern Silk Road or Southwest Silk Road. After lunch, stroll in the village full of flowers and tea perfume, and possibly have the Pu’er tea-making demonstration and degustation in a local family or tea workshop. End today’s tour with a short hike along the ancient Tea & Horse trail from Nakeli village towards Pu’er city before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Pu’er.
Day 3: PU’ER – NANNUO MOUNTAIN – XISHUANGBANNA (190km – 3.5hrs)
After breakfast at your hotel, head to Nannuo Mountain, well known for its long history of tea cultivation. We will hike for about 2 hours on a tea plantation among tea trees aged between 200-500 years, and enjoy a tea-making experience. After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to Xishuangbanna and on the way, visit a typical village of Dai minority. Arrive at Xishuangbanna late in the afternoon. Xishuangbanna is an autonomous prefecture for Dai people (one of the 55 minorities of China) in the extreme south of Yunnan Province, and also a lively city with cultural diversity and tropical climate.
Overnight in Xishuangbanna.
Day 4: XISHUANGBANNA
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. In the morning transfer to the Tropical Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1959. Over 13,000 species of tropical plants are preserved in its 35 living collections, including over 301 families and 2110 genera. The garden is divided into two parts: the eastern area and the western area. The West District is the main attraction. It includes more than 20 specialized botanic gardens. The “Exotic Flower Garden" is the most popular among tourists. Eastern District is a large area of old-growth tropical rainforest. Most areas are paved with viewing trails, suitable for travellers who enjoy hiking. After lunch, head back to Xishuangbanna, and in the afternoon visit Manting Park, a natural village-style park and a well-established urban park in Xishuangbanna. You can visit the vines area, the peacock garden, and exquisite Dai and Thai-style buildings while observing girls dressed in Dai-style costumes passing through the alleys. Next, visit the General Buddhist Temple, built in 615. It is the oldest Buddhist Temple and also the leading temple in Xishuangbanna. In the evening visit Gaozhuang night market, the largest night market with light show along the Mekong River in south Asia.
Overnight in Xishuangbanna.
Day 5: XISHUANGBANNA – LUANG PRABANG (4.5hrs by train, included)
After breakfast morning transfer to railway station and rapid train to Luang Prabang via Boten port. We suggest you to pack your lunch before leaving China. Follow the instructions in both customs of China and Laos (you can apply for the Laos visa before your trip). Upon arrival meet your English-speaking guide at Luang Prabang station and transfer to hotel for overnight. The rest of the day at leisure to discover the charming city on your own.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: LUANG PRABANG
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before leaving for a full-day tour in Luang Prabang. On this guided sightseeing tour by minivan, you will discover why the city is called the Jewel of the Mekong. We’ll explore the morning market, ancient temples, war relics, local crafts, the history of the former Lao kingdoms, and the National Museum. Luang Prabang is among the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia and was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995. Its tranquillity and tropical charm, combined with its splendid natural scenery and cultural riches, make it one of the most alluring destinations in Laos. Lunch included.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: LUANG PRABANG
After breakfast at the hotel spend the day at leisure. If you are up for an adventure, you can choose to go on one of the activities (optional extra, not included):
Full-Day Biking On/Off-road Across the Mekong Rice Fields:
Get out of Luang Prabang across the Mekong River to a remote area away from tourists and traffic. It’s an off-road roller coaster up and down hills as you pass rice paddies and villages. You will ride on gravel and single tracks and try local snacks. See Buffalo and goats along the way and enjoy the friendliness of local villages. Cross the Mekong River on the local ferry for final return to Luang Prabang.
Half-Day Easy Jungle Trek, Village, Boat and Waterfall (3 hours):
After transfer by vehicle and boat, you will hike through stunning landscapes of jungle with a backdrop of Karst mountains, visit and eat lunch in a traditional Khmu village, and hike to the Tad Sae waterfall (can be low or dry Feb to Aug).
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 8: LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (2hrs by train, included)
After breakfast transfer to the railway station and catch a morning train to Vientiane. Upon arrival, transfer to the city center for check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 9: VIENTIANE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 10: VIENTIANE – GUANGZHOU (by flight, not included)
Upon arrival at Guangzhou from Vientiane (the flight is not included in the package), meet your guide and transfer to the city. Visit Nanyue King Tomb Museum, a historical emperor tomb dating back more than 2000 years which was discovered by chance in the 80s. Well preserved tomb and a museum contains all the artefacts found. Walk on Shamian Island, divided into two concessions given to France and the United Kingdom by the Qing government in the 19th century. The island is a gazetted historical area that serves as a tranquil reminder of the colonial European period. Finish the day with a stroll in Traditional Chinese Medicine Market.
Overnight in Guangzhou.
Day 11: GUANGZHOU – KAIPING – GUANGZHOU (300km – 4hrs)
Today after breakfast head out on a full-day excursion to Kaiping. Visit the Diaolou, watchtower-like houses, built from the time of the Ming Dynasty to the early 20th century, classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Visit the typical Diaolou of Liyuan and Lizi villages and enjoy lunch before returning to Guangzhou.
Overnight in Guangzhou.
Day 12: DEPARTURE GUANGZHOU
After your last breakfast check out and continue with your travel arrangements.
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
